Pop-Up bag check for events and venues

Run temporary bag storage at festivals, conferences, weddings and sports weekends where people have nowhere to leave their bags.

Startup cost$1k to $5k

Monthly revenue$800 to $4k

Time needed10+ h/week

First incomeMonths

$1k-5k
Side hustle
Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

What it is

A portable bag-check setup you bring to events: racks, tags, a table and a secure area. You tag bags, store them during the event and return them at the end. You can work with organizers, hotels or venues that want to offer the service.

Your first three steps

List local festivals, conventions, wedding venues and stadium events that lack bag storage, and contact the organizers
Put together a starter kit: garment racks, numbered tags, bins, a table, a card reader and signage
Write simple terms (prohibited items, liability limit, ID check) and get a quote for general liability with customer property cover

Who pays

Event organizers, hotels and venues (flat fee or revenue share), plus attendees paying per bag.

How it makes money

A per-bag fee paid by attendees, or a flat fee from the organizer, or a mix of both. Busy event weekends bring in the most income.

Skills that help

Organizing and fast, accurate tagging
Friendly customer service under pressure
Pitching to event organizers and venues
Basic planning and logistics

Watch out for

Insurance that covers customers' belongings in your care, and any coverage requirements set by venues
Venue security rules and bag policies, and whether you need permission or a vendor permit from the organizer or city
Check city or county rules on temporary vendors and business licenses
Lost or stolen items: tight tagging, secure areas and staff you trust
Income depends on event dates, so it can be uneven; this works best as a side business first

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an event bag check business?

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many racks, tags, tables and secure storage items you need. Insurance and any venue requirements may also affect your total.

How much can a pop-up bag check business earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you win and how many bags you handle. Income depends on event dates, so it can be uneven. Plan on roughly 10 hours a week at minimum.

What rules should I check before running a bag check at events?

Check insurance that covers customers' belongings, plus any coverage a venue requires. Check venue security rules and bag policies, whether you need a vendor permit from the organizer or city, and city or county rules on temporary vendors and business licenses.