Rentals

Hiring out tools and equipment

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

Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR0 to R20 000
First randabout 2 weeks
WhereIn person
Effort Easy to start

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

Is this for you?

Best for

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

In South Africa: Strong everywhere.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 2 hours a week · age 18+
Practical/hands-on work (learning or better)

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

This is usually pocket money: helpful, but rarely enough to live on by itself.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R0 to R20 000
Every month: Repairs, servicing, replacement parts.
Payment fees: Payment and deposit before collection.
Margin: High on owned tools.

How it is paid: Day rate plus deposit. Our viability score for it: 58 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- List the tools you own and check local hire-shop rates
- Hire one tool to a neighbour
- Success signal: four hires a month
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- List tools you could hire out and check each one works
- Write a hire agreement with a deposit
- Post your list in community groups
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Record every hire, return and repair
- Ask builders which tools they hire most
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Buy the item people ask for most
- Partner with a builder for regular hires

Items you already own can earn quickly. First income usually takes 3 to 45 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Hiring out tools and equipment: 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

Home owners doing DIY, small builders.

Tools for a day without buying them.

Is there demand?

Tool hire is common in SA, but we found no published price list we trust for small hirers. Check your local hire shop's day rates and price a little below them.

Concrete mixersPressure washersGeneratorsLadders and scaffolding

Getting customers

Community groups, hardware shops and builders.

Word of mouth and referralsListing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!)Responding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Tools returned broken or not at all: deposit plus a copy of ID
Injury from misuse: a short safety brief
Wear shortens tool life: price it in

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with more items.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Use a simple hire agreement and protect the copy of ID you keep (POPIA).
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 hiring out tools and equipment in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R20 000. Recurring costs: Repairs, servicing, replacement parts.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 14 days, and between 3 and 45 days. Items you already own can earn quickly.

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?

Use a simple hire agreement and protect the copy of ID you keep (POPIA). 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)

Consumer Protection Act s57: warranty on repaired goods (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Information Regulator: POPIA (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
SARS: how do I register for tax (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)

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