How to Run Your Own Fancy Dress Hire Service

And there I was, thinking that I was not only at the Battle of Waterloo but also in Queen Victoria's living room. Such was the splendour of the evening, one could forget that I was in fact at a fancy dress party.

And this got me thinking, especially as I know somebody who had wandered into this business venture purely by accident by following a hobby and had made quite a decent living out of it 'thank you very much, sir!'

The hiring out of fancy dress costumes can be pretty big business, whether working from home or renting a small shop, because there are so many people wanting to be 'different', either with the kind of parties that they hold or the marathons in which they run, and so on.

So, what is required for providing such costumery? Well, for starters there's the costumes themselves. These may be bought in from other fancy dress stores or maybe - especially if you know somebody who is quite handy with a needle and thread - they can be home-made.

Libraries may be a source for finding period costume design. A professional seamstress can work wonders with design when confronted with just a modelled picture in a book. They would also know what the best material to use is and where to buy it from.

Advertising your hire service can come in many forms - the local newspapers, word of mouth, newsagents windows, the intenet, and countless other places that I am sure you can think of.

Cost to hire your costumes should be pitched in line with other providers, so be prepared to telephone your 'opposition' and make notes of how much they are charging and set your fees to just below theirs, so that you always maintain the 'competitive edge'. Details of other fancy dress hire companies can be obtained from your local Yellow Pages or an online search engine check.

Even working on the tightest of budgets, you should gradually build up your stock. Most of your income will invariably come from 'repeat business', especially if you can offer top-notch costumes at comparable prices. Supply excellent service twinned with superb products and word will soon get around that you are the hirer to deal with.

Always remember to keep a tight rein on your business finances. Always log customers in and out, using a simple form of bookkeeping that will also include your clients' names, addresses and telephone numbers, as well as the amount that they paid you for the rental of the garment.

Bear in mind your clients' requests. If they ask you for a particular costume that you do not have, try and get one made for them, if only to secure the business. It's also bound to come in useful someday again.

Rome wasn't built in a day, it is said, and nor will this business be built likewise. Work hard at it, be selective in your costumes, seek out the best seamstresses or suppliers, keep your rental prices competitive - and you'll get there!