Backyard party tent and table rental

Families hosting birthdays, graduations, showers and backyard weddings, plus churches, schools and neighborhood groups.

Flat rental fee per item or package, plus delivery and setup fees. Weekends in warm months are busiest, so bundles (tent, tables, chairs) raise the average order.

• Physical stamina for lifting and setup
• Organizing bookings and inventory
• Safe driving with a trailer or truck
• Friendly customer service

• General liability insurance, and check whether your personal auto policy covers business hauling
• Check zoning, home occupation rules and HOA or lease limits on storing equipment and running deliveries from home
• Many cities and fire departments require permits for tents above a certain size, so check with your local fire marshal
• Buy flame-retardant tents that are labeled as meeting fire codes, and check what your area requires
• Wind and weather risks: always anchor tents properly and set a clear weather cancellation policy
• Call 811 before staking into the ground to avoid buried utility lines
• Check your state's rules on sales tax for rentals and any local business license

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many tents, tables and chairs you buy and the truck or trailer you need. A modest starting inventory keeps costs toward the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your inventory, how many bookings you take and your delivery area. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and weather can affect bookings.

Check with your local fire marshal about permits for larger tents, and buy flame-retardant tents labeled as meeting fire codes. Check zoning, HOA or lease limits, insurance including auto cover, and call 811 before staking into the ground.