If you have a special interest or hobby, you may already possess some unusual tools or equipment that others may want to “borrow”—for a fee—from time to time. Learn as much as you can about the demographics, hobbies, and activities in your region. Look for clubs for hobbyists and special-interest groups; become familiar with shows and demonstrations aimed at hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers. Attend meetings and ask about the sorts of tools and equipment members would like to use from time to time. Look into selling insurance policies to customers to cover them against loss or theft of rented items and other unexpected costs; some rental companies’ self-insure, applying extra payments made by customers to a pool of funds earmarked for replacement of equipment.
To start and run this kind of job, you can begin it by posting flyers and ads on community bulletin boards, in retail stores, and at community centers. Then you can also place ads in newspapers, shopping guides, and special-interest newsletters. Besides that, you can try to attend meetings of clubs and make the members aware of your interest in acquiring and renting equipment they may need. In that meeting, you can inform others about your business. And, in other side, your principal up-front cost will be for the purchase of equipment. You may be able to buy some used or reconditioned equipment; be sure the items come with a warranty and a ready supply of parts for repairs. Other costs include advertising and promotion.