Article Advise

submitted: Apr 25th 2008 | by: CherylPierce | Total views: 2 | Word Count: 623 | |

I'm sure you've seen bounce houses at various parties & events. You've probably even rented one. But have you ever thought about the financial windfall that can come with owning a couple of the units?

The price for bounce houses varies in different parts of the country. They can rent from $65.00 per day on the west coast to $250.00 and up in other parts of the country. In the Indiana area, rentals usually run about $225.00 for six hours or so. You do the math. Charging just $150.00 for a rental can add an extra $300.00 a week in your pocket.

Whenever you have a business you have expenses. If you're renting bounces you're going to require some basic tools. A truck or SUV with a small trailer is necessary. Also extension cords, insurance, dollys, business cards and some other small business supplies. Almost all rental company business owners do their own bookings and deliveries when they're first starting out. And they can book events when, and where they want. If you need time off, you just don't book that day. On the downside though, if you want to make money, you work when the customer wants you to work. And that means weekends!

Insurance is the biggest cost. Although it seems to get cheaper when more units are added, start up costs are tough. Bounce House purchase prices average around $1500.00 but insurance will be around $750.00. That means your first year start up is going to cost around $2500.00. If you rent your unit for $150.00, you'll still have paid for your costs in less than 20 rentals. And, of course, the more you charge, the quicker your investment will pay for itself.

Bounce Houses might only be the beginning. There are so many other items you can offer your customers. We start with two bounces and five years later we had over 50 rental items. Growing this business is as easy as setting up your units. If someone sees it, they'll want to rent it. So, before you know it, you might have giant slides, interactive games, obstacle courses or casino equipment.

You can get started in a bounce business by following a few easy 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.

-As soon as you've secured your insurance, order your unit(s)

-You have plenty to do while waiting for equipment. Design fliers and business cards. Get your phone number and Domain name. Start on a website. Tell ALL your friends 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.

-The day your equipment arrives is so exciting. Make sure though that you fully inspect your equipment for damages before your delivery driver leaves. And also check to make sure you've received everything.

-Blow up your equipment and get familiar with it. Sit it in your yard or a friends yard and let the kids play. The more it's seen the more people will want 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!

About the Author

Cheryl Pierce has been in the party business for almost 20 years. Her complete e-book Start a Bounce House Business has helped many bounce house owners to create a profitable business. For more info also visit Party Rental Help from PartyZone

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