Party rentals are weekend income from equipment that pays for itself over and over. The pricing question is not just what to charge per rental. It is how many rentals each item needs to earn back what you paid, and how to cover delivery, setup and damage.
Typical rental prices
- Bounce house (standard size), per day: about $125 to $250
- Combo bounce house with slide: about $200 to $400
- Water slide: about $250 to $500
- Folding chairs: about $1.50 to $4 each
- Folding tables (6 or 8 ft): about $8 to $15 each
- Pop-up or frame tent: about $100 to $500 and up depending on size
These are rough US ranges. Prices often include delivery within a set radius. Check what local rental companies list on their websites to find your market rate.
Know your payback period
Divide what an item cost you by what you earn per rental after cleaning and wear. A bounce house that cost $1,500 and rents for $175 pays for itself in roughly nine rentals, often a few months of weekends. Tables and chairs are cheap to buy but earn little per piece, so they make the most sense as add-ons to bigger rentals.
Delivery, setup and pickup fees
- Free delivery within a set radius, then a per-mile fee beyond it
- Setup and takedown: included for inflatables and tents, optional for tables and chairs
- Overnight rentals: a small extra charge, or free when your pickup schedule allows it
- Surface fees: extra for setting up on concrete or asphalt, which needs sandbags instead of stakes
Deposits and minimums
Weekends fill up fast, and a no-show customer costs you a booking you could have sold. Most rental businesses take a deposit, often 20% to 50%, to hold the date, and set an order minimum for delivery. A clear weather policy, such as a credit for rained-out events, keeps customers happy without giving away your weekend.
Damage and cleaning policies
Put your damage, cleaning and safety rules in a rental agreement that customers sign before delivery. Common terms include fees for silly string, paint or mud on inflatables, and rules about supervision and weather. Inflatables in particular carry real injury risk, so make sure you have liability insurance and follow the manufacturer’s setup and wind limits.
Build packages
“Backyard party package: one bounce house, two tables, 16 chairs” is easier to buy than three separate items. Packages raise your average order and make your delivery trip worth more.
Want an online catalog with availability and deposits?
Our event and party rental starter kit includes a rental catalog with an availability calendar, deposits and delivery fees, a rental agreement template and a setup and pickup checklist. It gets built once 25 people vote for it, and voters get 20% off at launch. Vote for the rentals kit, or read how to start an event and party rental business.
Prices here are rough US ranges to help you plan. They vary a lot by area, so check local rates and insurance requirements before you set yours.
Leave a Reply