1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Hiring out tools and equipment: your step-by-step start

Hire out tools you own, such as concrete mixers, ladders, pressure washers or generators, to neighbours and builders by the day.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 1 hour
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • People who already own good tools, have storage and can check items in and out carefully.

Think twice if

  • You need guaranteed income straight away.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 14 days.
  • This is usually pocket money: helpful, but rarely enough to live on by itself.
  • The main risk to plan for: tools returned broken or not at all: deposit plus a copy of ID.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How hiring out tools and equipment worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Write a hire agreement with a deposit3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Post your list in community groups3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Record every hire, return and repair3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Ask builders which tools they hire most3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Buy the item people ask for most3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Aim for partner with a builder for regular hires3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to R20 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Hire agreement
  • Check-in sheet
  • Basic repair kit

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.