Another crazy question!

last year

I have planted many large containers this year and they do look quite lovely, if I do say so, lol. Was unable to resist the gorgeous & well-grown annuals at two superior local venues, where I spent down a goodly portion of my childrens' inheritance ... =)

Just now, DS#2 and DDIL came by to pick up several of them to brighten up their yard for dear grandson's graduation party tomorrow. I was informed that a friend of theirs, upon learning about them borrowing my pots, said that she would be delighted to rent these from me for a party she would be hosting.

I have never thought about doing such a thing! So my question is: What would you suggest I charge for 2 day rental of my containers (per container)?? I certainly do not charge my family (!) but this is rather different.

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Comments (13)

lucillle
last year
last modified: last year
The sunny side up is that you rent them out, get a bit of extra spending money, and a fabulous reputation.

The non sunny side up is that it might be expected that you do the schlepping back and forth of containers, (and large containers can be quite heavy) the containers might be broken at the renter's party, stolen by porch pirates, the renters may not pay, the renter's children or guests may pour their drinks in the soil, you might have to be prepared for questions as to whether any insecticides are used, (and if not what insects they may be harboring) or criticisms if the plants/flowers in question were having a droopy day.

I would probably tell them that this was for family only. Unless you are prepared for all possibilities.
roxanna thanked lucillle
palisades_
last year
That would be a nice way to earn a cool reputation and extra $ for more planting! Maybe you can query a local plants renting business catering to wedding, conferences about their rental rates for similar plants.

A quick search gave me these info:

Typical Pricing Examples:
- Small, Standard Plants:
  You might find rentals for small, common plants (like Boston Ferns or Sansevieria) at around $15 - $20 per rental period (3 days or a week).
- Medium-Sized Plants:
  Plants in 10-inch pots or 3-gallon containers might be rented for $25 - $50 per rental period.
- Larger Plants:
  Plants in 5-gallon or 7-gallon containers or those that are 4-6 feet tall can range from $50 to $100 or more per rental period.
Other things to consider, such as arrangement for pick up and return, compensation for broken planters, destroyed plants/flowers.
roxanna thanked palisades_
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lily316
last year
Perfectly said, Lucille. I would be flattered to have such beautiful arrangements that people wanted to rent them. But the plants may suffer from lack of watering, drinks poured on them, and broken stems. Broken pots are always a concern. I have many throughout my yard, and they are a beast to move just a few inches.
vgkg Z-7 Va
last year
Did she invite you to her party? I'd make that a condition, nyuk.
roxanna thanked vgkg Z-7 Va
Elmer J Fudd
last year
I think asking if they could rent them is a polite way of expressing a compliment and then asking if they could borrow them, with the inducement of paying something.

If these are friends, I'd offer the use for no charge. Don't we all share with friends for the pleasure of doing so and not for any expectation of gain?
roxanna thanked Elmer J Fudd
olychick
last year
Is there time to offer your talents to plant their own planters for them at an hourly rate with them paying for all materials?
roxanna thanked olychick
petalique
last year
Call Larry David.

I see a Seinfeld episode coming into focus.
roxanna thanked petalique
chispa
last year
I have wheeled stands for my outdoor lanai planters. The ceramic planters and plants are too heavy to move easily and we need to move them into a sheltered area when we have hurricanes. You get what you pay for, with something that has to be durable and stable. Five+ wheels are more stable than four.
roxanna thanked chispa
Elmer J Fudd
last year
" offer your talents to plant their own planters for them at an hourly rate "

Don't we all share our time with friends when possible, for the pleasure of doing so?
shirlpp
last year
I agree with Olychick - Offer to make them for her instead of renting them to her. Charge her for your labor, choosing the pots, payment for the pots and plants.
roxanna thanked shirlpp
marmiegard_z7b
last year
Great comments. It was fun thinking about this situation. I agree with not moving your planters any more than just for a close family event, for the reasons given, plants may not be happy ( too much sun/ water/ wind) or planters broken, & your investment wasted, awkwardness of any “ rent”. You might be intrigued by the idea of being a planter- designer for other people, if you have the time and energy, but it’s an interesting situation, if they are not “ plant people “ they may have no idea or interest in the maintenance, plus they want something for a specific event and a new planting may not reach its fullness / proportions in time, OR be too packed with larger plants to survive for long, or they have no idea what stuff costs & no budget for a nice planting( which is why renting or lending your pots is a cool idea, just has drawbacks.)
Or if you’re not super attached to your pots/ planters, and ok with them taking some wear and tear ( like , not fine Italian terra cotta) then maybe you want to experiment with a new hobby or side gig!
roxanna thanked marmiegard_z7b
arcy_gw
last year
No way would I risk the container getting damaged let alone the plants for a random party. A very special to me someone's wedding--maybe. I would offer to come and plant some arrangements up for them.
roxanna thanked arcy_gw
OutsidePlaying
last year
Lucille brought up some very good points. But your question was regarding how much to charge for a 2-day rental. I think it depends on whether you have to deliver & pickup the containers (I would avoid someone else handling ’MY’ plants) and their size/weight. If you can safely and securely do this and have a good idea what to charge per container, based on size, then I would work up an agreement for this person to sign. You could state that they would be liable for damage to the plants and container, that no one should handle or water or cut flowers on the plants on display. Treat it like a business unless this person is a friend and you don’t mind loaning your prized plants to them.
roxanna thanked OutsidePlaying