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How to Start a Party Rental Business

Party rental businesses rent tables, chairs, tents and inflatables for events, usually with delivery and setup. Weekends are busy and weekdays are quiet. Safe setup, good storage and insurance matter, especially for inflatables and tents.

Reviewed November 5, 2026 · Sources linked inline

Startup costs

We haven't found a reliable published cost range for this business, so we don't show one. Costs vary widely by market, equipment and whether you buy new or used. Plug your own quotes into the worksheet:

Open a party rentals cost worksheet →

SBA 7(a) loans in this industry

All Other Consumer Goods Rental (NAICS 532289): 227 loans approved in FY2024–FY2026. Median loan $150,000; middle half $50,000–$497,500.

Loan size is not startup cost — these loans also fund acquisitions, real estate and working capital. Full breakdown and caveats →

How much competition is there?

Census industry: All Other Consumer Goods Rental (NAICS 532289)

Nationwide: 5,321 employer establishments (2023) and 20,624 businesses without employees (2024).

See counts for your county → Counts aren't a measure of saturation — see the caveats on the tool page.

Equipment and supplies

  • Tables, chairs and linens
  • Tents with proper anchoring
  • Inflatables with blowers, stakes and sandbags
  • Trailer or truck
  • Dollies and carts
  • Cleaning and sanitizing supplies

Licenses and registration

  • If your state taxes equipment rentals, register to collect sales tax; register an LLC or trade name if you use one.
  • Some states inspect or register inflatable amusement devices — check with your state agency before renting bounce houses.
  • Large tents may need a permit or fire inspection from the city or fire department.
  • Check zoning for storing inventory at home.
  • Get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you will hire employees or form an LLC or corporation. Beware of sites that charge for this. [source]
  • Register an LLC or corporation with your state's business registration office (sole proprietors usually register a trade name/DBA instead). [source]

Insurance to consider

  • General liability (including inflatables, if offered)
  • Commercial auto
  • Inland marine for rental inventory
  • Workers' compensation once you hire

Get quotes from several carriers or an independent agent; coverage needs depend on your contracts, state and staff.

Financing options

  • SBA 7(a) loans — the SBA's main guaranteed loan program, made through participating lenders. [source]
  • SBA Microloans — smaller loans delivered through nonprofit intermediary lenders. [source]
  • SBA Lender Match — a free tool that connects you with interested SBA lenders. [source]
  • Free counseling from your local SBDC or SCORE chapter can help you build the business plan lenders ask for. [source]

Estimate payments with the loan calculator, then check runway with the cash flow projection.

Ongoing operating expenses

  • Fuel
  • Storage
  • Cleaning and repairs
  • Insurance
  • Booking software
  • Marketing

Use the break-even calculator to see how many jobs or sales cover them.

Common mistakes

  • Setting up inflatables in high wind
  • No signed rental agreement and safety rules
  • Buying too much inventory before testing demand
  • Not anchoring tents properly
  • Ignoring cleaning between rentals

Finding customers

  • Google Business Profile with photos
  • Schools, churches and community events
  • Event planners and venues
  • Repeat birthday customers

Startup checklist

Ticks are saved on this device and appear on My plan.

Compare with other businesses

Sources