What should I check before buying a tent rental business?

A tent rental business is a fleet of large, heavy assets and a crew that knows how to put them up safely. Both are easy to overlook in a listing summary. Start with the general checks in what to check before buying an event rental business, then go further on the points below, which are particular to tents.

The tents and their condition

Ask for an inventory by tent type, size and age, covering frame and pole styles, sidewalls, flooring, lighting and anchors. Ask to see tents set up, and look at fabric, seams, zippers and frames for wear and patching. Ask for the repair and replacement history, and how the owner stores tents between events. A damp storage habit can shorten fabric life.

The crew and the trucks

Installation skill is part of what you are buying. Find out who leads installs, how they were trained and whether they plan to stay. If the owner is the only person who can set up the largest tents, raise it with the seller, and with an accountant or advisor. Check the age and condition of the trucks, trailers, lifts and tools, and whether they are in the sale.

Season, weather and claims

Look at the booking calendar over several years to see how concentrated work is in a few months, and how weather cancellations were handled. Ask for the record of damaged tents, customer complaints and any injuries or incidents. Ask to see insurance claims and the policy, and have your insurance broker review them. Your lawyer can advise on any open claim.

Questions for the seller

• Which tents earn the most, and which sit idle?
• What deposits are held for future events?
• What equipment is leased or financed?
• Which customers return every year?