What's a fair price for renting a poker table, chairs, and chips? (1 Viewer)

[Solid Snake]

Hey Chippers:

I had a guy contact me about using my poker table, chairs, and poker chips. He was trying to host a game and wanted to know if he could rent them.

• 1000 CPS cash game chips
• Black poker table purchased for $450, used a handful of times and in great condition.
• 8 stackable Hercules type chairs just purchased.

So you could say I have over a $1000 worth of poker merchandise.

I want to help him out, but I spent some good money on my stuff. What would be a fair price for the lot? Thanks!!

 

[stocky]

I think $100ish is probably fair. But saying that I would also ask for a deposit in case of any damage incurred.

 

[DrStrange]

A lot depends on the "friction" - what work do you have to do?

Who picks up and returns the goods?

How long is the rental?

Who pays for damage or lost items?

If the police get involved, then what?

I'd say $100 for a night is the cap. Much more and the guy could hire a service like casino knights to do the whole thing turn key with a dealer etc. A deposit is essential.

 

[Poker Zombie]

If he was a good friend, free - but I'd need an invite.

The possibility of loss or damage goes up significantly when the owner is not there, because most people are completely clueless as to how much money is spent on a setup, not counting time involved putting it together, and the challenge of replacing a lost or damaged chip. That's why I have a set of Milano chips for those rare instances when someone wants to borrow chips. They're much easier to replace than CPS chips, and far, far easier to replace than CPC customs.

I don't think I could put a dollar number on rental otherwise. The whole idea of rental is that you are paying for wear-and-tear within reason. "Within reason" becomes nebulous for minor damage - like a stain you don't see upon initial inspection but it is unmistakable at the start of your next game, or when you see that your table and chips are being used in a porno (that you would deny watching).

 

[mummel]

I would asked Tony / Chanman. Great guy. He has a rental business. He could provide you with some valuable insights.

 

[Solid Snake]

Thanks for all the great comments!! Never thought about a deposit. Definitely, have to take some things into consideration. They are my toys

 

[T_Chan]

It really depends on a lot of things: the market, conditions of the rental, if you're present, do they need delivery & pickup?, among others.

My advice would be to search for other poker equipment rental companies in your area and find out how much they would charge. You can charge something similar or less (since you're not as established as they are). A deposit is a requirement in my books. The last thing you want it so have your stuff damaged or stuff goes missing and they don't reimburse you for it.

As a reference point, I have around 3 other companies locally who also offer the same or similar services as me. I charge $50 per table, $80 for chips and cards (total, not per table) and $250 if they want me to run their event as TD. I would seat players, distribute chips, balance tables, manage blinds, etc. If they want delivery & p/u I have a minimum rental charge of $200, so even if someone wants to rent 1 table and chips, I bump it up to $200 otherwise it's just not worth my time to do it. If they pick up, I have no minimum but I always get a copy of their photo ID and get them to sign a rental agreement.

 

[Payback]

It really depends on a lot of things: the market, conditions of the rental, if you're present, do they need delivery & pickup?, among others.

My advice would be to search for other poker equipment rental companies in your area and find out how much they would charge. You can charge something similar or less (since you're not as established as they are). A deposit is a requirement in my books. The last thing you want it so have your stuff damaged or stuff goes missing and they don't reimburse you for it.

As a reference point, I have around 3 other companies locally who also offer the same or similar services as me. I charge $50 per table, $80 for chips and cards (total, not per table) and $250 if they want me to run their event as TD. I would seat players, distribute chips, balance tables, manage blinds, etc. If they want delivery & p/u I have a minimum rental charge of $200, so even if someone wants to rent 1 table and chips, I bump it up to $200 otherwise it's just not worth my time to do it. If they pick up, I have no minimum but I always get a copy of their photo ID and get them to sign a rental agreement.

With those rentals I'm assuming your using cheap dice chips or something comparable so if one or two go missing it isn't a big deal. The issue is if your using CPC or Paulson chips the replacement cost per chip or for extras is insanely higher. Not sure I would rent out those chips without being present or a massive deposit. Tables I wouldn't have an issue with as long as a written agreement is in place. Either way I'd take pictures beforehand.

 

[Solid Snake]

Excellent information and advice!! I sure enjoy this site!!

Thank you all, great stuff!!

 

[T_Chan]

I have custom chips with Gear labels. I have a set of around 4k chips that I rent out and yes, occasionally some go missing but it's a part of the business. If 5 go missing after 3 rentals (though I never lose that many chips in that time) I can afford to replace them with the money I've earned from the rentals.

No, they're not CPC quality but they aren't dice chips cheap either.

With a fixed set that you have, I would advise you do a full chip count and have it in writing. You may event want to go over it with the renter and have them sign/initial the document confirming the number of chips you're lending them and then do another full count when you get them back.

I rent out full racks, so if I get the racks back and they're not full I know some are missing. I may not know which ones, but just that some are gone.

Renting isn't without it's risks. You have to go in knowing there's a chance your stuff will get damaged or even go missing. I've done many rentals with no problems, and I've let friends borrow some of my stuff at no charge and had it returned broken (chairs). You never know.