Business Articles

Starting a Bounce House Business

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 10:00) Friday, 25 April 2008 09:38

Have you ever been to a party or event that had a bounce house? The kids were probably having a blast. Maybe you've even rented a bounce for your own party. But have you given any thought to the profit that can be had with your own bounce house business?

You can find bounce houses for around $75.00 a day on the West Coast. The same bounce will probably rent for over $250.00 on the East Coast. Here in the heart of the country we're more in the middle. Generally a bounce will bring $225.00 for a 6 hour event. So, if you use a more average amount of $150.00, you can still have an extra $300.00 per week to pay your bills.

Of course, there are some expenses that come with the rental. You'll need a truck or a small trailer. A good dolly, extension cords, business cards, insurance and other small business items. Most people who start up a rental company do the deliveries and bookings themselves. That's the joy of it. You work when you want to.not when you're told to. On the other handthe downside is that if you want the income you might as well accept that it's going to be there on the weekend and that's when you'll be working.

The most expensive part of inflatables is the insurance. Insurance tends to get cheaper as you insure more units but the start up can be a bit tough. The average moonbounce costs around $1500.00 with the insurance running another $750.00. Soyou can start up with one bounce for around $2500.00. At a rental rate of $150.00 you'll have your expenses and covered in less than twenty rentals. Of courseif you charge what we do, you're unit & costs will be paid for in about ten to twelve rentals.

You might be surprised to find that there is a lot more to rentals than bounce houses. Our initial start up five years ago was two bounces but within just a short time we have grown to over 50 inflatable and interactive games. You can find giant slides, obstacle courses, casino tables, Bungee Runs, Toddler Games and fun foods. The business actually will grow as large as you want it to. As long as you get the equipment out in front of people, you'll be booking rentals. The units themselves are their own advertisements.

To get going on your new business you just need to follow these simple steps.

-Talk to your state and local boards to find out what is necessary to open your own inflatable rental business. Some states have restrictions on what you can do.

-Find out about suppliers. Search the internet for "moonwalks" or "interactive inflatable games"

-Ask the suppliers to give you insurance info. Do NOT make a purchase until you've secured insurance.

-Once you have insurance locked up, place your order.

-While you're waiting for your equipment, get some fliers made up, business cards and a dedicated phone number. Tell EVERYONE about your new business.

-The biggest start up mistake that is made is booking units before they actually arrive. You're asking for trouble if you do this.

-It's always fun when your new equipment arrives. But don't get so excited that you forget to check your shipment completely to make sure it's all there and that there are no damages. Do this before the delivery driver leaves.

-Now for the fun part. Inflate your new unit and get familar with it. Let the neighborhood kids play. You want your unit seen so people will want to rent it.

It's hard to believe it's so easy. These are broad tips but the start up isn't a whole lot rougher than this. Once you follow the steps, you'll be selling FUN, and you'll be making a profit! What a great business!

< Prev		Next >

Results by:Yoddle