The Top Tents for Your Tent Rental Business with the Best ROI

When it comes to running a tent rental business, choosing the right tent styles can make all the difference. If this is just a side hustle, you can keep things simple with quick-setup pop-up tents. But if you're looking to grow your party rental business and attract more clients, investing in versatile, durable tents will open the door to bigger events and higher-paying customers.

Let’s dive into the most popular event tent styles for party rental companies and what makes each one a great option.

Heavy-Duty Pop-Up Tents:

Pop-up tents are the easiest tents to transport and set up, making them ideal for one-person or small crew operations. They are commonly used for vendor fairs, farmers' markets, festivals, and small backyard gatherings.

If you plan to rent to businesses or small-scale events, a 10x10 pop-up tent is a great option, while larger 10x20 pop-up tents work well for backyard parties and business promotions. Since pop-up tents are lightweight and require minimal effort to set up, they are an excellent choice for rental businesses looking for fast-turnaround, high-volume rentals.

High Peak Tents: 

High peak tents feature a striking peaked design while maintaining a compact footprint, making them ideal for weekend party rentals and fast setups. Unlike pole tents, high peak tents don’t require center poles, allowing for open space underneath the canopy.

These tents are a great option for weddings, corporate events, and upscale gatherings. Their sleek, modern look makes them a favorite among clients looking for both function and style.

Pole Tents: 

Pole tents are one of the most recognizable event tent styles in the rental industry. Their high-arching peaks and center poles create a traditional, elegant look that is popular for weddings, festivals, and large outdoor parties.

Because pole tents require staking for a secure setup, they are best suited for grass or other soft surfaces. They are also more budget-friendly than other tent styles, making them a great option for rental businesses looking to offer affordable solutions for large gatherings.

Frame Tents: 

Frame tents are one of the most versatile options for tent rental businesses. Unlike pole tents, they don’t require center poles, allowing for 100% usable space underneath. They can be anchored with stakes or a tent ballasting system, making them ideal for both grass and concrete setups.

Because of their durability and ability to be used in a variety of settings, frame tents are a solid investment for rental businesses looking for long-lasting, high-return inventory. They work well for weddings, corporate events, and backyard parties, making them a go-to choice for many tent rental companies.

Clear Top Tents: 

Clear top tents are perfect for luxury events like weddings, galas, and evening celebrations. Their transparent roof panels create a stunning, open-air feel, allowing guests to enjoy the surroundings while staying covered.

Since they are a frame-style tent, they provide maximum usable space underneath. However, they do tend to trap heat in direct sunlight, so it’s important to consider the event timing and location when renting them out.

Keder Tent:

Keder tents are a top choice for long-term rentals due to their track-based system that allows for fast, easy installation. Instead of securing fabric with straps, keder tents use tracks to hold the tent fabric in place, making them more weather-resistant and easier to maintain.

These tents are ideal for long-term commercial rentals because you can remove the tent fabric separately instead of taking down the entire frame in bad weather. This feature makes them highly durable, efficient, and cost-effective for rental businesses handling frequent, large-scale events.

Owning high-quality party tents is just the beginning—successful tent rentals require the right accessories to ensure safe setups, smooth operations, and satisfied customers. Simply offering tents may not be enough to attract bookings, as many clients expect a full-service rental experience.

To stand out and maximize your revenue, it’s important to stock setup tools and safety equipment while also providing add-ons like furniture, lighting, and flooring to make your tent business a one-stop shop for event planners.

Let’s dive into 8 essential accessories every tent rental business should have.

1. Sidewalls: Whether your clients want privacy, protection from the weather, or an elegant backdrop, tent sidewalls are a simple way to enhance any event. Options like solid, clear, or windowed panels can transform an open tent into a cozy, stylish space.
2. Tent Ballasting System: Some venues don’t allow staking, but that shouldn’t limit your business. A reliable ballasting system keeps tents safely anchored on concrete, asphalt, or any hard surface, so you never have to turn down a job.
3. Drop Cloth: Your event tents are a big investment—keeping them clean and damage-free should be a priority. Using drop cloths during setup helps prevent rips, dirt stains, and unnecessary wear, saving you time on cleaning and extending the life of your tents.
4. Frame Jack: Setting up large frame tents? Take the heavy lifting off your crew with a sturdy frame jack that makes raising tents safer and faster. Your team (and their backs) will thank you!
5. Stake Puller: When the event is over, you want teardown to be as quick and painless as possible. A stake puller does the hard work for you, making it easy to remove stakes without damaging them or straining your crew.
6. Furniture: Most outdoor events need tables, chairs, and lounge areas, so why not offer them as part of your rental package? Whether it’s banquet seating, cocktail tables, or a full reception setup, giving your clients an easy, one-stop rental experience keeps them coming back. Explore layout ideas here.
7. Lighting: The right lighting can turn a simple tent into a warm, inviting space. From string lights to chandeliers, offering lighting rentals helps set the mood and keep the party going after sunset.
8. Flooring:A tented event should feel just as polished as an indoor venue. Flooring provides stability, prevents tripping, and keeps shoes clean, making it a must-have for high-end events like weddings and galas.
9. Decor: The little details make all the difference. Offering linens, backdrops, arches, and signage gives your clients everything they need in one place, saving them time and increasing your revenue per event.

Running a tent rental business is more than just setting up shelters—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for your clients while making smart investments in your business. We get it—our team started in the party rental industry, and we know firsthand what it takes to succeed. That’s why we’re committed to helping you find the right tents that will keep your business thriving for years to come.

At first glance, most tents look the same. But the real difference? It’s in the details. When choosing tents for your rental business, quality should always come first. A tent that seems like a great deal now can end up costing you in repairs, replacements, and lost bookings down the road.

One of the most important things to look at is tent fabric. While many manufacturers use 16oz blockout vinyl, you need to pay attention to the denier rating (250-1000 scale) and UV resistance. UV exposure can break down the fabric, causing cracks, discoloration, and early wear. While many imported tents start showing wear within 2-3 years, our domestically sourced materials last 7+ years before showing signs of aging. That’s the difference high-quality materials make for your party tent rental business. 

If you’re just starting your rental business, check out our 7 Steps to Starting Your Own Rental Business Guide where we cover important steps like conduct market research, develop a business plan, and other ideas to scale your business growth. Need hands-on tent setup training? Let’s talk! We’re dedicated to providing you with resources, knowledge, and support to set you up for success.

When you invest in American Tent, you’re investing in higher ROI, happier clients, and fewer headaches from quality issues. Ready to take your party rental company to the next level? Reach out to our team by calling 920-431-0938—we’d love to help you grow!