How to Start a Dress Rental Business

I received a question from one of our visitors about starting a boutique that rents dresses. I thought I’d include the information I found on the blog since we didn’t already have it, and I thought it was interesting.

It’s cool to see what other entrepreneurs are doing in the industry – especially if they are successful at it. “Rent the Runway” is a designer clothing rental service started by Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss in New York City. This article explains how the business got its start, as well as lessons learned by the entrepreneurs and tips they have for others entering the field.

Another simple way you can learn about starting your own dress rental boutique is by looking at business plans from other similar start-ups. Not only does this help people put together their own plans, it can give helpful insight into potential start-up costs, operating expenses and marketing tactics.
This sample plan is for a bridal gown rental business, and you can check it out for free.

To start building an inventory base of dresses, shoes and accessories, shop owners can save money by visiting local consignment shops, estate sales and even online auctions. One thing I’ve read is that women renting dresses often want the latest fashions, so purchasing new styles as well can be a good investment.

Boutique owners should partner with a nearby dry cleaning service and tailor who can clean or repair the returned dresses. If you establish that you will send all of your business to one shop, you are likely to get a price break – and possibly customer referrals.

There are discount supply companies like ND Store Fixtures that sell a wide variety of retail shop supplies such as clothing racks, display tables, mannequins, hangers, gridwall, shelving and more.

All of these methods for keeping costs low can help store owners stay competitive in the market and still turn a profit. Along these lines, entrepreneurs should check out other clothing rental shops in your area (if there are any) and services online available to potential shoppers. This can help you evaluate pricing – but also find out what services are not being offered, and see if you can offer them to gain a competitive advantage.

There is a good step-by-step business guide for starting and managing
a boutique called, “Become a Boutique Owner“. It sells on Amazon for $50, but you can get it direct from the distributor for $29.95.

For more small business ideas, visit The New Business Idea. You can also get start-up instructions for 200+ businesses and download the Home Business Start-Up Checklist free from HomeBusinesscenter.com.