Rental equipment?

Does anyone here have experience renting out equipment? I want my first startup business to be similar to Sunbelt in the US. But I have less than $10,000 saved and I want to know what’s the best equipment that’s valuable to rent out and then I can purchase for 5K or less.

Mack said:

Mack said:
@Zayden
Get a dozen dolleys.

The premium kind that can go flat on 4 wheels $10/hr. I’ve tried to rent dolleys and ladders before, don’t go into debt.

Dolly’s are cheap and easy to find, not a bad idea.

@Zayden
Extremely helpful reply, I had to screenshot this. Landscaping is huge in my area. Probably some other businesses too that I just don’t know about. I wrote this post in hopes that somebody who’s very familiar with subcontracting out jobs could give me insight.

Unless you are highly mechanically inclined, stay away from gas-powered/electric equipment. If you can’t service, maintain, and repair yourself, you’ll never break even.

The only small outfit rentals I’ve seen work are more toward party rental. Tents, tables, chairs, concession equipment, inflatables, etc.

Go talk to local contractors. I’m serious. Go to your customers and just ask. Some areas may have specific needs.

Overall, you have a good idea here that may be worth pursuing. Reinvest profits into the business in the beginning.

I started a landscaping business and scaled it until I had $50-100k in equipment then started my rental business.

Mack said:
Think big, bulky & cheap?

Thought about that. Owners aren’t dumb; if the used equipment is ready to go to work, they’re still going to charge accordingly. Cheap would be finding anything at an auction that’s available. Bonus points: I know nothing about construction equipment or who uses them, but people will always be developing. And Sunbelt charges a wazoo for when people need things.

You can find plenty of guides and stories online, my friend.

Laine said:
You can find plenty of guides and stories online, my friend.

And that is my number one problem. There’s so many scams and opinions online. Here’s a better idea: I called the CEO of Sunbelt on his personal cell phone and I asked for the exact step-by-step process of how they run the company so I can become a competitor for free. Brilliant!

@Rylan
So you are being sarcastic, but you could probably just message him on LinkedIn or look for his business email. Ask him for advice. He might be more than happy to talk with you. Doubt he would look at you as a threat to his business.

A trailer or 2. One for hauling and delivery/pick-up, and maybe another to rent out? If landscape is big in your area, maybe a trailer with a tilt or dump feature. (Dumping dirt, mulch, etc. is a good option to have instead of doing it by hand)
Depending on state/area, be mindful of registration & other DOT requirements.

For 5k or less I’d say: generator(s), demo/jack hammer, chainsaw, concrete saw, brush cutters, pressure washers.

Going into winter in MN, heaters; both electric or propane.

I manage a family-owned rental company. These are some popular smaller items.

Edit: adding rug extractor/carpet cleaner, carpet/turbo fans, large dehumidifiers.

Seasonal items: dethatcher/power rake, aerator, seeders, trenchers.

Bathroom trailer or two. If you have a truck to pull them, it is surprisingly cheap to empty them at a campsite or local waste treatment center. Definitely have to put time into setting them up and cleaning though.

If you have the space, I’d look into buying older forklifts, not too old but 2000s and up Nissans or Toyotas 3k capacity lifts. You look around good enough, you will find something for $1500-2k.

Look at construction sites. They usually rent all their equipment. See what they’re renting and see if it makes sense.

I work for a used heavy equipment dealer (nationwide USA & international sales), and we have an insane amount of forklifts, man-lifts, scissor lifts, etc. that we can’t sell… But could easily rent out and both you and I could make good money. PM me if you’re interested and I’ll provide my bonafides!