Renting vs Buying an Industrial Tent – Which is Better for You?

Industrial Tent

You’ve probably been to outdoor concerts, state fairs, or a luncheon at a field at least once in your life. Have you noticed the sun barely beating down your back during these events? You can thank an industrial tent for that.

For a non-permanent structure, these tents have made many occasions more bearable to attend. It’s excellent protection against rain on what could’ve been a perfect day, too. 

You can attain an industrial tent by either buying or renting it. The method you choose depends on what you’ll use it for and how long. If you have an event coming up or need extra room for personal effects, continue reading to find out whether you should buy a tent or rent one.

1. Uses And Benefits

Industrial tents have many uses and can come in various sizes to meet all kinds of demands. You’ll find standard tent sizes as small as 100 to 600 square feet or as large as 6,000 to 30,000 square feet. They can serve as temporary structures for industrial warehouses or permanent multipurpose facilities for whatever occasion. Individuals and organizations usually buy or rent a tent to provide enough space for visitors to an event or additional storage. 

Tents also have different designs and styles. So, if you want opaque or clearspan tents for your outdoor events, you can find one to your liking. Manufacturers and renters of industrial tents allow customization, too. They may add a company or event’s name on the fabric to personalize it and to help attendees spot it easily. 

As you can see, having an industrial tent is beneficial if you require extra space for your business or personal needs. But now comes the question of whether you should buy or rent one. If you’re still weighing the best course of action, let the following information below guide you.

2. When To Rent

Most businesses and individuals prefer to rent industrial tents for short-term lease events or projects. You’ll usually see rented tents used during these types of occasions: 

  • Weddings, receptions, or parties 
  • Corporate picnics 
  • Weekend fairs 
  • School or hospital extensions 

Industrial tent rentals are often the best option as long as it’s for a one- or limited-time affair. You won’t worry about where or how to store it afterward. Set-up and tear-down time is also generally quick and easy since other people are assigned to do that job. You’ll have more time to enjoy the day or night in the safety and comfort of a high-quality industrial tent.

3. When To Buy

Some people and organizations tend to purchase an industrial tent for additional warehouse storage space outdoors. Others buy one for easy access, especially when they expect multiple special occasions to happen within a year. Other situations where you may need a semi-permanent structure include: 

  • Plant and livestock space 
  • Training facility 
  • Sports complex 
  • Evacuation or relief center 

Despite these long-term examples, you may also opt to buy a tent for any one of the short-term events listed previously. Having one on the hand is especially helpful for those in the events industry who’d like to offer various tent options for their clients without relying on outside sources.  

By this time, you might already have an idea of which option you should choose. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages. So, before you settle on a final decision, consider if the pros of buying or renting an industrial tent outweigh the cons.

4. Pros And Cons Of Renting

The most obvious advantage of renting a tent is that it tends to be more affordable than buying one. If you intend to use it once, rentals are the way to go. Rental tents also don’t require you to collapse them yourself and stuff them in a storage room or a warehouse. The supplier or manufacturer of the tent will do all that work for you. They’ll install it hours before the event and uninstall it right after. 

Thus, you may request add-ons for maximum enjoyment and comfort when renting an industrial tent. Many suppliers of industrial tents also provide amenities such as lighting, an HVAC system, and flooring. You may even decorate it as you want. Building a new structure from scratch just for an event requires several steps, permits, and money. You’ll save more by using something temporary yet sturdy for a day’s activities.  

The problem with decorating and customizing a rental tent is that some suppliers may ask for additional charges after the tent’s use. Most tent providers may have a contract that holds the renter responsible for any damage done during the event. You might have to ensure the tent stays as clean as possible. Significant tears or dirt may incur a hefty fine. An issue like this may pose a problem if you have already set a budget before renting a tent.

5. Pros And Cons Of Buying

One great perk of having your own industrial tent is that you don’t have to canvass suppliers who’ll provide you with one for your outdoor party. Buying a tent is a one-time payment upfront with no additional costs after purchase. Hence, even if your tent becomes soiled after a grand occasion, you needn’t worry about paying extra fees to your tent’s manufacturer.  

However, it’s still the more affordable option if you want to use the tent for extended periods, like construction, storage, and keeping livestock. Rental tents can become costly if you need to use them for an extended period. You’ll save cash more effectively using an industrial tent you already own. Owning the tent also allows you to decorate and customize it as you want. You can put designs and company logos and remove them as you see fit.  

A common issue with owning any product is that you’re responsible for its maintenance. If the tent gets dirty or disfigured, you need to repair this yourself or find someone who can fix it. Upkeep also requires money if you want it to stay in good shape. Once more, the ingress and egress of the tent and other pieces of furniture are all on you. You may hire a few hands to help with the process, but you’ll also have to store it somewhere after collapsing it.

Conclusion

Buying or renting an industrial tent depends on how you intend to use it. Generally, people rent them for short-term occasions or needs, while others buy them for more long-term situations.

Whichever you choose, ensure that you look for high-quality tents from reputable suppliers or manufacturers. Being a little nit-picky is essential if you want a sturdy tent that will secure and protect the people or products inside it.

Industrial tent article and permission to publish here provided by Claire Glassman. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on July 14, 2022.