Starting a Fancy Dress Hire Business

This Fancy Dress Hire Business is not only for Halloween. All year round, this type of business can earn you profit. Here are some tips on how to start one.

If you think that a fancy dress hire business only becomes profitable during Halloween, boy, you?ve got it wrong.

The fancy dress hire business is always in demand the whole year round. Halloween isn’t the only time people have this inexplicable urge to dress differently from the norm. Somehow people always find themselves seeking that princess dress, policeman attire, or 70’s white suit ala John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

For most fancy dress hire business owners, starting this business came from collecting costumes and wearable memorabilia from popular movies. Sooner or later, they started renting out one or two costumes until finally they had this shop choke full of costumes circus-style, Halloween costumes, fancy dresses, fairytale-inspired costumes, pirate costumes, fake body parts, wigs, and assorted head wears, fun jewelry and neckwear, shoes, accessories, and even fake weapons to go along with the costumes.

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Starting this kind of business takes a little luck, a little pinch of business sense, and a lot of creativity. Here are some things to remember.

  • First of all, as part of your business start-up, you would need something to rent out, which means fancy costumes, dapper dress clothes, and accessories. Some fancy dress hire businesses make their costumes. Others accept donations or buy second-hand goods from movie and theater outfits. In any event, before you can open your own fancy dress business, you may want to stock up on supplies first. Not only do you need one costume, but you will also need several copies of the same costume – preferably in different sizes. You may also specialize in movie costumes, pirate costumes, fairy tale costumes, etc., complete with accessories, gadgets, headgear, fake jewelry, and foot wears. Some businesses even offer prosthetic or fake body parts.
  • Second, you must choose a location for your business. Your business may be a “brick-and-mortar” business where potential customers may walk in and out of your shop as they please. Or, it may be an Internet business where customers order what fancy dress or attire they desire via the web. In any case, you need a place to store and showcase your wares.

    For a brick-and-mortar business, you need someplace both prominent and accessible to people. This makes the shop more attractive to potential customers or at least one or two curious pedestrians. This type of small business hardly needs a large staff or crew, and maintaining the office space is relatively inexpensive.

    For an Internet business, you may need to capture your wares and post them on your website. The more people see how good your products are, the more likely you will have an inquiry or two. Make your site as creative as possible, yet ensure the site remains as efficient as any business website should be.
  • Thirdly, list terms and conditions you can hand out to your customers as they rent your wares. You must have a clear set of rules as to how your products should be returned and in what “condition” they should be returned.

    Your list of terms and conditions can also include your pricing and special discounts if you ever choose to offer them to senior citizens or students or for people who do bulk orders.

    Would you want clients to post a deposit before renting? Would you accept credit payments? What conditions can you impose should a costume be damaged? Does the client have to dry clean the item before returning it? These are only a few of the relevant questions you must answer when creating your list of terms and conditions.
  • Fourth, consider how to maintain your wares in their top condition. With some costumes, regular dry cleaning is required. With some, regular washing can do. A few businesses like these have in-house staff repairing damaged fancy costumes. The bulk of your operating expenses will fall on maintaining your goods.
  • Lastly, advertise anywhere you can. The local press classified section will do OK, or you can post your selling site on the Web. However, on many accounts, the best form of advertising is that if your clients are more than satisfied with your wares, they keep returning for more.

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55 Comments

  • Nigesh Chemmannoor. Joseph said on March 15, 2012
    Chirangara, Koratty South PO, Thrissur District, Kerala State, PIN : 680308, INDIA. I would like to start a Fancy/Wedding/Events Dress Hire Business as soon as possible.
  • snehha n kamble said on January 11, 2013
    Fancy dress hire business. Thane. Mumbai Maharashtra. India
  • Jyoti Dudeja said on April 8, 2013
    I want to open the fancy dress business
  • vikas kumar said on May 8, 2013
    we are delhi based manufacturing co. of fancy dresses of all types. Visit our website at natrajcreations. in or call us at 8527262208 for any further discussion.
  • Mahalakshmi said on June 7, 2013
    I like to start a kids costumes dress in tamilnadu chennai can any one help
  • Revathi R said on March 12, 2014
    I like to start a fancy dress hire business in bangalore.
  • mohsinbhai vohra said on June 18, 2014
    hay . I want to start this bissness
  • rohini said on July 27, 2014
    Thanks for this best recommendations ,nasik
  • Pramod Barale said on August 14, 2014
    I want to start the this business in Kolhapur, Maharashtra India where can I get the variety costumes near by?
  • darshan s mehta said on December 5, 2014
    I want to start this buisnes in Godhra gujarat
  • pritha sundar said on March 11, 2015
    I like to start a fancy dress hire business in Chennai can any one help. where its purchase the dress
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on April 15, 2015
    For all types of costumes call us at 8527262522,8527262208

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • sarita gupta said on May 10, 2015
    I would like to start fancy dress hire business in sikkim could u please let me know the details for it at the earliest.
  • yogini sonawane said on July 3, 2015
    I want to start costumes rental business in pune. how to start my business.state- maharastra.exp-no.
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on July 9, 2015
    Please mention your mobile nos. so that you can be contacted with details.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • yashika tyagi said on July 24, 2015
    I want to start this business in Vasundhara sec.13, Ghaziabad , U.P.
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on August 1, 2015
    It is for all the startups who are planning to enter this costume business; pls rely on us and start working in your town, city with our franchisee offer, you will be benefited in all. since we have three exclusive outlets of costumes in DELHI, We are planning to open up in every city and generate employment for people.FIX UP MEETINGS BY CALLING AT 011-65662522

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • sneha said on August 6, 2015
    @Vikas please email me all your details for the dress (kids and teens especially). i want to open a small shop in modinagar.
  • Abhishek said on August 9, 2015
    I live in South Delhi and want to start a fancy dress on rent business. I am looking for some experienced dress manufacturers who can supply dress being used in school's functions. Call me ASAP on +91-9971679223
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on August 19, 2015

    If you are a start up in this business dont be in this dilemma that it will reap you with profits initially. We have all the expertise in this business and we are also happy to help all the startups. for queries get in touch at watsapp no.-8527262522 with complete details.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on August 30, 2015
    If you are looking to start up a fancy dress business, pls make sure that you are financially sound otherwise it will be of no use.for franchisee queries watsapp ur details at 8527262522.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • ekta jain said on September 5, 2015
    I want to start a small fancy dress hire shop at raipur. Pls explain me how to start ? And what thing to be needed?
  • mohan said on September 6, 2015
    Want to start fancy dress business at jind. supply details.call-9416388312
  • RAJNISH AGGARWAL said on September 6, 2015
    this is Rajnish Aggarwal I want TO start A Fancy Dress Business At Abohar Punjab Please GIve Me A Detail Related That As Early AS Possible
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on September 7, 2015

    its an advice to all the startups, if you are serious in doing business then only post your queries on this portal, otherwise its of no use wasting time. THANKS

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • Amit Joshi said on October 1, 2015
    I am located at delhi, area : Dwarka,Dasrathpuri area. I am a government employee. My wife want to start fancy dress renting business for school children. I have shop and sufficient space to start the business. I am serious to start this business. But we have no experience. May be vikas can help in working out the finer details for initial starting. My contact details are 9013524354, 9268757496. My email id: gamitjos@gmail.com.
  • vikas kumar said on October 4, 2015
    People interested in our franchisee can mail their details at my watsapp no.-8527262522,we will send every details and arrange a meeting at our office between monday to saturday(10 am to 7:30 pm).
  • SWETA SINGH said on October 28, 2015
    I Want to start fancy dress business at noida. Please suggest me. call 8826237714, 9560054579. Plese reply me as soon as possible.
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on April 7, 2016
    People interested in doing this fancy costumes business must keep in mind that to earn wisely,you need to invest wisely with our experience and support.Its a investment business for the initial years then profits are too good.for more details watsapp at 8527262522.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • Riya said on April 21, 2016
    I want to start fancy dress on rent Business as soon as possible in gurgaon. Could u help me anyways.My no. Is 9891967648. Starting investment approx.
  • Kolappan beginner adviser said on May 7, 2016
    Anyone start a fancy dress business I supply the goods mob. 8190923680

    kolappan83@gmail.com || Consultant

  • Aditya joshi said on May 8, 2016
    I want to start the business of fancy dresses and theme dresses
  • Kolappan beginner adviser said on May 12, 2016
    Anyone want to start fancy dress costumes. Give idea start fancy dress shop contact whatsup no 8190923680

    kolappan83@gmail.com || Consultant

  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on May 26, 2016
    If you are willing to start this business of fancy costumes,please send your details @ 8527262522(watsapp no.)

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • Vijender Bhardwaj said on July 5, 2016
    I wants to start in Surat please send me details. My whats up number is 9215124001
  • Ruchika said on July 29, 2016
    I want to start costumes rental business in nagpur. how to start my business.state- maharastra. contact 9175529101
  • James expert adviser said on August 2, 2016
    @Ruchika, hi.. good to know you are planing for a costume rental business. how much research you have done on it? what is your budget? Did you figure out a place to open your store? have you interviewed any of the existing business owners from the same niche? do you know any wholesalers to supply you materials?

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Fancy Dress Costume beginner adviser said on March 24, 2016
    i can help you on this. call on +91 9871278984

    +91 9871278984 || Fancy Dress Business Adviser

  • Nikita said on August 14, 2016
    I want to start my costume rental business in udaipur. How to start my business state-rajasthan. 7073240828
  • Swagatika sahoo said on August 15, 2016
    Hi, this is Swagatika sahoo....I want to start a small fancy dress renting business..where i can get the costumes? @vikas kumar plz email me all ur detail for the dress...my contact details 9820110573, 9987696916
  • kamal said on August 30, 2016
    Hi, this is Kamal, from Dwarka, Delhi. I want to start a small fancy dress renting business. i have sufficient space to start business. Please tell me, how much initial amount required to start for this business. My email id is kamal_pts@rediffmail.com
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on September 5, 2016
    People looking to start up this business must first survey what it is all about.It is the ROI which is of main concern. Right from a store selection to budget investment, procuring costumes,jewellery and accessories and to further understand this business, our team of natraj creations would be extremely happy to help. To further connect with us for further advice and meetings, watsapp @8527262522

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • Mrunmayi Mangeshkar said on October 24, 2016
    Hi, I want to start fancy dress rental business in Pune and will be operating from my own house. Could you help me with the investment required, sourcing and stocking? My whatsapp number is 9822322860.
  • sandhya said on November 9, 2016
    Hello Guys i , my Self have started a new fancy dress costume business and i must say it is not as easy as it looks ... there are lot of dimensions which you would have to Explore.

    First of all i would like to bring forth sub types of Costume Rental Business
    1. Rental to walk in customer
    2. Rental to Institutions
    3. Sale of Costume ( Retail )
    4. Sale of Costume to Institutions ( Wholesale / Make On Order)

    These above points are for people starting the business

    There are lot of other problems such as space to store the growing Stock after every annual function and off course many many other things.

    Some of the top Costume sellers who helped me as well are FancyDressCostume.in

    You guys can visit this website they also have a detailed Business Starter pack with all the information you need, they may charge a consultation fee which is refundable but hey its worth to loose 1000 rupees over all the money time and hopes that you invest. The reason i gave out their details is because i cant professionally help you guys but these people can also i didnt want to share my contact info so wish u guys all the best.

    oh yes one more thing it best to whatsapp the people of this company rather than sending emails the person i found most helpful Mr Kaushik 7840009078 he should be able to help u guys with the start up.
  • minal Gupta said on October 5, 2017
    I want to start costume hire small business at my home in Nagpur. Can anyone help me in getting costumes for the same purpose or anybody who is ready to sell the stuff.
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on November 2, 2017
    @minal Gupta, please whatsapp your details @ 8527262522

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • KAMINI said on November 30, 2017
    CAN YOU GIVE US APPROX EXPENSES AND DETAILS WHAT WE REQUIRE TO START FANCY DRESS BIZ IN NEW DELHI
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on December 1, 2017
    @kamini pls send your no. to discuss further.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • Ketali said on August 4, 2018
    Anyone who makes & sells costume in Mumbai
  • Arjaz said on December 16, 2018
    Hi, I want to open the fancy costume business in Bangalore, Can I get some inputs and details of wholesale distributors for these businesses.
  • Sapna said on December 25, 2018
    Hi, I am looking for people interested in Fancy dress costume business in Pune. Anyone who would partner the idea please email on buzzsapna@gmail.com. This might be inappropriate on this site but helpful.
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on March 19, 2019
    People willing to start up a costume business in any city can call/ whatsapp at 8527262522 or mail us at natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • Ajay Sharma said on January 6, 2020
    Anyone, who wants to start a FANCY Dresses Business In your area with minimum Investment. Please contact AFC- AARADHYA FANCY COLLECTION 9214309871
  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on January 23, 2020
    The costume business is not a cakewalk. For a detailed understanding of this business call @8527262522.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

  • vikas kumar beginner adviser said on July 18, 2022
    We are interested in starting the costume business on a meager budget. Contact @8527262522.We is a 13-year-old costume business operating from Delhi, and now we have plans to sell all the stocks worth 1.50 CR at only 25 lakhs and exit this segment.

    natrajcreations4dress@gmail.com || Clothing Manufacturing Business Consultant

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