Venturing into the bouncy castle and inflatables rental business can be a highly rewarding endeavor, whether pursued full-time or part-time, offering not only immense enjoyment for clients but also the potential for substantial financial gain. Running this business allows you to have full ownership of the equipment without the burden of franchise fees or licensing expenses.
For instance, operating just three bouncy castles on weekends, each priced at £55 per day, can yield £330 per weekend or over £1,300 per month. After accounting for estimated monthly expenses of around £200, you’re left with over £1,000 in profit! This is a remarkable return for just a few hours of work.
Children celebrate birthdays throughout the year. In the summer and autumn, parents can rent a bouncy castle for their backyard parties, while in the winter and spring, they can secure a community hall or church hall to host the event and accommodate the bouncing fun.
To establish a thriving bouncy castle hire business, you don’t need to forsake your full-time job, nor do you require a substantial initial investment. This concise guide is designed to assist newcomers in commencing and managing a successful bouncy castle and inflatable rental business right from home.
The author’s journey commenced with a single bouncy castle back in 1991, and by 2005, they proudly owned sixteen. As a trailblazer in this industry, the early days were marked by considerable trial and error, leading to some notable blunders, particularly in marketing and ill-advised purchases that hindsight revealed as wasteful expenditures. However, there were also notable achievements, and throughout this report, we’ll delve into these accomplishments to offer valuable insights to newcomers. We’ll also highlight the pitfalls that were encountered to help beginners navigate their business journey with greater ease and avoid common mistakes.
When contemplating the launch of a bouncy castle hire business, your initial step should involve perusing your local newspapers. Navigate to the classified section and seek out the “Entertainers” heading. Check if there are any existing advertisements for a bouncy castle hire business. If you happen to come across regular advertisers, don’t be discouraged; there’s still ample room for your venture. In many towns, particularly during the summer months, the demand for bouncy castles significantly outweighs the supply. Additionally, consult your Yellow Pages Directory, focusing on the “Bouncing Castles and Inflatables” category. If you possess a local Thompsons Directory, explore the section labeled “Bouncing Castles and Inflatables Hire.” This will provide you with a clear understanding of the competition within your vicinity.
As mentioned earlier, don’t fret if other bouncy castle companies are already established in your area; there’s typically enough room for everyone, especially in medium to large-sized towns or cities. In bustling regions, competing firms often refer inquiries to each other when they are unable to accommodate bookings themselves due to high demand. In some cases, you might be fortunate enough to find that there are no competitors operating in your immediate area. I’ve received numerous calls from individuals residing outside my area, spanning 20 to 30 miles away, explaining that they couldn’t locate a local hirer in their directories.
Outlined below is a roster of the necessary equipment required to initiate a bouncy castle hire business:
Drawing from our experience, we strongly advise that your initial bouncy castle measures 12 feet by 12 feet (3.6m x 3.6m). This size is immensely popular among customers, as it is easily manageable, storable, and, when inflated, fits well in most backyard spaces and community halls. In 1991, I made a regrettable error by purchasing a smaller bouncer (only 7ft x 7ft) due to budget constraints. While it was still rented out, most customers expressed a preference for a larger unit.
There are numerous reputable companies that offer bouncy castles (refer to the list of manufacturers on www.zzlcinflatables.com).
The majority of new bouncy castles include a 1-year warranty, but our manufacturers provide a 2-year warranty. Ensure that a minor repair kit is included in the purchase price of your bouncer.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can consider buying second-hand bouncy castles (although we typically recommend purchasing new, especially when just starting out).
Exercise extreme caution when considering the purchase of a second-hand bouncy castle. Examine the stitching on the bed, paying particular attention to the points where the pillars and side walls meet the bed. Unfortunately, bouncers have a limited lifespan, and those in poor condition often end up in the second-hand market, where unsuspecting newcomers to the industry may acquire them. This is precisely what occurred to me in 1992 when I bought a second-hand 12ft x 12ft bouncer for £550. I was unaware that the bed seams had already undergone three re-stitches, resulting in poor bounce quality. Within approximately 15 hires, the bed seams split, necessitating the replacement of the bouncer. Therefore, purchasing second-hand equipment can sometimes be a false economy. Exercise caution!
Thankfully, children are born every day of the year, ensuring a virtually endless pool of potential customers. Most parents prefer to host their children’s parties in their own backyards or at local community or church halls. In addition to private children’s parties, there are numerous other venues where you can rent out your bouncer, such as playgroups, nurseries, pubs, hotels, after-school clubs, shopping centers, school fetes, car boot fairs, shows and galas, charity events, football clubs, barbeques, beach parties, christening parties, wedding receptions, tennis clubs, cub and scout groups, brownie and guide groups, business promotions, open days, and more.
To secure your initial hires, I recommend the following steps: First, inform everyone you know who has young children that you have a bouncy castle available for hire. Offer them a discounted rate in exchange for spreading the word to their friends and family. Second, place advertisements in your local newspaper and the local yellow pages directory. You can obtain a free lineage advertisement in the Thompsons Local directory. These ads will generate inquiries, and with a polite and helpful telephone manner, you’ll start receiving bookings almost effortlessly.
Initial inquiries usually revolve around the cost of renting a bouncy castle, available sizes, the maximum number of children allowed, and the age group it’s suitable for. When customers contact me, I always begin by asking for the party date and the children’s ages. Based on this information, I recommend an appropriate bouncy castle, with a 12ft x 12ft bouncer being the typical choice in about 90% of cases. If the children are very young, typically between ages 1 and 4, I might suggest a smaller bouncer or even a bouncy ballpond, which is a small semi-enclosed bouncy castle filled with multi-colored plastic balls. I assure the customer that we offer delivery, setup, and pickup services, and I confirm that I’ll call them the night before to confirm the delivery time. This approach helps build trust with the customer, increasing the likelihood of them returning for future rentals. Always inform the customer that a rain cover is included in the rental price.
Leveraging your initial bouncy castle bookings is crucial. Let’s say a parent has just rented your bouncy castle for their son’s birthday celebration, and you’ve received around fifty pounds in payment. But your opportunities don’t end there. At this event, there will be other parents of children, and these children will also have birthdays. Therefore, it’s essential to maximize the promotion of your company name and telephone number. One effective method is distributing A5-sized leaflets. Additionally, consider having business cards printed. Always keep in mind that customer satisfaction is your top priority. You genuinely want their party to be a resounding success and their children to have a fantastic time. This way, parents are more likely to recommend your services to their friends and continue to choose your services for future events.
Safety is absolutely paramount when it comes to children. We strongly recommend providing your customers with a safety instruction sheet, and we have prepared some templates for your convenience. You can access these on the BIHA homepage. Additionally, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and codes of practice that apply to operating bouncy castles. (Refer to the BIHA home page for more information).
It’s crucial to keep meticulous records of all the money you receive, as well as your expenses related to advertising, printing, fuel, telephone calls, and other business costs.
Chapter 8 Expanding Your Business and Conclusion
After establishing yourself in the bouncy castle rental business for a few months, you might start turning away potential customers due to high demand for your services. At this stage, it’s worth considering the acquisition of additional units. If your business is thriving, you may even contemplate investing in different types of inflatables to complement your bouncy castles. Drawing from over 14 years of experience, I’ve found that inflatable slides are among the most popular choices after bouncy castles. Often, I receive bookings for both an inflatable slide and a bouncy castle at the same venue, resulting in double the usual hire fee. Another sought-after inflatable option is bouncy ball ponds. These are semi-enclosed, compact bouncy castles where you can place approximately 1000 multi-colored balls. They are perfect for younger children who love to immerse themselves in the colorful ball pit. Don’t forget to ask the customer if they can have the children collect and put away the balls at the end of the party.
If you’re contemplating setting up one of these for bouncy castles, you must make a choice. We’re here to assist you in making that decision. Let’s delve into the realm of bounce houses and trampolines from various perspectives you might be concerned about.
Bouncy castles and play inflatables are a source of joy and excitement for children and adults alike. However, amid all the fun, it’s crucial to prioritize safety above all else. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with bouncy castles and inflatables.
The use and maintenance of bouncy castles encompass a range of considerations. From the necessity of electrical power to the distinction between sealed air and continuous flow inflatables, we’ve explored the key facets of ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
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