Small AV equipment rental from home

Community groups, schools, churches, small businesses, wedding hosts and people planning private parties or backyard movie nights.

Daily or weekend rental fees per item or package, plus optional delivery and setup fees and a refundable damage deposit.

• Basic audio and video setup
• Organising bookings and kit
• Customer service
• Careful equipment handling

• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for your equipment, including while in transit; check that your home insurance does not exclude business use
• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence or zoning rules apply
• Equipment can be damaged, lost or stolen, so use deposits, inspect items on return and keep serial numbers
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold; check with the CRA and your province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many projectors, screens, speakers and microphones you buy. Many owners begin with a small stock and add items as bookings grow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on your stock, pricing and how often items are booked. Deposits and checking items on return help protect against damage or loss.

Check commercial general liability insurance and cover for your equipment, including in transit, and that your home insurance doesn't exclude business use. Also check home-based business licence or zoning rules with your municipality, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.