Kilt hire by appointment from home

Grooms and wedding parties, Scottish and Celtic societies, pipe bands, Highland dancers' families, and people attending Burns suppers, Tartan Day events and Highland gatherings.

A hire fee per outfit or per piece, often with a refundable bond. Extra income from selling accessories and from occasional full-price kilt sales.

• Knowing Highland dress and tartans
• Measuring and fitting clothing
• Customer service
• Keeping stock and bookings organised

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, especially if customers visit for fittings
• Public liability insurance, and insurance for your stock
• You need a cleaning and repair routine between hires, and a plan for lost or damaged items (a clear bond and hire agreement)
• Demand is seasonal and tied to wedding dates, so plan your cash flow
• Check customs duty and GST rules if you import kilts or accessories

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how much stock you buy, such as kilts, jackets, sporrans and accessories. Check customs duty and GST rules if you import.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many fittings and hires you book. Demand is seasonal and tied to wedding dates, so plan your cash flow.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home-based business, especially if customers visit for fittings. Also check public liability and stock insurance, a clear bond and hire agreement, and customs duty and GST rules if you import.