Do any of you rent out items?

Hi,
I was wondering if any of you rent out items for your parties and how successful you have been with it.
I was thinking about renting out my cotton candy machine, I have two, and a clown tent that I bought for my children's birthday party. I would not know how much to charge, or if it would even be worth it. I suppose it would be hard if it required me to stay for the full time of the party in order to get my items back. Maybe I would have to just rent them locally?
Anyhow... I was thinking about it, and thought I would get your opinion.

Thank you!!

Amy

It is a good idea, see what it would cost to rent one, and that can give you a ball park. Also, you could offer to make and bring the cotton candy to parties you are doing, then you rent the use, but you get to use it yourself. I don't know if they are hard to clean, or easily damaged. I would say have a steep deposit- people will return it! have a contract with a deadline, keep a credit card number on file, etc.
Good Luck!

Thanks for the feedback. I will look into it.

Thank you

Amy

You have to make sure that your insurance covers rentals. And that the cost of repairing or replacing (as people are pigs) is covered. If you go with it that should not be as big a problem as just having them take it.

I do rentals for Popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, shaved ice, and sno cone. I also have some carnival games for rent. I rent for a 24 hour period or a weekend mostly. They pick up and return or I can deliver for a fee. I always get ID and a CC number to protect my interests and they sign a form with their information and where the machine will be used. I use some waiver forms stating that children can not operate the machines. I have had good luck so far. No thefts, no breakages.

I also make, and perform with Hula hoops! I just started offering to rent a stack of demo hoops for parties, and events. It's been pretty good so far.
I also want to offer hair feathers, hair chalk and a dress up chest as well. We'll see how it goes this summer