Costume rental shop

Individuals and groups for parties and Halloween, theatre companies, schools, film and photo productions, and event organizers.

Rental fees by the day or week, deposits, accessory sales such as wigs and makeup, and larger contracts with productions or event companies.

• Sewing, alterations and repairs
• Inventory and booking management
• Retail customer service
• Building relationships with local productions

• Commercial lease terms and rent, which can be a large fixed cost in off-peak months
• Check your municipality for business licence and signage rules, and any zoning limits
• Commercial general liability and contents or stock insurance
• Heavy seasonality around Halloween, and slow winter and summer periods
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province
• Sales tax: check GST/HST and any provincial sales tax on rentals and accessories

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the size of your unit, how large a wardrobe you build and your fit-out. Rent is a major fixed cost, so treat these figures as estimates, not quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, stock and how many theatre, film or event clients you win. Revenue is heavily seasonal around Halloween, with slower winter and summer periods.

Check your municipality for business licence, signage and zoning rules, and review commercial lease terms carefully. Also look into commercial general liability and stock insurance, WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax on rentals.