Home-Based costume hire for local groups

Amateur theatre groups, schools, dance and drama clubs, community groups and individuals needing costumes for events.

Hire fees per costume for a set period, with refundable deposits and cleaning or late fees. You can also sell off older stock and offer alterations or accessory add-ons.

• Sewing and basic alterations
• Good eye for period and character costume
• Organised stock and booking records
• Friendly customer service

• Check whether running a hire business from home needs permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council
• Public liability insurance and cover for your stock, which could be at risk from fire, damp or theft
• Storage conditions, as damp, moths and mould can ruin costumes
• Cleaning arrangements, as you will need a reliable way to wash or dry clean returned items
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of stock purchases

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how large a costume collection you build and what storage and cleaning you need. Stock insurance is another cost to check.

Check whether running a hire business from home needs permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council. Also check public liability and stock insurance, and register as a sole trader with HMRC, keeping records of stock purchases.

Sewing and basic alterations help, along with a good eye for period and character costume, organised stock and booking records, and friendly service. Estimates suggest at least around 6 hours a week.