Electronics and event equipment hire shop

Event planners, wedding and corporate clients, venues, churches, schools, bands and individuals who want to pick up equipment directly or have it delivered.

Rental fees by the day, weekend or week, with delivery, set-up, technician time and package deals for larger events. Selling cables, bulbs and accessories can add smaller extra income.

• Good technical knowledge of sound, lighting and video gear
• Inventory and booking management
• Sales and relationship building with planners and venues

• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for rented-out equipment; ask a broker about theft and damage
• Commercial lease terms, zoning and any municipal business licence needed for the premises
• Equipment costing a lot upfront while bookings build slowly, so keep the first stock range small
• Electrical safety and certification for gear used in Canada, plus regular testing and maintenance
• WCB/WSIB registration and rules in your province once you hire staff or technicians
• Strong seasonality, with busy summers and holiday periods and quiet stretches in winter

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $80,000 to $250,000, depending on the unit, the fit-out and how much sound, lighting and video stock you buy. Keeping your first stock range small can ease the upfront spend.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your stock, location and how many bookings you win. Demand is strongly seasonal, with busier summers and holiday periods and quieter stretches in winter.

Check commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for rented-out gear. Also check your lease terms, zoning and any municipal business licence, electrical safety certification for gear used in Canada, and WCB/WSIB rules in your province once you hire staff.