Inflatable and party rental business

Families, schools, daycares, community festivals, fairs, sports clubs and companies running summer or family-day events.

Rental fees per unit and package deals, with added income from attendants, generators, tables and chairs, and multi-unit event contracts.

• Driving and loading a van or trailer
• Managing bookings and staff
• Safety awareness
• Selling to event organizers

• Commercial general liability insurance covering inflatables, and vehicle insurance for the van or trailer
• Provincial amusement device or inflatable safety rules, so check with your provincial regulator about inspections and operator requirements
• Workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province
• Events on public land may need permits or proof of insurance, so check with the municipality
• Strong seasonality, with quiet winters, so keep fixed costs manageable
• Wear and tear, cleaning and repairs of the units, and the heavy lifting involved

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the size of your fleet, the van or trailer, and the unit you rent. A wider range of castles, slides and obstacle courses pushes costs up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on fleet size, event bookings and the season. Winters are quiet, so keep fixed costs manageable. Revenue is not profit.

Check provincial amusement device or inflatable safety rules, including inspections and operator requirements. Also check insurance that covers inflatables and your vehicle, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, and whether events on public land need permits.