Tent, table and chair event hire business
Hire out tents, tables, chairs and staging for weddings and events from a small rented warehouse unit.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A fuller rental business with frame tents, marquees, tables, chairs, linens and dance floors stored in a small warehouse or industrial unit. You quote, deliver, install and collect, usually with a helper and a cargo van or truck.
Your first three steps
- Visit local planners and caterers to learn which tent sizes and items are most in demand
- Price a rental unit, a cargo van and a starter inventory, and build a simple budget
- Get commercial insurance quotes and set up a quoting and booking system before buying stock
Who pays
Couples planning weddings, corporate event planners, caterers, festivals, community organizations and municipalities.
How it makes money
Package pricing per event for tents and furniture, plus delivery, installation and take-down labour fees. Repeat business from planners and caterers adds steady bookings.
Skills that help
- Event logistics and scheduling
- Physical work and teamwork
- Quoting and sales
- Managing stock and maintenance
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and cover for equipment and vehicles
- Check local rules on tent permits, fire safety and weight loads, as municipalities often set these
- Wind, snow and rain risk, so set clear weather policies and ballast or stake tents properly
- WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, check your province's rules
- Strong seasonality, with busy summers and quiet winters in most areas
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: tent, table and chair event hire
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a tent and event hire business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on how much stock you buy, such as tents, tables, chairs and linens, plus your warehouse unit and delivery vehicle.
What can a tent and chair rental business earn per month?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your stock, number of events and pricing. Seasonality matters, with busy summers and quiet winters in most areas.
What rules should I check before starting an event hire business?
Check local rules on tent permits, fire safety and weight loads, as municipalities often set these. Also check commercial general liability and vehicle cover, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff in your province.
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