Event tent and furniture hire business

Couples and wedding planners, festivals and fairs, corporate clients, schools, sports clubs and municipalities.

Rental prices per tent size and package, add-ons such as flooring, lighting and heating, and charges for delivery, installation and takedown.

• Planning and logistics
• Managing and training a small crew
• Quoting and selling to event planners
• Safe lifting, rigging and setup

• Commercial general liability insurance suited to event rentals, plus commercial vehicle cover
• Check your municipality for a business licence and zoning rules for your storage unit or yard
• Larger tents often need a permit or fire inspection. Check with the local fire department and ask suppliers for flame-retardant certification
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff. Rules differ by province
• Use ballast and engineered anchoring for wind and snow loads, and cancel setups when the weather is unsafe
• Large upfront spending on stock, and income that is strongly seasonal in most provinces. Consider winter events with heated tents

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the size and number of tents, how much flooring, furniture and lighting you buy, and your vehicles and storage. Stock is a large upfront spend.

Check insurance for event rentals and vehicles, plus municipal licensing and zoning for your storage unit or yard. Larger tents often need a permit or fire inspection, so ask the local fire department. Check WCB or WSIB once you hire, and use proper anchoring for wind and snow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the events you win, your stock and your crew. Income is strongly seasonal in most provinces. Expect at least about 25 hours a week.