AV equipment hire for small events

Families planning parties and weddings, community groups, schools, sports clubs and small businesses running one-off events.

Hire fees per item or package per day, plus delivery, set-up and operator charges. Refundable bonds help cover damage.

• Basic sound and projector set-up
• Reliable and organised with bookings
• Customer service
• Careful handling and packing of gear

• Public liability insurance, and cover for your equipment against theft and damage
• Check whether your council allows storing stock and running a home-based business
• Electrical test and tag of leads and gear, check what applies to hired equipment in your state
• Damage and late returns, use a clear hire agreement and bond
• Lifting heavy gear and having a suitable vehicle

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how much gear you buy, such as speakers, microphones, projectors and screens, and whether you need a suitable vehicle.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on the size of your stock, how often it's booked and whether you deliver and set up. Hire demand may vary through the year.

Check public liability insurance and cover for your gear against theft and damage, plus whether your council allows storing stock at home. Also check electrical test and tag rules in your state, and use a clear hire agreement and bond.