How to Start a Profitable Plant Rental Side Business

There was a time not too long ago when money was flowing, and individuals could make a living by simply renting out large plants. In the past, when I had an event that required large trees, I called Bob. I had his information written in a notebook, and if I had lost it, he would have been hard to track down because he only did business through word of mouth. His inventory was mainly six- to eight-foot ficus trees, which he would deliver to and pick up from events. I admired the simplicity of his business, and I often wonder if he still does it. With current circumstances, surviving solely on ficus tree rentals would be difficult. However, plant rentals can be an easy side hustle for an interiorscape company. If you’re interested in starting a plant rental side business, here are important points to consider.

Basic Plant Rental Requirements

If your interiorscape company has an inventory of attractive foliage in varying heights, decorative plant containers, a box truck, and staff who can physically move heavy products, then you have all the basic components for a plant rental side business. If you don’t have the necessary items, don’t worry. With the right profit margin, you can source plants and containers, as well as rent a vehicle for the job if needed. For instance, I don’t keep landscape material on hand, but I often purchase items—such as spiral junipers—at wholesale costs for wedding rentals. I charge the client the retail price. Therefore, if I never rent the topiaries again, I still make a profit—typically 20%. In addition, I can either use the plants myself or sell them.

Keeping It Simple With Decorative Plant Containers

There’s been one instance in my rental experience that didn’t require decorative planters. And while it’s important to have plant containers readily available, it can get overwhelming if you have a large selection for a client to choose from. I find it best to keep a supply of simple black plant containers on hand in the standard medium (10”–12”) and large (14”–16”) sizes. I include these planters in the rental price. If the client wants a different color or style, I offer that at an additional charge, which covers my purchase cost. Woven baskets, in neutral shades, are another inexpensive option. The downside of woven baskets, when compared to commercial hard plastic containers, is with repeated use, baskets break down. The durability of commercial plastic containers is going to provide a greater profit in the long term. 

Marketing and Networking Strategies

Social media has made marketing to a specific audience relatively easy these days. Capturing appealing photos—which requires time and effort—is a must for successful advertising. An eye-catching picture combined with a few lines of information is usually suitable for grabbing the attention of potential clients, and Pinterest and Instagram are great sites for advertising. Just note that if your photos aren’t appealing, potential clients will have good reason to continue browsing for another company to do business with.

In addition to leveraging social media, expanding your network is equally important. Networking with companies that handle special events can drastically increase your customer base. Large florists in your area will have the greatest number of your target audience, and building relationships with local floral designers is like having an outside sales force.

To create the perfect atmosphere for weddings, florists are often tasked with camouflaging venue areas or designing more private outside spaces. However, most florists don’t provide large foliage, which is needed in these circumstances to create barriers and enhance spaces. This is where plant rentals come in handy, and if you have a good relationship with florists in your area, you may get a spot on a venue’s preferred vendor list, widening your rental opportunities. Also, visiting different locations to discover how your foliage can enhance the venue’s customers’ experience is a great way to sell your service and make event coordinators remember you.

Unlocking Opportunities

If you don’t mind giving up some of your weekends and working under time constraints, a plant rental side business can be very lucrative. It’s an excellent way to diversify your interiorscape business and tap into new revenue streams while enhancing your brand’s visibility and appeal in the bustling event industry.