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The Top 10 Most Profitable Items for Party Rentals

The 10 Must-Have Items for a Successful Party Rental Business

Written by: Marcelo Flores

Before diving into the list, it’s important to clarify what profitability truly involves. Profitability isn’t just about renting items at a higher cost. Some items may generate less income per event but are cheaper to acquire, making them highly profitable over time.

Other factors also play a role, such as storage and space efficiency. Items that are easier to store and transport can save you significant costs, adding to their profitability. Maintenance and repair costs are equally crucial—if an item requires frequent repairs, it could cut deeply into your profits.

Another key consideration is the frequency of rentals. Even the highest profit-per-event item won’t be a success if it’s only rented a couple of times a year.

Finally, an often-overlooked factor is residual value. Imagine being able to sell an item for half (or even more) of its original purchase price when it’s no longer needed. This resale potential can add a significant boost to an item’s profitability.

Now that we’ve broken down what “profitable” really means, let’s dive into the top 10 most profitable items for party rentals.

1. Chairs

Chiavari chairs for party rentals

Chairs are the backbone of any party rental business and one of the most profitable items you can invest in. They’re required for nearly every event, so they will always be on demand.

There are various types of chairs designed to meet different needs, budgets, and audiences. Not all chairs will work the same for every client, so it’s important to understand who your potential customers are and what they need.

Chairs are also a great investment because they typically offer high rental rates, require minimal maintenance, and include space-efficient options like folding and stacking chairs—ideal for businesses with storage constraints.

👉 We’ve developed a guide for you to choose the best chair for your events.

2. Folding Tables

Folding tables are another staple in party rental businesses, offering versatility and consistent demand. Where there are chairs, tables are essential, making them a fantastic way to complement your offerings.

One of the biggest advantages of folding tables is their ability to save space, which is a significant benefit for party rental businesses with limited storage.

Folding tables come in various shapes and sizes (round, rectangular, and square) catering to different event setups and client preferences. The most popular choices are 60” round and 72” rectangular tables, as they suit a wide range of events.

Pro Tip: If you already offer chairs, you should always include tables in your inventory.

3. Tents

tents for party rentals

Tents are a must-have for outdoor events, offering protection from the elements and creating a defined space for outdoor gatherings. While tents require a higher upfront investment compared to chairs or tables, their profitability lies in their high rental rates and consistent demand.

Tents come in various sizes and styles, so you can start with smaller ones so as not to complicate things too much.

Keep in mind that tents often require professional setup and takedown, and also much more setup effort, which can be an added service you charge for.

4. Tablecloths

Tablecloths are the perfect complement to folding tables, always in demand alongside tables and chairs. Together, they create the ideal package to offer your clients: chairs, tables, and tablecloths.

While they require careful cleaning and maintenance, the investment is well worth it due to their consistent demand and high reusability.

One of their biggest advantages is that they occupy minimal storage space. You can store them dry in plastic boxes on shelves, ensuring they are ready to use whenever needed.

You can start with basic, versatile tablecloths in neutral colors and add specialty fabrics and colors later as your business grows, allowing you to cater to a broader range of events and themes.

5. Chair Linens

Chair linens for party rentals

Chair linens are an excellent addition to any party rental business since they are quite affordable, are versatile, easy to store and they are high in demand.

They come in various styles, including full covers, sashes, and slipcovers, allowing you to offer a range of options for different event themes and preferences.

Like tablecloths, chair linens are compact and easy to store. By starting with classic, neutral designs, you can target to a wide audience and expand to include specialty fabrics and colors as your business grows.

6. Dance Floors

Dance floors are a standout addition to party rental businesses. While dance floors require a higher upfront investment compared to other rental items, their high rental rates and consistent demand make them a profitable choice.

Modular dance floors are particularly advantageous, as they allow you to customize the size based on the event requirements.

Pro Tip: Offer dance floors as part of premium event packages or bundle them with tents and lighting to create an all-in-one outdoor event solution.

7. Decor (e.g., arches, centerpieces)

wedding arch

Décor items, such as arches and centerpieces, are highly sought after at weddings and events.

Arches are particularly popular for ceremonies and photo backdrops, while centerpieces enhance tablescapes. Both are versatile and can be reused across various events with minimal wear and tear if handled carefully.

While décor may not have as high a rental rate as larger items like tents or dance floors, their low storage requirements and high reusability make them profitable additions. Additionally, they offer an excellent opportunity for upselling, allowing you to increase revenue with minimal additional effort.

8. Catering Equipment

Catering equipment is a valuable addition to any party rental inventory, as it caters to a crucial aspect of events—food and beverage service. Items like chafing dishes, beverage dispensers, serving trays, and portable bars are consistently in demand for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.

These items are highly durable, and with proper care, they can serve numerous events, providing excellent returns on your investment.

Catering equipment is also a fantastic cross-sell opportunity. If a client is renting tables and chairs, offering catering essentials can make their event planning more convenient while increasing your overall revenue.

9. Heating and Cooling Equipment

Heating and cooling equipment is essential for ensuring guest comfort, especially at outdoor events. Items like portable heaters, fans, and air conditioners are highly sought after.

While the initial investment might be higher compared to smaller items like linens, the consistent demand and high rental rates make heating and cooling equipment a valuable addition to your inventory.

Pro Tip: Proper maintenance is critical to ensure the longevity of these items. Regularly inspect and clean heaters, fans, and air conditioners to keep them in excellent working condition and ready for use.

10. Specialty Items (e.g., photo booths, throne chairs)

photo booth for party rentals

Specialty items like photo booths and throne chairs are game-changers for party rental businesses. These unique, eye-catching additions can elevate any event, making them a favorite for weddings, birthday parties and quinceañeras.

While specialty items might require a higher initial investment, their standout nature allows for premium pricing, which can lead to high profits.

Offering these items can also set your business apart from competitors and attract clients looking for unique features.


Choosing the right inventory is key to the success of any party rental business. Items like chairs, tables, and tents provide consistent demand, while specialty items and décor allow you to stand out and attract premium clients.

Carefully analyze your current needs and evaluate whether the items you’re planning to purchase align with your business goals and long-term objectives.

Author

  • Marcelo Flores Villarreal

    Marcelo Flores is a business and marketing enthusiast with a special focus on the events industry. He’s dedicated to sharing simple, effective strategies to help readers boost their success. An avid learner and reader, Marcelo believes that small insights can lead to big changes.

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