Summary
Highlights
Kyler, at 23, makes $10,000 a month renting out $50 washers and dryers on Facebook Marketplace. He works five hours a week, has no employees, and uses a simple three-step process. The business is low-risk, as the worst-case scenario is making your money back.
Kyler started experimenting with rental ideas on Facebook Marketplace, listing items he didn't own (like excavators and paddleboards) to test demand. He discovered that realistic photos were crucial for attracting interest. He stumbled upon the idea of renting out a washer and dryer, initially posting a random screenshot online. Upon returning from a cruise, he found 30 messages from interested renters, validating the demand for this niche.
Kyler listed a washer and dryer for $50 a month without owning one. After receiving significant interest, he bought his first set from RC Willie. His first installation was challenging, taking longer than expected due to a clogged dryer vent, which led him to learn about unexpected vent cleaning needs and later advising customers to handle it themselves. Despite the initial hurdles, his first customer still pays him monthly, marking his first passive income.
Kyler quickly scaled, doing 4-5 installs in the first two weeks and reaching around 35 sets within two months, generating about $2400 in monthly recurring revenue. He realized he didn't need new machines, as customers primarily wanted functional units. He discovered the value of used machines, often costing $0-$200, and learned strategies for getting them for free or cheap: searching 'free appliances' on Facebook Marketplace, and cooperating with appliance delivery services to acquire old units.
To scale faster, Kyler sought wholesale used appliance suppliers. He posed as a property manager to secure good deals and guarantees on used machines. He also discovered that appliance delivery drivers from big box stores often sell discarded units for cheap. Separately, Kyler created a side business delivering appliances for mom-and-pop shops, earning good money for relatively little work, and encouraging others with a truck or trailer to pursue similar opportunities.
Kyler highly recommends Whirlpool direct-drive washers and dryers, which stopped production around 2013. These older models are durable, easy to repair with readily available and inexpensive parts, and unlike newer machines, are not designed for planned obsolescence. They typically cost $100-200 per set, with $100 being a great price, and $300 if warrantied.
Kyler utilizes his grandparents' property for storage and partners with a scrap collector who supplies him with machines daily. He sells front-load machines, which are too heavy for his rental business, and uses top-load machines for rentals or parts. He uses a 200,000-mile Toyota Highlander with a trailer donated by his dad—emphasizing that people don't need a fancy truck. Key tools are a drill and channel locks.
Kyler uses door hangers in apartment complexes where appliances are not provided, achieving a high conversion rate of 2-3%, and plans to double his business by distributing 10,000 door hangers. His churn rate is remarkably low at 1.5%, largely because customers often rent for the duration of their lease and beyond. He spends 5-10 hours a week on the business.
Kyler's 'Post, Rent, Buy' (PRB) process involves validating demand before purchasing units, making the business zero-risk. He uses multiple Facebook Marketplace profiles, with different zip codes, to increase visibility for his ads. He pays $12 a month for a badge that allows customer support, which helps if his listings get banned. His typical ad text includes: 'Never go to the laundry mat again. Rent a washer and dryer month-to-month, free delivery, install, and maintenance.'
Responsiveness is key to converting leads. Kyler has a pre-written message that details the rental terms, pricing, and services. He demonstrates basic machine usage and preventative maintenance during installation. He acquired insurance for $700 annually and handles 5-8 service calls per month, often resolving issues over the phone. Kyler offers a community called 'TK Owners' for those interested in deeper insights, including Facebook ads, templates, and machine repair. This business model works in communities large and small, with some individuals making up to $60,000 a month.