Home-based costume hire by appointment

Party hosts, parents for book week and school events, community theatre groups, workplaces and local clubs.

A hire fee per costume or per set for a few days, plus a refundable bond and extra charges for late returns or damage. Group bookings for a whole cast or team add bigger orders.

• Sewing and basic repairs
• Organising stock and bookings
• Customer service
• An eye for costume and style

• Check with your local council whether a home-based business needs approval, especially with customers visiting
• Public liability insurance, and insurance for your stock
• Hygiene: wash or dry clean items between hires and be clear about your process
• Check costume safety for children, such as flammable fabrics and small parts
• Storage space and costumes lost or damaged, so use a clear bond and hire agreement

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many costumes and accessories you buy or make, plus storage and insurance. These are estimates, so build your stock gradually based on what customers actually ask for.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on the size of your collection, how often items are hired and the seasons you cover. These are estimates of revenue before costs, and you can start from about 6 hours a week.

Check with your local council whether a home-based business needs approval, especially if customers visit. Also check public liability and stock insurance, hygiene between hires, costume safety for children, and use a clear bond and hire agreement.