Weekend photo booth rentals

Couples planning weddings, parents planning birthdays and graduations, and people hosting private parties.

A flat rental fee for a set number of hours, usually with add-ons like custom print designs, a premium backdrop or a props package.

• Customer service and friendly manner
• Basic tech setup and troubleshooting
• Organizing bookings and keeping a calendar

• General liability insurance, as many venues ask for a certificate of insurance before you can set up
• Check with your city or county whether you need a general business license, and whether your state requires sales tax on rentals
• Equipment can fail mid-event, so carry spare cables, paper and a backup camera or laptop
• Bookings are seasonal and clustered on weekends, so income can be uneven

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the booth style you choose and the camera, ring light, backdrop, printer and spare equipment you buy. These are estimates, so price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many events you book, your pricing and the season. Bookings cluster on weekends, so income can be uneven. Plan on at least about 6 hours a week.

Check general liability insurance, since many venues ask for a certificate of insurance. Also check with your city or county whether you need a business license, and whether your state requires sales tax on rentals.