Home-based costume rental service

School drama departments, community theaters, party hosts, photographers and event organizers.

Rental fees per item or per production, damage deposits and cleaning fees, plus occasional sales of items you no longer rent.

• Organizing and tracking inventory
• Sewing, repairs and cleaning fabrics
• Scheduling and customer service
• Building relationships with schools and theater groups

• Home occupation permit, zoning, and HOA or lease rules on running a business and storing stock at home
• General liability insurance and cover for stock kept at home or in storage
• Late returns, damage and lost items, so use deposits and a written rental agreement
• Cleaning and storing fabrics properly to avoid damage, pests or mold

Estimates typically put startup costs around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the size of your collection, storage needs and how you take bookings. Treat these figures as estimates.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on your niche, the schools and theater groups you work with and how many rentals you book. Treat these as estimates.

Check any home occupation permit, zoning, and HOA or lease rules on running a business and storing stock at home. Check general liability and stock coverage, and use deposits and a written rental agreement for late returns, damage and lost items.