Costume rental for school and community shows

School drama departments, community theaters, church and youth groups, dance studios and amateur performers.

Rental fee per costume or per show package, plus deposits and late or cleaning fees. Popular titles (for example, fairy tales or classic musicals) can be rented many times.

• Basic sewing and repair
• Organizing stock and bookings
• Knowing costume sizing and eras
• Friendly, reliable customer service

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or a home occupation permit, and whether your HOA or lease allows customers to visit or stock to be stored
• General liability insurance, and cover for your stock against fire, theft or water damage
• Costumes for children may need to meet flammability or safety expectations, so check the rules and ask suppliers
• Cleaning and storage: stock that smells, tears or goes out of style loses value quickly
• Rentals are seasonal, with busy periods around school shows and Halloween, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how large a stock you build, storage and cleaning supplies. Stock that smells, tears or goes out of style loses value quickly, so buy carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on stock size and bookings. You can start from about 8 hours a week. Rentals are seasonal, busy around school shows and Halloween, so plan your cash flow.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and whether your HOA or lease allows customer visits or stock storage. Check general liability and stock cover, and any flammability or safety expectations for children's costumes.