Government agencies and tax advice
United States requirements vary by state, county and city. Confirm your business license, sales tax obligations and any event permits with the responsible agencies.
Guide for new party rental companies
Starting a bounce house rental business? Plan the operation before you buy.
Owning an inflatable is only part of the job. You also need dry storage, a reliable vehicle, a safe setup routine, the right insurance and a price that covers all the work involved.
Already have equipment?
Your first listing needs a title, real photos, your location, a price per event and a short description.
List your first item for freeListing on HOPS24 is free with no commission. How many inquiries you receive depends on your region, your listings and the season.
Will a rental business fit your everyday life?
If you can’t answer one of these questions yet, sort it out before you buy. It won’t remove every risk, but it exposes expensive gaps early.
- Where will you store and dry the unit?Plan enough space for the inflatable, blower, paperwork and anchoring gear – including after a rainy event, when everything has to dry before it’s packed away.
- How will everything get to the venue?Check weight, packed size, vehicle or trailer, help with lifting, drive time and setup under realistic conditions.
- Who is responsible on site?Decide on wind and weather limits, anchoring, supervision, the handover to the customer and how you handle cancellations or damage.
From first plan to first listing
Check demand in your area
Talk to schools, churches, event planners or potential customers, then pick a service area you can cover reliably.
Confirm licenses, permits and state rules
Ask your city, county and state – and a qualified advisor – which business license, sales tax registration, permits and state rules for inflatable amusement devices apply to you.
Get your insurance confirmed in writing
Describe your equipment and services precisely. Don’t assume bodily injury or property damage is covered until your insurer confirms it in writing; many customers and venues will ask for a certificate of insurance.
Inspect the unit and its paperwork
Before buying, check the manufacturer’s documents, condition, intended use, accessories, spare parts and the operating instructions for safe setup.
Do one complete test run
Practice loading, setup, the handover, teardown, cleaning and drying. Write down how long it takes and anything that still needs solving.
Set your price and publish
Factor in travel, labor, cleaning, wear and reserves. Then use real photos and state clearly what your price includes.
Your rental price has to cover more than the purchase
Revenue and payback depend on your area, season, equipment, how often it’s rented and your actual costs. There is no reliable earnings guarantee. Get current quotes before you invest and plan for canceled jobs.
- Inflatable, blower and anchoring equipment
- Insurance, permits and any required inspections
- Storage, drying, cleaning and repairs
- Fuel, vehicle, setup and teardown time
- Taxes, cancellations and an adequate reserve
Legal, insurance and safety
This page is general product information, not legal, tax, insurance or safety advice. Binding requirements vary by state, county, city, venue and equipment.
Insurer
Have your specific rental operation and every unit added to your coverage in writing, and keep your certificate of insurance ready for customers and venues.
Manufacturer and state inspections
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Many states regulate or inspect inflatables – find out what applies in your state and keep inspection records and permits current.
Operating routine
Define wind and weather limits, supervision, anchoring, an emergency plan and a documented handover for every rental.
What HOPS24 does – and what it doesn’t
HOPS24 shows your listings and sends inquiries straight to your inbox. Contract, payment, operation and safety stay between you and your customer. Besides bounce houses, you can list water slides, arcade machines, concession machines, tables, chairs and tents, sound and lighting or party entertainment – optionally also for long-term placement.
- A public page for every published listing
- Direct inquiries – no access to other providers’ orders
- A calendar where you enter your confirmed jobs
- Search requests from customers in your service area
- Your own prices and delivery area
Common questions about getting started
Do I need a special license or training?
It depends on your state, city, services, equipment and venue. Get training from the manufacturer and check local and state requirements with the responsible agencies.
What insurance do I need?
An insurance agent or broker has to assess your actual operation – typically at least general liability coverage. Rely only on written confirmation of coverage.
Which inspections are required?
That varies by state, equipment and use. Many states regulate or inspect inflatables; your state’s current rules and the manufacturer’s instructions are what count.
How many jobs can I expect?
There’s no reliable guarantee, including through HOPS24. Test local demand and budget conservatively for seasons, weather and cancellations.
What does HOPS24 cost?
Nothing for providers – no monthly fee and no commission. You agree on the price directly with your customer; HOPS24 deducts nothing and never handles the money. You only pay for something you order yourself, such as a Partner API plan like Business for website widgets without the HOPS24 note.
Ready to rent out your equipment? List it on HOPS24.
A title, real photos, your location, a price per event and a short description are enough to get started. You can add more details later.