Costume hire and sales workshop for productions

Professional and amateur theatres, film and TV productions, schools, event organizers, and individuals needing costumes for shows and parties.

Production hire packages, single-item hire, custom builds and alterations, and sales of surplus or new pieces. Seasonal peaks like Halloween can add retail trade.

• Sewing, pattern making and alterations
• Costume history and styling
• Inventory and booking management
• Negotiating with production managers and wardrobe departments

• Commercial lease terms, zoning and the municipal business licence for your premises
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance for your stock
• Production work can pay late, so consider deposits and clear hire terms
• Check whether you must register for GST/HST and charge provincial sales tax where relevant
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, as rules differ by province
• Heating and storage in winter to protect fabrics

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your unit, the size of your costume stock, racking and workshop equipment. Start with the stock you can realistically hire out and build from there.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many productions, schools and individuals you supply and whether you add custom pieces. Production work can pay late, so consider deposits.

Check commercial lease terms, zoning and your municipal business licence. Also check commercial general liability and contents insurance, GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff.