Renting out Sound Systems

[Psyre]

ok, so precursor: I am an electronic media production major, this really means nothing as to why I am making this thread, but my overall goal is to open up a music shop. I was just considering getting a head start as far as my business goes.

I was wondering if any of you rent out your systems for weddings/shows/events to make a little money back. There is one place in town that does this, but I feel like having a competitor pricing could stir things up a bit. Our system is plenty big enough for small outside events as well as medium-large indoor settings. Obviously I would price depending on if they needed me to run it etc.

If any of you do this, what type of things do you do as far as contracts and such.

[sonidero]

Up front cost and insurance along with store front and advertising costs are what I would consider... Austin has a great Rental place but it's pretty much just the one place... Music stores will rent stuff and even the two Guitar Centers here will let you rent stuff... You'd have to bring the goods...

[Chankgeez]

As far as contracts go, I'm sure you'll be able to find copies of something posted online. Just reuse that.

Pretty common music industry practice, copying something from someone who knows what they're talking about. Alter the document to suit your specifications.

[Psyre]

Up front cost and insurance along with store front and advertising costs are what I would consider... Austin has a great Rental place but it's pretty much just the one place... Music stores will rent stuff and even the two Guitar Centers here will let you rent stuff... You'd have to bring the goods...

well store front isn't going to play an issue. It will just be out of my house, they email me what the event is we discuss and I supply. The closest GC to me is over an hour away, so that is not a factor either.

[The4455]

I rent stuff from time to time. There are about 3 or 4 big ones in Chicago, honestly price and customer service are first for me. Some of the guys I've talked to are dicks. This one guy wanted to charge me for each day I had his equipment, for that much money I could've bought what I was renting, they were drum mics. the place I usually rent from only charges you for the day you use it, although the security deposits are huge. If you have the ability to rent out equipment to make extra cash I'd do it. I'd start smaller than not though, in terms of store front and stuff. The place I rent from, which is warehouse sized, doesn't have much of a "store front" they don't need it, it's all storage. Also it would be awesome if you offered (for extra) a delivery and pickup service, that would rule!

[Psyre]

good idea on the delivery service!

[The4455]

good idea on the delivery service!

Thanks, it's mostly that Speakers, mixers, and snakes, are BIG, and a lot of cars can't or have trouble accommodating them. I have a Wagon so it's a little easier, but still, tough.