For the past two days we have looked at various transport business opportunities (car hire & limo service). Today we look at something a little bit different: a party on wheels – the party bus hiring business.

What is a party bus?
A party bus is a modified bus that is available for hire. People rent it to have a party on while it rides around. It is sometimes used to ride to a certain venue or just around town while the passengers enjoy themselves. You can also have events to certain places with scenery etc.

Where to get a party bus?
The majority of party buses are normal single deck buses that have been modified. If you can get an old school bus that is no longer being used that would be perfect to be modified. You can also buy an existing bus that has been modified.

Business model
The bus is hired out by the hour to groups of people. It usually cost around R1000 an hour and the bus usually runs a minimum time like five hours per function (R5000 per function), this is not something that is used for just an hour or two. Most times the cost is split amongst the passengers but sometimes the bus is being paid for by the person throwing the party or company organising.

There are a few things you need to include such as sound, ice, glasses, a bar setup (you do not need to supply alcohol as that is usually brought by guests). You can also charge extra for a live DJ or people can plug in their phones for music. You can also offer catering for finger foods as extra.

  • Other features you can add include:
    High powered music system
    Bar counter with built in draught taps
    Toilet
    Disco lighting
    Generator or inverter

Target market
Party buses are popular for year end functions, birthday parties, sports events (taken to venue or watch on board), bachelor & bachelorette parties, team building etc.

  • Other markets include:
    Brand Activations
    Pub Crawls
    Roadshows
    Tours

Requirements
Roadworthy bus, a person with the appropriate licence to drive the bus, liability insurance is advised as well.

Image credit: partybuslakewood