Rentals

Tent, chair and table hire

Buy tents, chairs, tables and linen and hire them out for funerals, weddings, parties and church events, with delivery and set-up.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

People with capital, storage, transport and helpers for set-up.

In South Africa: Strong in townships and towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 8 hours a week · age 18+

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

R3 000 to R3 500 per 6 x 12 m tent per event

Published hire prices: 6 x 12 m tent about R3,000 to R3,500; plastic chairs R6 to R12 each. We do not model monthly income.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R10 000 to R60 000
Every month
Transport, helpers, repairs and cleaning.
Payment fees
Full payment or deposit before delivery.
Margin
High once stock is paid off.

How it is paid: Hire fee per item per event plus delivery. Our viability score for it: 65 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Ask two funeral parlours and two churches who they hire from and what they pay
    • Start with chairs and tables before a tent
    • Success signal: four bookings a month

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Price chairs, tables and a tent from two suppliers
    • Plan storage and transport
    • Write a hire agreement with deposits and a count-in sheet

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Get your first bookings through funeral parlours and churches
    • Record every hire and damage

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Add the items customers ask for most
    • Agree a referral deal with a caterer

Bookings start once you have stock. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Tent, chair and table hire: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Families with funerals and celebrations, churches, schools.

Shelter and seating for big gatherings.

Is there demand?

Hire companies publish prices: a 6 x 12 m tent R3,500 and plastic chairs R6 to R12 each (Linda Events 2025); a 6 x 12 m stretch tent about R3,000, tent only (Decorvent).

FuneralsWeddings and umembesoChurch and school events

Getting customers

Funeral parlours, churches and word of mouth.

Word of mouth and referralsPartnerships with other businessesIn-person networking

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Wind damage and injuries: anchor tents properly
  • Theft and breakage: a deposit and count-in sheet
  • Paying for stock that sits unused: start small

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with stock.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Large tents may need municipal event approval; customers usually arrange it.
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start tent, chair and table hire in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R10 000 to R60 000. Recurring costs: Transport, helpers, repairs and cleaning.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. Bookings start once you have stock.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Large tents may need municipal event approval; customers usually arrange it. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy