Delivered tool rental from your garage

Homeowners doing weekend projects, small landlords, handymen and small contractors who need a tool for a day or two.

Daily, weekend and weekly rental rates, plus delivery fees and optional damage waiver or cleaning fees. Higher-priced tools earn back their cost faster.

• Basic tool maintenance and safety
• Organizing bookings and returns
• Clear customer communication

• General liability and equipment or inland marine insurance, check that rented-out tools are covered
• Zoning, home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules for storing inventory and customer pickups at home
• Whether your state or city charges sales tax on rentals, and whether you need a local business license
• Liability if a customer is injured, use a signed agreement and give basic safety guidance
• Damage, theft and late returns, take a deposit and check ID

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many and which tools you buy, whether you need a trailer or storage unit, and your insurance. These are estimates, so start with the most popular tools.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on your inventory, pricing, local demand, and how often tools are booked. This is revenue before costs such as maintenance, insurance, and replacing damaged tools.

Check general liability and equipment or inland marine insurance, and zoning, home occupation permit, and HOA or lease rules for storing inventory. Also check sales tax on rentals, any local business license, and use signed agreements, deposits, and ID checks.