Requirements
Clothing RentalWhat You Need to Start a Clothing Rental Sidegig
Equipment & Supplies
- Clothing Inventory: 10-20 quality pieces with retail value $150+ each (designer, contemporary, or special occasion items)
- Photography Setup: Smartphone with good camera or DSLR, ring light ($30-60), plain backdrop ($20-40)
- Mannequin or Dress Form: For consistent display of garments ($80-150)
- Garment Care Supplies: Steamer ($30-60), lint roller ($5), fabric freshener ($10), stain removal kit ($15-25)
- Packaging Materials: Garment bags ($3-8 each), tissue paper ($10), thank you cards ($15), shipping mailers ($20-30)
- Storage Solutions: Clothing rack ($40-80), garment covers ($30), humidity control ($20) for proper inventory storage
- Digital Tools: Computer or tablet for inventory management and platform access
- Measurement Tools: Fabric tape measure ($5), size conversion charts
Skills & Knowledge
- Fashion Knowledge: Understanding of brands, styles, sizing, and current trends
- Fabric Care Expertise: Knowledge of how to clean and maintain different textiles
- Photography Skills: Ability to take clear, well-lit photos that showcase garments accurately
- Copywriting: Creating compelling, detailed descriptions for listings
- Customer Service: Communication skills for responding to inquiries and resolving issues
- Basic Accounting: Tracking expenses, income, and calculating profitability
- Time Management: Coordinating pickups, deliveries, cleaning, and platform communications
- Basic Garment Repair: Ability to perform minor fixes (loose buttons, small seam repairs)
Platform Requirements
- Age Requirement: 18+ years for all platforms
- Identification: Valid government-issued ID for verification
- Banking Information: Bank account for direct deposits
- Social Media Profiles: Active accounts on Instagram or Facebook (required by some platforms)
- Interview Process: Some platforms (like Tulerie) require a phone interview
- Quality Standards: Items must meet platform-specific condition requirements
- Response Time Commitments: Many platforms require responses within 24 hours
Startup Costs
| Investment Level | Estimated Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Using Existing Wardrobe | $200-500 | Photography equipment, packaging supplies, garment care items, storage solutions |
| Minimal New Inventory | $1,000-2,000 | Basic supplies plus 5-10 new designer or premium items purchased specifically for rental |
| Dedicated Business Startup | $3,000-5,000 | Comprehensive inventory of 15-25 pieces, professional photography setup, premium packaging, business registration |
Note: ROI typically requires 5-8 rentals per item to recoup initial investment, with designer pieces offering better returns.
Legal & Regulatory Requirements
- Business Structure: Can operate as sole proprietor initially; consider LLC when inventory exceeds $5,000
- Tax Obligations: Report income on Schedule C (self-employment), collect sales tax in states requiring it for rentals
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Insurance: Standard homeowner's/renter's insurance typically doesn't cover commercial rental activity
- Consider business insurance ($30-50/month)
- Use platform protection plans when available
- Specialized rental insurance for higher-value collections
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Contracts: Clear rental terms including:
- Damage policies and security deposits
- Late return penalties
- Cleaning expectations
- Cancellation policies
- Restricted Items: Understanding of platform-specific prohibited items (fur, certain luxury brands, intimates)
- Home-Based Business: Check local zoning laws if operating from home, especially if customers will visit
Important Consideration
The clothing rental business model involves significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Success depends on having desirable inventory that appeals to your target market, maintaining items in excellent condition, and providing reliable customer service. Consider starting with your existing wardrobe to test the concept before making substantial investments.