How Do I Start a Business
Starting a Paintball Facility
Life as an entrepreneur rocks! Perhaps it's the right moment to start a paintball facility. It's an increasingly popular business...and for good reason.
Wondering how to start a paintball facility? We take you step-by-step from start to success.
Paintball Startup Requirements
Since the 1980s, paintball facilities have provided opportunities for entrepreneurs to profit from a growing segment of the entertainment sector. With nearly 2,000 paintball facilities operating in the U.S., the demand for creative paintball venues shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
But it's a misconception that paintball businesses are easy, turnkey operations. In reality, startup owners need to at the top of their game and constantly looking for new ways to introduce new players to the sport. In addition to familiarity with paintball culture, startup entrepreneurs need solid business skills, a top-notch insurance policy and a paintball-friendly space.
Paintball Spaces and Locations
Paintball facility startups can choose to locate their business in either an indoor (range) or an outdoor (field) location. Indoor ranges are often tricked out warehouse facilities located in an industrial or commercial district; field operations are situated in wooded areas or in open spaces with man-made structures that provide cover for players.
Choice of location is usually determined by circumstances and the competitive landscape. But whichever venue you choose (indoor or outdoor), it's important to compartmentalize the space so you can run multiple games at the same time.
Revenue Streams & Monthly Projections
Once it's up and running, a decent size operation should be able to attract an average of around 50-100 players per day. Daily passes average around $25-$30, so you're looking at bringing in $10,000+ each week.
Nearly all paintball operations supplement their primary revenue stream with a pro shop that sells equipment and supplies. At a minimum, you'll want to charge extra for equipment rentals since many players won't have their own equipment.
How to Create Effective Paintball Facility Business Plans
A great business plan will lay a strong foundation for growth in your startup paintball facility.
Business plans address a wide range of issues, including startup financials. Not surprisingly, lenders immediately turn to the financial section and use the accuracy of your forecasts to gauge the value of other parts of the plan.
Subsequently, a thorough understanding of business plan financial basics is a prerequisite to effective business plan writing for paintball facilities.
Evaluate Competitors
Prior to opening a paintball facility within your community, it's a smart move to determine how you will fit in the competitive landscape. Try our link below to generate a list of competitors nearby. Simply enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of paintball facilities in your town.
If there's too much competition, it may be wise to consider starting the business in a less competitive marketplace.
Finding a Non-Competitive Business Mentor
If you want to open a paintball facility you really ought to talk to somebody who is already in the business. If you think owners of nearby paintball facilities will give you advice, think again. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.
Thankfully, an owner of a a paintball facility in another town may be more than happy to give you a few tips, once they realize that you are not going to directly compete with them in their community. Indeed, many experienced entrepreneurs enjoy offering advice to startup entrepreneurs. In my experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.
How do you go about finding a paintball facility owner outside of your area who is willing to talk?
We can help. Follow the link below, try a few city/state combos or zipcodes, and then start calling!
Paintball Facility Acquisitions: Financial Considerations
Worried about the financial aspects of starting a paintball facility? Most startup paintball facility owners are.
Financial risk management requires you to at least consider the possibility of setting your startup plans aside to explore acquisition opportunities. Many entrepreneurs buy an existing business for the sole purpose of tapping into the financial benefits of an established customer base.
An acquired business also has documented assets and earnings - a big advantage with lenders and investors.
Consider Buying a Franchise
If you want to tap into an existing brand name and a proven system, it might be wise to contemplate purchasing a franchise.
Before you get too far along in your plan to open a paintball facility, you would be wise to determine whether purchasing a franchise might make your life much easier.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
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