Event AV equipment rental
Rent speakers, mics, projectors and screens for parties, meetings and community events.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year
NAICS 423690 “Other electronic parts and equipment merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small inventory of sound systems, wireless mics, projectors, screens and lighting that you store at home or in a storage unit and rent out for events. You deliver, set up the basics and collect it afterwards.
Your first three steps
- Start with a small, popular package, such as a PA speaker pair, two wireless mics and a projector with screen, and price it against local rental shops
- Set up a simple booking calendar and a one-page website with package prices and delivery zones
- Contact local event planners, churches and school groups and offer a discounted first rental in return for a review
Who pays
Churches, schools, nonprofits, small businesses, wedding and party planners, and people hosting private events.
How it makes money
Rental fees per item or per package per day or weekend, plus delivery, setup and optional technician time.
Skills that help
- Setting up and testing sound and video gear
- Basic cabling and troubleshooting
- Reliable scheduling and customer service
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers rented equipment that is damaged, lost or stolen
- Check with your city or county about a business license, and your state about sales tax rules on rentals
- Use a rental agreement with a damage deposit
- Check HOA or lease rules if you store gear at home
- Equipment wears out and needs regular testing and repair
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: event AV equipment rental
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 an AV equipment rental business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how much sound, video and lighting gear you buy. These are estimates only. Equipment wears out and needs regular testing and repair, so keep some budget aside for upkeep.
How much can an event AV rental business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your inventory and how often it is booked. These are estimates, not guarantees. Use a rental agreement with a damage deposit to protect your gear.
What insurance and rules apply to renting out AV equipment?
Check that your general liability insurance covers rented equipment that is damaged, lost or stolen. Also check with your city or county about a business license, your state about sales tax on rentals, and any HOA or lease rules for home storage.
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