The concept of an equipment rental franchise is simple. Provide equipment and supplies for those items of equipment which are used seldom enough that it does not make sense to purchase. Typically, equipment rentals are for larger cost items which are used only periodically, such as seasonal equipment. Rototilling equipment and edging equipment are examples of products which the average homeowner may only use once or twice during a season. At the same time the cost to purchase the item is unwarranted at that level of use.

Another primary reason used for equipment rental rather than purchase is due to one-time or rare usage. For instance, many do it yourselfers will choose to paint house exterior themselves, rather than hire the job done. In such cases, it may make more sense to rent a paint sprayer of a commercial size instead of purchasing a small unit which may not get the job done adequately, or a large unit which can be a sizable investment. When you rent the equipment, you know that it has been well-maintained and is operational.

Sometimes a backhoe or truck is rented to accomplish some specific large task which does not happen often enough to warrant purchasing a vehicle. In order to excavate for a garden pond, for example, construction or grading equipment could be purchased.

On a smaller scale, families planning a wedding or wedding reception may choose to rent items such as a large punch bowl, a wedding arch, extra folding chairs or tables to be a convenient way to use needed items on a temporary basis.

People who rent from equipment rental franchises aren't always private homeowners or individuals. Often, contractors will rent specific equipment items from the franchise store when the use is sporadic. An example might be a contractor who occasionally uses scaffolding to accomplish a particular job. It may be cheaper to rent the scaffolding, rather than to purchase and store such equipment.

What type of individual might be interested in acquiring an equipment rental franchise - A person who is interested in working with the public is always helpful in a people-oriented business. The franchisee should have some knowledge of tools and equipment in various trades. A franchisee in the equipment rental business must be able to provide adequate space for the three major components of his business: display, storage and repair. Examples of current equipment rental franchises are Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rentals and Party Central.