AV rental with setup and event tech support
Supply and run sound, screens and projectors for conferences, school events and corporate meetings.
- $10k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year
NAICS 532490 “Other commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A fuller AV service where you deliver, set up, test and operate the equipment at the event. You offer sound systems, projectors, screens, wireless mics and a technician for the duration, often from a small storage unit or a van-based setup.
Your first three steps
- Build a gear list and packages for common events such as 50-person meetings, school assemblies and small conferences, and price rental and tech time separately
- Rent a small storage unit or set aside van space, and get insurance quotes for both equipment and general liability
- Introduce yourself to event planners, venue managers and local companies, and offer to run a trial event at a reduced rate for a testimonial
Who pays
Businesses running meetings and conferences, event planners, hotels and venues without in-house AV, schools, and nonprofits holding fundraisers.
How it makes money
Rental fees for equipment plus hourly or flat fees for setup, operation and teardown. Repeat corporate and venue clients can provide steady bookings.
Skills that help
- Setting up and troubleshooting audio and video gear
- Calm problem solving under time pressure
- Quoting and invoicing
- Client communication
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, equipment coverage and commercial auto insurance if you use a vehicle for deliveries, check what each policy covers
- Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and your state's rules on sales tax for rentals and services
- Some venues require proof of insurance (a certificate of insurance) before you can work there
- Workers' compensation insurance may be required once you hire helpers, check your state's rules
- Lifting and loading heavy gear is physical, and event days can run long and late
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: aV rental with setup and event tech support
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 rental business?
Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the sound, projector and screen gear you buy, plus storage and any vehicle. These are estimates, so price out your equipment list before committing.
How much can an AV rental and tech service earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many events you book and your pricing. Plan for at least about 20 hours a week, and event days can run long and late.
What rules and insurance should I check for AV rentals?
Check what general liability, equipment and commercial auto policies cover, and whether your city or county requires a business license. Some venues want a certificate of insurance, and workers' compensation may apply once you hire helpers.
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