Ski kit hire for trips abroad

Occasional skiers, families and groups who want to avoid resort hire queues, or who prefer to use familiar, well-fitted kit.

Hire fees per trip or per week, with optional extras such as helmets, goggles and delivery charges. Most demand falls in the winter and school holidays.

• Organising bookings and stock
• Customer service and sizing advice
• Basic kit care and cleaning

• Insurance that covers hired-out equipment and any injury claims, so check with a specialist insurer
• Binding settings affect safety, so get proper training and equipment before adjusting them
• Running a business from home may need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council
• Damage, loss and late returns, so use a deposit and a clear agreement
• Courier costs and damage in transit
• Demand is seasonal and kit needs space to store

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the size of your fleet of skis, boots and helmets and how you store it. Courier costs and damage in transit are worth allowing for.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on how much kit you own, how many bookings you take and the time of year. Demand is seasonal, so income will vary.

Check insurance that covers hired-out equipment and injury claims, ideally with a specialist insurer. Check what training is needed before adjusting bindings, and whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council must give permission to run a business from home.