10 Ways to Make Extra Money from Gear You Already Own
Most Canadians have thousands of dollars of outdoor gear collecting dust. Here are 10 practical strategies to turn idle equipment into consistent income.
Owner Tips • Published 2026-03-06
10 Ways to Make Extra Money from Gear You Already Own
The average Canadian household has between $2,000 and $8,000 worth of outdoor equipment that sits unused for 80% of the year. Skis. Kayaks. Camera bodies. Camping gear. Mountain bikes. It's sitting in your garage, your storage locker, your spare room.
That idle gear is money on the table. Here's how to capture it.
1. Start with Your Highest-Value Items
Don't try to list everything at once. Start with your 2–3 highest-value items that have strong rental demand:
- Camera bodies & lenses — High daily rates, passionate renters who treat gear carefully
- Skis or snowboards — Massive seasonal demand from destination visitors
- Full-suspension mountain bikes — Renters pay $60–100/day for good setups
- Kayaks or paddleboards — Summer demand is enormous in coastal BC
- Drones — High daily rates, renters are typically experienced
2. Price Based on the Local Market, Not Replacement Cost
A common mistake: pricing based on what you paid or what it would cost to replace. Instead, research local rental shop prices and list 20–30% below them. You have zero overhead — use that advantage.
For cameras especially, a Sony A7 III that rents for $180/day at a rental house should be $90–120/day on Rented Local. At 30 rental days/year, that's $2,700–$3,600.
3. Take Professional-Level Photos of Your Listing
The photo quality of your listing directly correlates to how quickly it books. Tips:
- Shoot in natural light (overcast day outdoors is ideal)
- Clean the gear before shooting
- Show all included accessories
- Photograph any wear or cosmetic issues honestly — it builds trust
- Flat lay on a neutral background works well for smaller items
4. Write Descriptions That Answer Every Question
The more questions a potential renter has to ask, the fewer bookings you'll get. Your description should cover:
- Exact model, year, and key specs
- What's included (batteries, chargers, cases, accessories)
- Condition honestly described
- Pickup location and logistics
- Any restrictions on use
5. Set Seasonal Pricing
Demand for outdoor gear is highly seasonal. Ski gear rents for a premium December–March. Bikes are in demand June–September. Camping gear peaks July–August. Consider:
- Higher prices during peak season
- Lower prices to attract off-season bookings that would otherwise be zero
- Midweek discounts (Thursday pickup, Monday return) to fill weekday gaps
6. Bundle Related Items
Camera body + your most popular lens as a package. Tent + sleeping bag + pad as a complete camping kit. Skis + boots + poles + helmet. Bundling increases your average booking value and simplifies the renter's decision.
7. Build Your Reputation Early
The first few rentals are about getting reviews, not maximizing income. Be flexible, be communicative, be generous with knowledge and tips. A five-star review mentioning your local expertise is worth more than a few extra dollars on the first booking.
8. Treat It Like a Small Business
- Keep a maintenance log for each item
- Budget for consumables (batteries, straps, replacement parts)
- Track income and expenses — you may be able to write off maintenance costs
- Consider a dedicated storage spot for rental gear to keep it organized and ready
9. Leverage Your Location
If you're in Whistler, Tofino, Banff, Squamish, or any tourism destination, your location is your superpower. Visitors arrive specifically to adventure in your backyard and many come without gear. Your proximity and local knowledge are genuine selling points — mention them in your listing.
10. Compound Over Time
The rental income model compounds. First year: maybe $2,000 from a few items. Second year: you reinvest in an additional high-demand item, expand your listings, and hit $5,000. Third year: you're running a mini equipment rental business from your garage.
Several Rented Local owners now earn enough from gear rental to fund their own outdoor hobbies entirely — the bikes, the skis, the camera upgrades — all paid for by the gear they rent out between their own adventures.
Start small, start today. Your first listing can be live in 15 minutes.