Small-Scale catering equipment hire from home

Families hosting parties, community groups, schools, small caterers and food truck operators who need extras for a day.

A hire fee per item per day or weekend, plus a delivery fee and a refundable bond for damage or loss.

• Organised with bookings and stock
• Reliable and good with customers
• Comfortable with lifting and cleaning equipment

• Council approval for home-based business and any limits on deliveries or customer visits
• Public liability insurance and cover for your stock and for goods in transit
• Gas items such as cookers or patio heaters may have safety and compliance rules, check with your state regulator
• Cleaning and hygiene of items that touch food, and clear damage and late return terms

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, such as urns, chafing dishes, tables, chairs and glassware. These are estimates, so price your own stock list before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on your stock range, how often items are booked and how far you deliver. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week. Treat these figures as estimates only.

Check council approval for a home-based business and any limits on deliveries or customer visits. Also check public liability and stock insurance, including goods in transit, safety rules for gas items with your state regulator, and your hygiene and damage terms.