You are about to organize an event. The line-up is perfect, the venue is sorted, but then that one question comes up: what about your visitors’ bags and coats? Nothing ruins a party as quickly as an endless line at a wardrobe that is actually too small. In 2026, the solution is clear: your own locker system. But which way should you go? You don’t want to pay too much, but you also don’t want lockers that break after just one festival. Let’s take a look at what the market has to offer.
The players in the market: Who does what?
The demand for lockers is huge, and that brings different types of providers to the market. Some specialize in giant festivals, others focus on neat offices or temporary pop-ups. Generally, you see three main types: the logistical powerhouses for large crowds, the tech companies that go 100% digital, and the service-oriented suppliers that take everything off your hands.
If we look at the big players that determine the market, it is noticeable that there is enormous pressure on innovation. Visitors in 2026 expect more than just an iron cabinet with a key. They want to charge their phone and store their items quickly and safely without any hassle.
The comparison: Providers in view
To get a good picture, we will list the current top of the Netherlands. You see that the choice often depends on the type of event you are organizing.
| Provider | System | Price Model | USP 2026 | Focus Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockerbox | Mechanical/Digital | Rental & Revenue Share | Largest capacity NL | Large-scale Festivals |
| Elockers | 100% Digital/Cloud | Revenue Share focus | Seamless API connections | Nightlife & Concerts |
| Mobile Locker | Modular/IoT | Rental | Built-in screens/branding | Sports & Brand Activations |
| Eventsafe | Digital/Manned | Full Service | High service level/SLA | Corporate & Conferences |
Lockerbox is a real veteran in the trade. They provide the logistical power for the biggest festivals. Their offer is diverse: from simple mechanical locks to advanced digital systems. Because they are so big, they can often make sharp deals through revenue sharing models (you share in the profit), which is nice for your budget.
Elockers is the tech pioneer. If you want visitors to reserve a locker online in advance and get a code directly on their phone, you are in the right place here. They are fully cloud-based and provide interesting data on who and when the service is used. Handy for your marketing!
Then there is Mobile Locker. This party is perfect if you want something special. Think of lockers with built-in screens where your ad runs, or special cool-lockers. They are very strong on sports events and pop-up locations where modularity (quick setup and breakdown) is key.
Eventsafe is in the corner of full service. If you have a business conference where you don’t want to take risks and want to be sure of staff on site, you choose them. They arrange it down to the last detail.
The costs: What should you budget?
The costs for lockers depend on how you want to arrange it. In 2026, there are three common structures. You can choose for Revenue Share (risk-free, sharing the profit), Dry Hire (fixed rental price, you keep everything yourself), or Full Service (all-in, more expensive but carefree).
Average rental price for a locker unit is somewhere between €1.75 and €3.25 per day, depending on the technology and the volume. If you choose Full Service (including staff), this goes up to €4.50 to €7.00 per unit. Don’t forget the additional costs: transport (€250 – €650 per trip) and transaction costs for online sales (15-30 cents per transaction).
A specific point of attention in 2026 is electricity. Visitors want to charge their phone. If you choose lockers with USB-C Power Delivery (that modern, fast charging technique), providers often charge a surcharge of about €0.50 per unit for the hardware. Choosing a party that handles this smartly saves you a lot of headaches.
What you absolutely must not forget
If you request a quote, pay attention to a few hard requirements that are important in 2026. First: data-ownership. Who claims the data of the visitors? You want to know yourself who was at your event for future promotion. Make sure this is contractually fixed.
Second: placement. Never put the lockers too far from the entrance, but also not too close to the bar (this causes congestion). A spot just after the ticket check but before the catering is ideal for the flow.
Third: capacity. The golden rule is: for a festival with many standing places and coats, count on 1 locker per 3 to 4 visitors. In office environments or conferences where laptops need to go in, 1 per 8 is often sufficient, provided you offer the larger formats (laptop lockers).
The technology of now
We end with the technology, because that is where the difference in 2026 is really made. The time of plastic coins and lost keys is over. The modern locker is ‘smart’. This means that you as an organizer can see via a dashboard which locker is still empty, and even open it remotely if someone forgets their code.
Pay attention to the following specifications when ordering:
* Standard size (M): 30x30x45 cm. Fits a large coat and a backpack.
* Laptop size (L): 45x30x45 cm. Essential for business events.
* Power: Specifically ask for USB-C connections (PD), not the old USB-A.
* Safety: Modern lockers are equipped with detection for lithium-ion batteries (to signal fire danger from power banks).
Are you curious how to best use these systems for your specific situation? Whether it is about integration with your existing access control or the logistical flow around the setup, much is possible. On our site you can also read how to best compare smart lockers for the best technical choice.
It is wise to figure out the logistics beforehand. If you notice that your supplier has trouble with directly shipping lockers and adhering to the agreed times, you can prevent problems on the day itself. The best providers have strict checklists for this.
And for those who think lockers are only for festivals: take a look at the options for entertainment and rental. There you see that the market is very diverse and that lease structures are often cheaper than you think.
Finally, if you really want to understand the market, you will notice that you sometimes can’t see the forest for the trees. For a quick impression of the best options and the conditions that really matter now, a summary of the top providers is a handy starting point. This way you know for sure that you won’t be faced with surprises and choose a partner who takes your event to the next level.
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