Local DIY and garden tool hire business

Homeowners, landlords and keen DIYers who need a tool for a one-off job and don't want to buy it.

Daily and weekend hire fees, plus optional delivery charges and a refundable deposit. Each machine earns back its cost over repeated hires.

• Basic mechanical knowledge
• Organised with bookings and returns
• Clear explanations of safe tool use
• Reliable customer service

• Insurance that covers hired-out equipment and public liability, as standard policies may not
• Check whether storing stock and handling collections at home is allowed by your landlord, mortgage lender or council
• Keep machines clean, serviced and safety checked, as you may be liable if a fault causes harm
• Theft and damage risk, so take ID and a deposit and check your storage security
• Fuel-powered machines need safe storage, so check the rules for storing fuel

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how many machines you stock and your storage and delivery set-up. These are estimates, so cost your own starting range first.

Check your insurance covers hired-out equipment and public liability, as standard policies may not. Also check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows home storage, and the rules for storing fuel for petrol machines.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on your stock, pricing and how often machines are out. Keep machines serviced and safety checked, and take ID and a deposit to reduce theft and damage risk.