“Party rental companies enjoy a 10-15% profit margin, which is higher than the average retail business.”
TapGoods
Whether a customer is hosting a birthday party, corporate meeting, wedding, or family reunion, they will almost always need tables and chairs. This is a profitable window of opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to rent out event equipment. But if you’re just getting started, you may be wondering how to pick the best tables and chairs for your rental business.
Whether you’re just starting or want to expand your inventory, we’ve covered you in this guide to the best tables and chairs! In this blog, we’ll explore the profitability of renting chairs and tables, the most common types, where to buy the best tables and chairs, and how to charge a fair rate for your rentals.
Let’s get started!
Are tables and chairs worth the investment?
If you’re just getting started with renting out inventory, you may be strapped for cash or feeling picky about what types of inventory you want to invest in. For small businesses that are just getting started, tables and chairs are an essential investment that you want to make available to your customers.
If you’re wondering whether tables and chairs are a worthwhile investment for your rental business, the answer is a resounding “yes”! Everyone needs a place to sit down, relax, and enjoy the event. And where do they put all the food, drinks, and decorations? On tables, of course! That’s why tables come in as the second most rented item after chairs, forks, knives, and plates. Imagine going to a party and having no place to sit or eat. It just wouldn’t work!
Tables and chairs are a basic need for every event, and having those in your inventory opens doors to more rental opportunities. Once a customer sees that you can meet their basic needs, they’ll be more inclined to find out what other kinds of inventory you carry. And if you carry all the inventory your customers need, they’re more likely to use your business’s services since it is more convenient.
Additionally, since they are in high demand, tables and chairs are items that have a great return on investment (ROI) potential. We’ll talk more about this later!
What are the most common types of tables and chairs?
Common Types of Chairs
| Chair Type | Description | Commonly Used For... |
|---|---|---|
| Poly Chair | Also known as a folding chair. Usually made out of plastic and are easily stackable. | Birthday parties, school carnivals, and other casual events. |
| Resin Chairs | Sturdier than a typical folding chair. These usually are rented with cushions for added comfort. | Weddings, parties, concerts, banquets, receptions. |
| Chiavari Chairs | Elegant chairs with unique designs; they can be made out of resin, plastic, or aluminum. | Versatile; used in events like weddings, receptions, and more. |
Common Types of Tables
| Table Type | Description | Commonly Used For... |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Tables | Small tables that come in different heights and sizes. Typically, they are 24-30 inches in diameter and 30-42 inches tall. | Versatile and used for all kinds of semi-casual and formal events. |
| Round Tables | Larger, round tables used for large groups of people to sit and socialize. Typically, they are 60-72 inches in diameter. | Typically used for formal events like weddings, dinners, and fundraisers. |
| Rectangle (Straight) Tables | Long, rectangular tables that are typically made out of wood or plastic. | Used for casual events like birthday parties, school carnivals, and picnics. |
How do I choose the best tables and chairs for my business?
If you’re just getting started with tables and chairs, you may be wondering “What are the best tables and chairs for my business?”
Well, it depends on what your target audience is. Renting tables and chairs to a children’s party is different from renting them to a wedding vendor. So, if you’re wondering which ones are the best for your customers, consider your target audience.
Are you an inflatables company that typically rents for birthday parties, family reunions, or school carnivals? If this is the case, you should invest in plastic folding chairs and rectangular tables. Since these are more casual events, customers hosting them are unlikely to spend money on expensive, fancy chairs like Chiavari chairs.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming to rent out to weddings or fancy corporate events, you’ll want to think about stocking up on resin chairs, Chiavari chairs, cocktail tables, and round tables. These events often have a bigger budget for making things look extra special, and the people planning them are looking for that touch of elegance that makes their event stand out. And if you’re renting out to fancier events like weddings, consider investing in linens and quality tableware that will make your items pop.
Remember, the best tables and chairs for your customers are the ones that match the kind of events they’re throwing. If they’re planning something laid-back and fun, they’ll love those easy-to-move plastic options. But if they’re putting together an event that’s all about luxury and style, they’ll be looking for something a bit more upscale.
Where to buy the best tables and chairs
So, how do you find the best place to buy tables and chairs? You look for shops that sell things in large amounts and have great reviews from other customers. When you search “where to purchase chairs and tables wholesale,” choose sellers with 4 stars or more; they should have lots of different chairs and tables to choose from.
It’s also a good idea to check if there are any places nearby where you can buy what you need. It’s great if you can find a good seller close to you because it might save you some money on getting your tables and chairs delivered. But, here’s the thing: don’t just pick a place because it’s close. Make sure their chairs and tables are good, too. You want your stuff to last long and look good for your customers’ events.
Here are some reputable vendors online that sell quality tables and chairs:
How much should I charge for tables and chairs?
Market Rate Prices for Chairs
| Chair Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Poly | $1.00-$1.50 per chair |
| Resin/Wood | $3.00 per chair |
| Chiavari | $7.00 per chair |
Market Rate Prices for Tables
| Table Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Cocktail Tables | $8.00-$12.00 depending on size |
| Round Tables | $6.00-$9.00 depending on size |
| Rectangle (Straight) Tables | $7.00-$12.00 depending on size |
Setting Competitive & Profitable Prices
When you set prices for your table and chairs, research your competitors. What are their prices? Can you set a better price and still make money? If you can offer a better deal, you’ll likely attract more customers. Be careful about pricing items TOO low, though, because prices that are too low can indicate to customers that your products might be bad quality.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to pricing; it all depends on the market and your business’s individual needs. Once you’ve set your prices, keep an eye on how your customers respond. Are orders flooding in, or are customers hesitating to order? Are you getting pushback on your prices? Ask your customers for feedback, and eventually you will be able to use this information to decide whether you need to raise or lower your prices.
One great thing to consider is peak seasons and how they can affect impact on pricing. The demand for tables and chairs changes throughout the year. For example, summer is considered a peak season for weddings, graduations, and other school events. During this time, you may be able to adjust prices higher to account for higher demand. But during slower months, you may need to adjust lower to attract customers.
Setting prices for your inventory is a bit of a push-pull game, you’ll always be adjusting them. Overall, you always want to send the message to customers “Hey, I have the best tables and chairs AND I’ll give you the best deal” without compromising on profits.
Ready to get started?
Tables and chairs are some of the most popular items to rent, so if you’re just getting started or looking to invest in new inventory, these are a great choice to get started with! Just remember, quality and customer satisfaction are key to building a successful rental business. By offering the best quality, you’re not just providing furniture; you’re helping create memorable moments for your customers’ special occasions.
Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on your inventory. Make sure all of your items are always in top condition. A quick check before and after events can save you from unexpected surprises and keep your reputation high with customers!
Finally, remember that running a rental business isn’t all about profits. Renting out the best items available to your customers serves as the foundation to many people’s happiest days. Enjoy it and take pride in what you do.
Other blogs you may find helpful:
Best Practices for Pricing Rental Inventory with a Calculator
5 Reports that Rental Businesses NEED to Review Frequently
The Importance of Equipment and Party Rental Contracts in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, businesses rent out plastic folding chairs for about $1 to $2 each. Chairs that are a bit nicer, like those made from resin or wood, might cost around $3 each to rent. For elegant chairs, such as Chiavari chairs, the cost could be around $7 to $8 for each chair. The price changes based on style, what material it’s made of, and the demand for the chair.
The cost to rent tables varies depending on their size and type. Cocktail tables, which are smaller and often used at parties and receptions, might be rented out for about $8 to $12 each. Larger round tables, which are common at weddings and formal dinners, could cost between $6 to $9 each, depending on their size. Long, rectangular tables, used for more casual events, might have a rental price of around $7 to $8 for a 6-foot table, and larger square tables might go for about $12 each.
Yes, renting out tables and chairs can be a very profitable business. These items are always in demand for various events like parties, weddings, and meetings, making them a steady source of income. This high demand can lead to a good return on investment (ROI) for these items, especially since they can be used repeatedly over many years.
A Tiffany chair is just another name for a Chiavari chair. These are very stylish and elegant chairs that you might see at weddings, fancy parties, or formal events. Chiavari chairs can be made from different materials like resin, plastic, or aluminum and come in various colors and styles.
A Poly Chair refers to a type of folding chair that’s usually made out of plastic. Poly Chairs are a great choice for more casual events like birthday parties, school carnivals, or outdoor gatherings where you need a lot of seating but also need to be able to clean up quickly and easily afterward. They’re durable, lightweight, and are easy to stack.
