Speaker Rental Service
My first entrepreneurial venture - renting sound systems in Dresden and Leipzig
The Beginning
In 2022, while studying abroad in Vilnius, a good friend visited me. Together, we had a spontaneous idea that would become my first real business venture: buying two sound systems and renting them out in Dresden and Leipzig. It was simple, it was bold, and it was the perfect introduction to entrepreneurship.
Weekend Demand
High demand for party speakers on weekends
Low Investment
Minimal startup costs with quick returns
Simple Platform
Using eBay Kleinanzeigen for easy customer reach
The Operation
We started with two speakers and operated through eBay Kleinanzeigen. The business was surprisingly successful for our small scale - the speakers were rented out almost every week, primarily over weekends. This venture sparked our passion for entrepreneurship and showed us the excitement of running a business.
Initial Success
Started with 2 speakers, achieving weekly rentals. The demand was consistent, especially for weekend parties and events.
Expansion
Purchased two additional JBL 310 speakers to meet growing demand. This allowed us to offer more competitive pricing and serve more customers.
Reality Check
Realized the effort per rental didn't justify the revenue. Being small-scale meant high overhead per transaction - delivery, setup, and collection took significant time.
Exit Decision
Made the strategic decision to end the business and sell the speakers. The venture served its purpose as a learning experience and springboard into entrepreneurship.
What I Learned
This first business taught me fundamental lessons about entrepreneurship, scalability, and the importance of unit economics. While the business wasn't sustainable long-term, it provided invaluable insights that shaped my approach to future ventures.
Unit Economics Matter
The effort required for each rental - transport, setup, collection - didn't scale with revenue. Understanding the true cost of each transaction is crucial for any business model.
Scale or Fail
Service businesses need scale to be profitable. Being too small meant we couldn't optimize operations or reduce per-unit costs effectively.
Market Validation
The consistent weekly rentals proved there was real demand. This validation gave us confidence to pursue other business ideas, knowing we could identify and serve market needs.
Know When to Exit
Recognizing when a business isn't working and making the decision to exit is as important as starting. We sold the assets and moved on to better opportunities.
The Impact
While the speaker rental service was short-lived, its impact on my entrepreneurial journey was profound. It introduced me to the world of business, taught me to spot opportunities, and most importantly, gave me the courage to start. This experience directly led to founding Vape5 and all my subsequent ventures.
Sometimes the value of a business isn't in its profits, but in the lessons it teaches and the doors it opens. This simple speaker rental service was my entrepreneurial education - worth far more than any MBA.
Starting Your First Business?
I love helping new entrepreneurs take their first steps. Whether it's a simple service business or something more complex, I'm happy to share insights from my journey.
Let's Talk Business