Event tents are perhaps the most versatile temporary structure on the market. And for good reason. With new designs, such as those of clearspan tents, they can be constructed nearly anywhere. Gone are the days of having to have the perfect, flat surface with extra space for guy lines.
Today’s event tents can be erected on any type of surface and don’t require the extra guy line space. This makes them ideal in so many situations – and for so many different industries. You will find them being used:
- By our United States military.
- By construction companies.
- By agricultural organizations.
- By schools and universities.
- By sports teams and community sports complexes.
- By disaster relief
- And many large corporations, too.
The best part is that they are affordable to just about everyone thanks to the option of purchasing or renting. This means that not only are they available to large companies, but also to small business and private individuals, as well. However, as with everything in life, there are pros and cons to both.
The Benefits of Event Tents
Before we talk about all the good and the bad about purchasing or renting event tents, let’s take a moment to just talk about all the reasons why you’d even want to have this consideration,to begin with: the benefits of event tents.
If you are in need of a temporary structure, you will want to consider a tent. Here’s why:
- They can be customized to meet your needs.
- It doesn’t matter what size you need, you can find a tent to fit smallest – and largest – of spaces.
- These temporary structures can provide you with an outdoor space that has all of the perks of being indoors.
- Your tent can come with accessories, such as flooring, lighting, side walls, and even an HVAC system.
- The fabric of the tent can be transparent or opaque.
You will find that event tents are strong and sturdy, allowing you to remain safe during any inclement weather that may appear in your area.
So, whether you are having an event or in need of a tent for business purposes, you will find that there are many benefits to a temporary tent structure. Now, you just need to determine whether you will purchase one or rent one.
Should You Buy One or Rent One?
The question – should you buy or rent an event tent – is one that you will want to answer before you need it. Both are great options, depending on what you are using the tent for, how often you will be using it, and what your budget is.
For some, it will make sense to simply rent an event tent as needed. For others, however, it will only make sense to purchase the tent and always have it at your fingertips in case it is needed. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
What Will You Use It For? How Often Will You Use It?
What you intend to use the tent for – and how often – will play a large factor in deciding whether you want to purchase or rent the tent. After all, if you only intend to use it once, does it make sense to purchase a tent? Would you find ways to use it more n often if you had it? If you buy an event tent, will use it regularly?
To rent…
The idea behind renting an event tent is because you have a temporary need. Perhaps you are throwing a birthday party or a one-time trade show. It may not seem worth the extra money to purchase a tent. In fact, if you may want to consider renting a tent if you are using it for:
- A wedding or reception.
- A birthday party.
- A corporate picnic.
- Or any one-time event.
To buy…
Those who are looking for a more permanent solution for their tent needs may want to consider buying one. It may cost more initially but having the ever-present and ready to use tent structure will be worth it in the long-run.
You may want to consider buying a tent if you are using it for:
- A farm or agricultural use.
- As a means of storage.
- As relief for natural disasters that can occur at any time.
- A sports complex or training facility.
- Weddings, receptions, or other celebrations.
THE PROS
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. You need a tent. You are on the fence about purchasing and renting.
Renting
- If you are using a tent for a one-time event, such as a wedding or party, then renting will save you money.
- If you don’t have a place for storage, then renting allows you to use the tent and give it back.
- You don’t have to worry about providing maintenance on the tent, as once you are finished with it, you return it.
Buying
- If you are in need of a tent for a continual purpose, such as for your construction sites or to hold your livestock, paying rental fees can be exorbitant. You’d be in a much better financial situation if you just bought your own tent.
- Buying a tent means it would always be right at your disposal. No need to wait for delivery.
THE CONS
These cons are definitely something you want to consider.
Renting
- Requiring your tent for more than one occasion or for an extended period of time can add up in costs.
- Although the process is rather quick, you will still have to order your tent in advance.
Buying
- Buying a tent means you’ve got to have a place to either erect it long-term or a place to store it when it is not in use. Depending on your resources available, this could add extra costs to maintaining the tent.
- You will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the tent and its fabric.
Event tents are wonderful additions to any outdoor event or need for cover. It’s not a matter of deciding whether you should get one – you should. But, rather – should you rent an event tent or buy it?
4 replies on “Should You Buy or Rent Your Event Tent? The Pros and Cons of Each”
Price on renting a Fibric Structure 20,000 SQ FT 65W X 300L)
I like how you mention that it’s important to consider the function of renting a tent especially if it’s going to be for a one-time event like a corporate gathering that would need to house a lot of people all in one place. One advantage of renting a tent is that you have (almost) full control of customizing how you would want the inside of the tent to look like to suit your needs. If I needed to rent out a tent for a corporate event I would also have to consider what kind of catering would also be done at the same time.
Hi Adrian,
We agree! There are many benefits of utilizing a tent for one-time purposes, especially when hosting many people at once. You have much more flexibility with a tent than you would with a venue!
I can understand how a business could really benefit from getting an event tent when they want to hold an event outside. Making sure that they can rent a tent from a professional could allow them to be more effective. I liked what you said about how a tent can come with different fabrics, and accessories to be customized for their needs.