15 Businesses To Start That Almost Never Fail
Let’s face it, starting a business can be a risky adventure.
In fact based on 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 20.4% of businesses close within their first year, 49.4% don’t make it past five years, and 65.3% fail by the ten-year mark.
However, some types of businesses when run right almost never fail, and consistently perform well due to ongoing high demand, scalability, and resilience across industries, even in poor economic conditions.
15 Businesses You Can Start With A High Success Rate
In the ever-changing world of entrepreneurship, some businesses consistently prove to be dependable opportunities for success no matter what the economy is doing.
Here are 15 businesses to start that almost never fail.
1. Home Cleaning Business
Starting a cleaning business can be very rewarding, and you can get started very quickly with almost no startup cost. Depending on what type of cleaning services you want to provide, and what cleaning supplies and equipment you already have.
As an example: My uncle Joe who lives across the street from me has some physical limitations do to his health and age, so he has a lady he pays to clean his house once a week.
I have talked to her on several occasions as I bring him his mail, and from talking with her I learned that she has over 100 clients and makes almost $100,000 a year cleaning peoples homes for them. She is a one person business operation.
- Example: Molly Maid, Merry Maids
- Startup Cost: $500 – $5,000 (for cleaning supplies, marketing)
- Earning Potential: $30,000 – $50,000 annually for part-time; $100,000+ for full-time
- Why It Works: Demand for cleaning services remains steady, as people are very busy and the population is aging. This keeps demand very high. Low overhead and simple operation make this a low-risk business venture with a very high success rate.
2. Lawn Mowing Service
It’s very basic to get started, you can even go door to door in your neighborhood and start finding clients today. All you need is some lawn mowing equipment, a small trailer to haul your equipment in, and you are off to the races.
- Example: Jim’s Mowing Franchise
- Startup Cost: $500 – $15,000 (equipment and marketing). If you already have some basic lawn mowing equipment it can cost you almost nothing to get started. Use profits to expand.
- Earning Potential: $40,000 – $100,000 annually
- Why It Works: Consistent demand during warm months, and customers often seek recurring services, making it a reliable source of income. Again, people are busy and the average age of the population is going up. Service businesses like this are in high demand.
3. Rental Property Business
Involves buying properties and renting them out to generate income. Landlords can earn through monthly rent while benefiting from property value appreciation over time.
For example: purchasing a small duplex for $200,000 could bring in $3000 per month in rental income. With careful property management and strategic locations, rental businesses can provide a steady, passive income.
Additionally, landlords often benefit from tax deductions related to mortgage interest, property maintenance, and other expenses, making it a long-term profitable venture.
- Example: Property rentals in tourist destinations or cities
- Startup Cost: $50,000+ (depending on property acquisition)
- Earning Potential: $10,000 – $50,000 per property annually
- Why It Works: Rental income can provide passive cash flow, and property values tend to appreciate, offering long-term growth potential.
4. Network Marketing
My son John and I have been involved in network marketing together for over 10 years now, and I have personally been in the network marketing industry for over 32 years.
It’s an amazing business opportunity with extremely low cost to get started in, and has an unlimited earning potential.
Example: GreatLife Worldwide, Amway, LifeVantage, Jifu
- Startup Cost: $50 – $1000 (joining fee, products, marketing)
- Earning Potential: $500 – Unlimited/month (varies greatly) All depends on how much time, effort and determination you put into growing your business. There are many top network marketers who earn millions of dollars per year, and some who earn hardly nothing.
- Why It Works: Low startup costs, high earning potential and a flexible work schedule. Success depends on your network, but many achieve success with diligent efforts. And usually bad economic conditions equals high growth in this industry, because everyone is looking to make more money.
5. Food Truck
A Food Truck Business offers flexibility and lower startup costs compared to traditional restaurants. Entrepreneurs can serve various foods at different locations, often targeting events, parks, or busy urban areas.
For example: Launching a taco truck might require around $50,000 in startup costs, including the truck and kitchen equipment. With strategic placement and popular menu items, a food truck can generate $250 to $1,000 per day in revenue.
The mobility allows owners to adapt to customer demand, making it a scalable and profitable business venture.
- Example: The Halal Guys, Kogi BBQ
- Startup Cost: $50,000 – $100,000 (truck, equipment, permits)
- Earning Potential: $100,000 – $250,000 annually
- Why It Works: The mobility of food trucks allows you to tap into different markets, and it has lower overhead costs compared to a traditional restaurant. Food is a fundamental need, ensuring consistent customer demand. Make great food and people will keep coming back for more.
6. Education and Online Learning
Education has evolved from traditional classrooms to digital platforms, allowing online courses and e-learning businesses to flourish. As people look to upskill or switch careers, online learning platforms provide affordable, accessible education.
Businesses ideas in this niche can cater to various audiences, from young students to professionals. Offering certifications or specialized courses adds value, increasing both leads and sales.
Furthermore, providing consistent, high-quality content encourages customers to return for future learning, ensuring retention.
- Example: Udemy, Teachable
- Startup Cost: $500 – $5,000 (course development, marketing)
- Earning Potential: $50,000 – $100,000 annually for popular courses
- Why It Works: As demand for online education grows, creating courses on in-demand skills can generate significant passive income over time. Adapts easily to economic changes by offering affordable, flexible learning options.
7. Laundromat
Laundromats offer essential services with minimal operating costs and high demand in both urban and suburban areas. Since people always need clean clothes, laundromats provide a steady stream of income, particularly in neighborhoods where residents don’t have in-unit laundry.
Automated services mean minimal labor costs, and expanding services to include dry cleaning or delivery can help increase sales.
Offering monthly membership plans or rewards for frequent customers can also help retain a loyal clientele.
- Example: Washateria, SpinCycle
- Startup Cost: $200,000 – $500,000 (equipment, location lease)
- Earning Potential: $30,000 – $150,000 annually
- Why It Works: Recession-proof business; people always need laundry services, and it’s largely self-sufficient once the initial setup is done, making you passive income.
8. Self-Storage Rental Units
With the rise in urban living and downsizing, self-storage units have become increasingly profitable. Low overhead costs and steady demand for space make this business model particularly attractive.
Customers often retain their units for extended periods, ensuring recurring revenue and more passive income.
All three of my sons, my brother and Dad utilize and pay for storage units, even though all of them have their own garages.
- Example: Extra Space Storage, Public Storage
- Startup Cost: $100,000+ (land, units)
- Earning Potential: $75,000 – $200,000 annually
- Why It Works: Requires minimal maintenance, and the demand for storage continues to grow due to lifestyle changes and urbanization. Adaptable to both residential and commercial customers.
9. Transportation – Delivery
The transportation industry, from delivery services to logistics companies, continues to thrive due to the constant need for moving goods and people.
Whether you deliver food and meals, own a fleet of trucks or operate a ride-sharing business, the demand for transport services provides long-term income potential.
- Example: Amazon Flex, Uber Eats
- Startup Cost: $500 – $10,000 or much more depending upon type of transport or delivery service (vehicle maintenance, insurance)
- Earning Potential: $25,000 – $50,000 annually (part-time) $75,000 to $100,00 full-time.
- Why It Works: As the gig economy grows and we become even more digital, delivery services for food, groceries, and packages are always in high demand, offering steady work and income.
10. Vending Machine Business
Vending machines offer an easy passive income stream. By placing them in high-traffic areas, you can generate steady revenue without much day-to-day involvement.
Expanding the selection of snacks or drinks and targeting specific locations ensures a stable, long-term business model.
Many years ago, I was in the vending business, and it was extremely profitable, I worked part time hours but still generated a high 5 figure income.
- Example: Healthy You Vending
- Startup Cost: $5,000 – $10,000 per machine
- Earning Potential: $30,000 – $100,000 annually
- Why It Works: Low overhead, and a strategically placed vending machine can generate passive income with little daily management required. Products cater to impulse purchases, ensuring steady cash flow.
11. Senior Care Provider Business
The aging population continues to drive demand for services such as elderly care, emotional support, and home healthcare. Home care and senior care services can build customer loyalty by offering personalized care and follow-up programs, ensuring long-term client retention.
Senior care provider businesses are also highly adaptable, allowing them to introduce new services as need evolves. Papa.com is a good example of a business that provides senior care services.
One of my sons friends family actually provide live in senior care in their home for 12 people, and they make almost $400,000 a year.
- Example: Visiting Angels, Home Instead Senior Care
- Startup Cost: $10,000 – $50,000 (licenses, staff, equipment)
- Earning Potential: $60,000 – $150,000 annually
- Why It Works: The aging population creates consistent demand for senior care services, and families are willing to pay for quality care.
12. House Sitting Business
A House Sitting Business provides homeowners with peace of mind while they’re away, ensuring that their property is well-maintained and secure.
For example: Homer House Watch offers regular home inspections, checks on appliances, waters plants, checks the mail, and even takes care of pets. With minimal startup costs, this business can be a lucrative venture, especially in areas with frequent travelers or vacation homes.
House sitters can charge varying rates, depending on the services offered, creating a steady income stream with flexibility.
- Example: TrustedHousesitters, House Sitters America
- Startup Cost: Minimal to $10,000, depending on the services you provide.
- Earning Potential: $1,000 – $100,000 annually, all depends on the services you offer and if you scale the businesses with employees.
- Why It Works: Requires little investment to get started, and there is steady demand in urban areas, especially for long-term assignments.
13. Junk Clean Up & Hauling Business
A Junk Clean Up & Hauling Business helps individuals and businesses dispose of unwanted items, including furniture, appliances, yard waste, and construction debris.
This service is essential during home renovations, moves, or decluttering projects. With low startup costs, a truck, and minimal equipment, this business can quickly become profitable.
Customers pay based on the clean up and amount of junk being removed, typically ranging from $100 to $1000 or more per job.
Offering eco-friendly disposal options and recycling can also increase appeal and customer satisfaction, creating a steady flow of business.
- Example: 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
- Startup Cost: $500 – $50,000 (truck or trailer, licenses, marketing)
- Earning Potential: $50,000 – $150,000 annually
- Why It Works: With more people decluttering their homes and lives, the demand for junk removal is constant, and it provides immediate, steady cash flow.
14. Window Washing Business
A Window Washing Business involves cleaning windows for homes, businesses, and high-rise buildings. It’s a low-cost startup business requiring minimal supplies like ladders, squeegees, and cleaning solutions.
The business caters to residential areas or commercial properties where regular window cleaning is necessary for aesthetic and maintenance purposes.
Pricing can vary based on the size and number of windows, usually from $5 to $20 per window. With consistent demand, especially for commercial clients, this business can lead to a steady income stream with minimal overhead.
- Example: Fish Window Cleaning
- Startup Cost: $500 – $5,000 (equipment, marketing)
- Earning Potential: $50,000 – $100,000 annually
- Why It Works: Low startup costs and repeat business from both residential and commercial clients make this an easy-to-scale operation.
15. Janitorial Service for Businesses
A Janitorial Service for Businesses offers essential cleaning and maintenance for offices, schools, and commercial spaces.
The business is in demand as companies require regular cleaning to maintain a professional and hygienic environment. Services typically include vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting surfaces, emptying trash, and restocking supplies.
Start-up costs are low, with initial investments in cleaning equipment and products. With recurring contracts and steady demand, janitorial services can offer consistent revenue, especially when targeting businesses that need daily or weekly cleaning services.
- Example: Jan-Pro, Coverall
- Startup Cost: $1,000 – $10,000 (equipment, staff, insurance)
- Earning Potential: $50,000 – $150,000 annually
- Why It Works: Businesses always need cleaning services, and large contracts can provide consistent, recurring revenue with minimal marketing.
These 15 business models showcase resilience and sustainability, allowing entrepreneurs to build stable long term income while catering to consistent market demands.
With the right strategies for customer retention and operational efficiency, these industries continue to flourish in various economic conditions.
We really hope this article on 15 Businesses To Start That Almost Never Fail has been extremely helpful to you.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section below or just say hello.
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Richard And John Weberg
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