AV and lighting hire shopfront or unit

Event organisers, wedding and corporate planners, schools, churches, councils, venues and small production companies.

Hire fees per day or week, package deals for events, plus delivery, technician set-up and bonds. Repeat business from regular organisers helps stabilise income.

• Good knowledge of audio, lighting and projection gear
• Equipment maintenance and testing
• Quoting and managing bookings
• Customer service and sales

• Check with your local council about zoning and permits for your premises
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance, and cover for equipment while out on hire
• Electrical equipment testing and tagging requirements, check your state's work safety regulator
• Lease commitments and high upfront stock costs before bookings build up
• Seasonal peaks and quiet periods, so plan your cash flow
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire staff

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your stock range, premises and vehicle. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on bookings and seasonal peaks.

Check zoning and permits with your local council, public liability, stock and contents insurance, cover for equipment out on hire, and electrical testing and tagging requirements with your state's work safety regulator. Also check workers compensation insurance if you hire staff.

Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week. Watch lease commitments and high upfront stock costs before bookings build up, and plan cash flow around seasonal peaks and quiet periods. Useful skills include audio and lighting knowledge and equipment testing.