Most side hustles require constant effort—trading time for money over and over again. But concession rentals work differently. With the right setup, you can buy once and get paid repeatedly—renting the same equipment out for parties, events, and gatherings week after week. From backyard birthdays to large community events, people are always looking for fun, food, and memorable experiences. That’s what makes concession rentals such a powerful opportunity: Low startup costs, high demand, and repeat income potential If you choose the right equipment and market it well, this can quickly grow from a small side hustle into a steady stream of cash.
For more information, check out these pages and articles:
- Cotton Candy Machines as a Side Hustle (and Profitable Upsell)
- How to Upsell with Bounce Houses (A Guide to Earn More)
- Are Bounce House Rentals a Profitable Side Hustle?
- Smart Hustles & Side Income Strategies Guide to Earning More (For more ideas)
- 60 Micro Niche Business Ideas Anyone Can Start Today
- The Niche Finder: Browse Ideas to Start Your Journey
Why Concession Rentals Are a Smart Side Hustle
- One-time investment, repeat use
- High demand for events year-round
- Easy to bundle and upsell
- Can start small and scale
With any side hustle, there’s always a learning curve—especially when it comes to pricing, regulations, and legal requirements. The pricing examples below may not reflect your exact market, but with a bit of research, you can better understand what it takes to price competitively and become profitable.
Most Popular Concessions to Rent Out
1. Classic Party Concessions
| Concession | Best For | Avg Rental Price | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popcorn Machine | Parties, movie nights | $40–$100 | Simple, high demand |
| Cotton Candy Machine | Kids events, carnivals | $50–$120 | Fun, visual appeal |
| Snow Cone Machine | Summer events | $50–$150 | Seasonal favorite |
2. Food-Based Concessions
| Concession | Best For | Avg Rental Price | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog Roller | Sports, fundraisers | $60–$150 | Easy, familiar food |
| Nacho Machine | Parties, game nights | $50–$130 | Low maintenance |
| Pretzel Warmer | Events, fairs | $60–$140 | Unique add-on item |
3. Beverage & Dessert Machines
| Concession | Best For | Avg Rental Price | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slushy Machine | Parties, summer events | $75–$200 | High profit margins |
| Chocolate Fountain | Weddings, showers | $100–$300 | Premium feel |
| Coffee Station | Corporate events | $80–$250 | Year-round demand |
4. Specialty & Upscale Concessions
| Concession | Best For | Avg Rental Price | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream Cart | Summer, school events | $100–$250 | Crowd favorite |
| Dessert Cart | Weddings, parties | $120–$300 | Instagram-worthy |
| Mobile Food Cart | Festivals, markets | $150–$500+ | Scalable business |
5. Bundle Packages (Best for Profit)
Instead of renting one item, combine multiple concessions.
| Package Idea | Includes | Avg Price | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Party Pack | Popcorn + Cotton Candy | $120–$250 | Easy upsell |
| Summer Combo | Snow Cone + Slushy | $150–$300 | Seasonal demand |
| Premium Event Pack | 3–4 machines | $250–$500+ | Higher ticket value |
👉 Bundles increase your average order value without needing more customers.
How to Start This Side Hustle
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose 1–2 high-demand items |
| 2 | Buy used or budget equipment |
| 3 | Set simple pricing (flat rate + add-ons) |
| 4 | Promote locally (Facebook, flyers, word-of-mouth) |
| 5 | Offer delivery/setup for higher rates |
Where to Find Concession Equipment (On a Budget)
Getting started doesn’t require buying brand-new equipment. In fact, many successful concession rental businesses start by sourcing used or discounted machines.
1. Local Marketplaces (Best for Deals)
These are often the cheapest options.
Where to look:
Why It Works:
- Lower prices than retail
- Ability to negotiate
- Local pickup (no shipping costs)
💡 Tip: Search terms like “popcorn machine,” “concession equipment,” or “event supplies.”
2. Online Retailers
If you prefer new equipment, these platforms are reliable.
Options:
Why It Works:
- Wide selection
- Reviews help you choose quality products
- Fast shipping
3. Wholesale & Restaurant Supply Stores
Great for higher-quality, commercial-grade equipment.
Where to check:
- Local restaurant supply stores
- Online suppliers like WebstaurantStore
Why It Works:
- Durable machines built for frequent use
- Better long-term investment
4. Liquidation & Auction Sites
You can find deep discounts if you’re patient.
Where to look:
- Business liquidation sales
- Auction sites
- Closing restaurants or event companies
Why It Works:
- Bulk or discounted pricing
- Opportunity to scale faster
5. Networking & Local Connections
Sometimes the best deals aren’t online.
Try:
- Asking event planners
- Contacting party rental companies
- Checking with schools or churches
They may sell older equipment or refer you to suppliers.
Pro Tip: Start Small and Upgrade
Don’t overinvest at the beginning.
- 👉 Start with 1–2 machines
- 👉 Validate demand
- 👉 Reinvest your profits into better equipment
This keeps your risk low while allowing you to grow steadily.
Where to Advertise Your Concession Rental Business
| Platform | Best For | Why It Works | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Groups | Local bookings | Targeted audience, free exposure | Post regularly with photos & pricing |
| Facebook Marketplace | Quick leads | High local traffic, easy messaging | List as a service with clear details |
| Craigslist | Budget marketing | Still effective for local services | Post in services & event sections |
| Instagram / TikTok | Visual promotion | Great for showing setups and experiences | Post videos of events and setups |
| Google Business Profile | Local SEO | Appears in “near me” searches | Collect reviews for trust |
| Event Planners & Venues | Referrals | Consistent bookings | Build relationships for repeat work |
| Flyers & Local Ads | Offline reach | Reaches local community | Place in high-traffic areas |
How to Maximize Profit
- Charge extra for supplies (kernels, sugar, syrups)
- Offer delivery and setup fees
- Create bundle deals
- Partner with event planners
- Require deposits to secure bookings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too much equipment too early
- Underpricing your rentals
- Not marketing consistently
- Ignoring cleaning and maintenance
- No booking system or schedule
FAQs
What’s the best concession to start with?
Popcorn or cotton candy—low cost and high demand.
How much can I make per weekend?
Anywhere from $100–$500+ depending on bookings.
Do I need permits?
Always check local regulations.
Can this become a full business?
Yes—many people scale into full event rental companies.
Final Thoughts
Concession rentals are one of the most practical side hustles you can start. You’re not just renting equipment—you’re providing experiences people are willing to pay for. Start small, focus on high-demand items, and build from there. Over time, you can turn a few machines into a full event rental business with consistent income.
