Should you rent or buy a canopy tent?

Upfront, the cost of renting a tent once is much cheaper than buying a quality, commercial-grade canopy tent. Plus, with a rental, you don’t need to factor in the cost of storing or maintaining your tent. For one-time events or infrequent use, renting a tent offers the lowest upfront cost. 

When it comes to long-term value, though, buying a tent wins. The cost of renting a tent over and over again starts to add up. With proper care, a professional canopy tent lasts years. The higher upfront cost of purchasing a canopy tent will be significantly lower per use if you use it often. In the long run, buying a canopy tent is much more cost-effective than renting one.

If you prefer something that really captures the attention of your customers or guests, purchasing a tent might be a better option for you. Personalized lettering, logo applications, or other specialized printing are only an option when you buy your own tent. When you design a custom tent with Ecotent®, you’ll also benefit from design support and consultation from our Product Experts.

Similarly, if you’re looking for a particular shape, size, or color for your canopy tent, you might want to consider buying. While many rental companies offer a range of options, there’s no guarantee that what you’re looking for will be in stock when and where you need it. If you’re flexible on the specifics, you might be able to rent something suitable. Buying a canopy tent, however, is your best bet for securing a specific tent shape, size, or color.

Whether you like it or not, your decision to rent or buy a canopy tent sets off a chain of other choices and options. It’s a good idea to understand all the implications of renting or buying from the start. Before you submit a rental order or start designing your own canopy tent, don’t forget to weigh these important factors. 

• Quality: When buying a canopy tent, make sure it’s high quality, with features like waterproof, fire retardant and UV-resistant fabrics as well as excellent construction and technical details. If you’re renting, look for a reputable company and remember that rentals come with a risk of poor maintenance or damage from previous renters. 

• Warranties: Before choosing any canopy tent — owned or rented — ask about available warranties. Many rental companies charge damage fees if the tent is not returned in its original condition. Weather and other unforeseen circumstances can present a challenge without the proper protection. Ecotent® offers several warranty options, as well as spare parts service and helpful customer support. 

• Delivery and Transportation: Many rental companies charge an additional fee for delivering and installing canopy tents. Factor in the cost of delivery to your overall rental price. If you have your own canopy tent, you’ll avoid transportation and set-up fees. Ecotent® canopy tents pack down compactly, making storage and transportation a breeze. They set up in just a few minutes—no tools required.

• Availability & Timeline: Buying your own tent can give you a guaranteed delivery date, so you don’t have to wonder if you’ll have it in time for your event. If you choose to rent a canopy tent, reserve as early as possible. Many companies require a deposit for rentals. There’s no guarantee that the tent you want will be available when you need it. Note, also, that arranging your rental in advance can complicate event permitting. 

Whatever your decision, we encourage you to consider the sustainability implication of your choice. Whether you rent or buy, look for a high-quality option. The right environmental choice prioritizes quality in order to reduce waste and turnover.