Home-Based costume hire for schools and community theatre

School drama departments, community theatre companies, dance studios, church and youth groups, and local performers.

Hire fees per costume or per production package, plus damage and late fees. You may also sell off older pieces.

• Basic sewing and repair
• Organizing stock and bookings
• Eye for period and character styling
• Friendly communication with volunteers and teachers

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and whether customer visits are allowed at your address
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check that your home insurance covers stored business stock
• Cleaning and storing costumes properly, as moths, damp and smells can ruin stock
• Busy seasons are often fall and spring, so plan for quiet months
• Check when you need to register for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the size of your starting stock, storage, repairs and cleaning supplies. Starting with a small collection for local shows can help keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on the size of your stock and how many schools, theatres and dance groups hire from you. Busy seasons are often fall and spring, so plan for quieter months.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence and allows customer visits at your address. Also check commercial general liability insurance, whether home insurance covers business stock, and when to register for GST/HST.