well, I don't collect deposits from my regular customers either, but when a business just started, it takes a while to build up a regular client base. A loan form is generally used, but getting money after the fact is generally harder. And frankly speaking, I am not in the retail line. And I am familiar with quite a few rental companies out there, since I work with them on a regular basis.
Actually, Warehousing and office space is the least of my worries, because I already have both.

And I have a policy of not doing business that requires me to rely on family and friends because that is a fast way of alienating them. And seeing how you said that per piece is $30, your cash flow must be really really tight to not be able to afford that.
Well, I am not saying that the business is not do-able, just that at this point of time, it simply doesn't make economic sense. Perhaps you can start one when your cash flow is not that tight.
