Business idea · E-commerce
Tote Rentals
Tote Rentals is a business focused on renting out industrial totes for moving and storage, this venture addresses the need for convenient, reliable packing solutions without the hassle of purchasing and disposing of cardboard boxes. It was pitched on Koerner Office in the episode "Stop Buying Things. Start Buying Assets that Pay for Themselves⏐Ep. #281" (aired March 10, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | Koerner Office |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Chris Koerner |
| Episode | Stop Buying Things. Start Buying Assets that Pay for Themselves⏐Ep. #281 |
| Aired | March 10, 2026 |
| Category | E-commerce |
| Real companies on the episode | My Dad's Radio, Bins on the Move, Sweetwater, Outdoorsy, Bennett, Totes Online |
The problem it solves
It solves the problem of needing quality packing materials for moving, which often leads people to rely on unreliable, used boxes or expensive new ones from stores.
How it makes money
The business operates on a rental model, charging customers a fee per tote rented, with options for subscription services for realtors and moving companies.
Skills you need
Skills needed include logistics management, basic marketing, customer service, and some technical skills to manage an online booking system.
The market, and why this works now
The rise of e-commerce has increased demand for efficient moving solutions, making tote rentals timely. A good first-revenue channel is local real estate groups on Facebook, where realtors often seek packing solutions for clients. A potential risk is the initial capital needed for inventory; purchasing enough quality totes to meet demand can strain cash flow, particularly in the early stages.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- My Dad's Radio
A YouTube channel and recording studio that offers space for musicians to record and produce videos.
- Bins on the Move
A moving company that provides bin rental services, likely for storage or moving purposes.
- Sweetwater
The largest retail music store in North America, selling a wide range of musical instruments and pro audio gear.
- Outdoorsy
An online marketplace that allows individuals to rent out RVs and trailers.
- Bennett
A moving company that also offers additional services related to relocation.
- Totes Online
A rental business that specializes in renting out industrial moving totes for home and office moves.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: Koerner Office, hosted by Chris Koerner
Episode: Stop Buying Things. Start Buying Assets that Pay for Themselves⏐Ep. #281
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.