How much should you charge for party rentals?

Underpricing is the fastest way to kill a rental business. Charge too little and you're financing your customers' parties for free; charge with a system and every weekend builds equity. Here's how experienced owners set prices that win jobs and still profit.

The core formula

Start with what an item cost you, then price a single-day rental at roughly 10–20% of that cost. A $40 folding table set rents for $5–$8; a $1,200 commercial bounce house rents for $150–$250/day. At that rate an item pays for itself in 5–10 rentals and earns pure margin for years. Adjust up in high-demand markets and peak season, and down only when you have a strategic reason (filling a slow weekend, bundling).

Price these as separate line items

• The rental itself — per unit, per day. Offer a small multi-day discount.
• Delivery & pickup — by distance or zone. Don't eat fuel and labor; show it as its own charge. Renterra can quote delivery automatically by distance.
• Setup & teardown — especially for tents, staging and large decor. Your time is real cost.
• Security deposit — refundable, covers damage and loss. See how much to charge for a deposit.
• Tax — collected and remitted per your state's rules.

Rough market ranges (single day)

These vary widely by region, but as a starting point: folding chairs $1.50–$3 each; 60-inch round tables $8–$12; 10×10 tents $90–$150; 20×20 tents $200–$400; commercial bounce houses $150–$300; chiavari chairs $4–$9; basic linens $8–$15. Always check what local competitors charge, then position on value (cleaner inventory, easier booking, on-time delivery) rather than racing to the bottom.

Bundles win bigger bookings

A "party package" — tent + tables + chairs + linens at a slight discount versus à la carte — raises your average order value and is easier for customers to say yes to. Build a few standard packages for the events you serve most (backyard birthday, 100-guest wedding, graduation) and feature them on your booking site.

Protect your margin with deposits and a contract

Profit you can't keep isn't profit. Collect a deposit when the customer books — not the day before — and attach a clear agreement with cancellation tiers so a last-minute cancel doesn't erase your weekend. Get the free agreement template here.

Let the booking site do the math

Calculating items + delivery + setup + deposit + tax by hand for every quote is where money leaks out. With Renterra, customers pick their items and date, the site totals everything including distance-based delivery, collects the deposit and captures a signed agreement — for $9/month, 0% commission. Want to see what you'd keep versus a platform that takes a cut? Try the calculator on our pricing page.

Set your prices once, and let your storefront quote every job perfectly. Free for 14 days.