Dress and formalwear hire from home

Wedding guests, bridesmaids, prom-goers, and people attending black-tie events who want to wear something special without buying it.

A hire fee per outfit for a set period, plus a refundable deposit. Extras such as accessories, alterations to fit and cleaning fees can add to each booking.

• An eye for fashion and sizing
• Good organisation and stock tracking
• Friendly, tactful customer service
• Basic sewing or steaming and pressing

• Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to receive customers at home
• Public liability insurance for visitors, and cover for your stock against loss or damage
• Stock is tied up in outfits that may go out of fashion, so keep buying measured
• Cleaning costs and damage, so make deposit and damage terms clear in your hire agreement
• Clashing bookings on the same outfit, so keep a reliable calendar and allow turnaround time

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many outfits you buy and what you spend on rails, steaming equipment and photos. These are estimates, so keep your first purchases measured.

Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to receive customers at home. Also check public liability cover for visitors, insurance for your stock, and make your deposit and damage terms clear in your hire agreement.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on the size of your collection and how often outfits are booked. It is revenue, not profit, and can start from about 8 hours a week.