Lawn and garden equipment rental shop

Homeowners, landscapers, small contractors, property managers and community groups.

Daily, weekly and monthly rental rates, deposits, delivery fees, and extras such as fuel, blades, consumables and servicing. Repeat business from contractors can help even out quieter periods.

• Small-engine repair and maintenance
• Inventory and booking management
• Customer service at a counter
• Managing costs and equipment replacement

• Commercial general liability insurance, property cover for stock and cover for rented equipment (get quotes from a commercial broker)
• Municipal business licence and zoning for retail or rental use (check with your municipality)
• WCB/WSIB registration and coverage once you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Storage and handling of fuel, oil and used fluids, which may be regulated (check local fire and environmental rules)
• Large upfront stock costs and seasonal swings, so plan cash flow for the slow winter months
• Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements for signage and contracts

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the premises and how wide a range of machines you buy. Large upfront stock costs mean planning cash flow for the slow winter months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, equipment range and season. Demand swings with the seasons, so winter is likely slower. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail or rental use, insurance for liability, stock and rented equipment, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, rules for storing fuel, oil and used fluids, and Quebec's French-language requirements where relevant.