Equipment & Gear Rentals: The Easiest Way to Start Earning on One Party Rental

This is the most "set it and forget it" option in the series. You're not hosting anything or performing a service. You're renting out things you own (or buy specifically to rent out), and letting them do the work.

What tends to rent well

Lawn games:

• Cornhole boards
• Giant Jenga / Connect Four
• Ring toss, ladder golf, giant dice
• Bocce ball, KanJam

Tables, chairs & tents:

• Folding tables (6-ft and 8-ft are the most requested sizes)
• Folding chairs, and kid-sized tables/chairs for younger birthday crowds
• Pop-up canopy tents for backyard shade
• Tablecloths and linens (cheap to buy, easy upsell)

Coolers & serving items:

• Rolling coolers or large ice chests
• Beverage dispensers with spigots
• Chafing dishes and warming trays
• Serving platters, punch bowls, and utensil sets

Extras:

• Popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, snow cone machines
• Karaoke speakers or party lighting

What it costs to start

You can start for well under $200 if you already own some basics (folding tables and chairs many people have anyway). A reasonable starter kit (a cornhole set, a couple of folding tables, a rolling cooler, and a beverage dispenser) usually runs somewhere in the $150–$400 range new, less if you buy secondhand or during off-season sales.

Pricing it out

Most gear rents by the day rather than by the hour. As a rough starting point:

• Small lawn games: $10–$25/day
• Folding tables/chairs: $5–$10 per table, $1–$2 per chair
• Coolers/dispensers: $10–$20/day
• Tents/canopies: $30–$60/day

Check a handful of comparable listings near you before settling on numbers. Pricing is very regional.

The logistics that actually determine your profit

• Cleaning turnaround. Coolers and serving items need a real wash between bookings, not a wipe-down. Budget the time.
• Transport. Decide upfront whether you deliver, or the renter picks up. Delivery lets you charge more but eats into your weekend; pickup-only keeps things simple but narrows who'll book you.
• Storage. Tents and tables take up real space. Make sure you have dry, accessible storage before you buy in bulk.
• Damage policy. Have a simple, clearly stated policy for late returns, stains, or breakage before you list. It saves an awkward conversation later.

Where to start

If you're not sure what to buy first, start with whatever has the broadest use case within kids' parties: folding tables/chairs and one or two lawn games. They fit almost any birthday theme, which means more potential bookings while you figure out demand in your area.