Monday, March 23, 2009

Party Rentals - A Real Home Based Business

By Cheryl Pierce

You can see bounce houses everywhere in the warmer months. You might have even rented one in the past. And there's a good chance that you've thought about starting a bounce house business yourself.

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.

Like any business, you're going to have some expenses. A bounce delivery requires a truck or a small trailer. You'll need extension cords, business cards, insurance, dollys and other small business supplies. Most rental company owners start by doing deliveries and bookings themselves so they won't have a lot of additional labor costs. The real joy of this business is that you work when you want to work, and if you feel like taking time off....just don't take any bookings for that day. But, the downside is that if you want to make a great deal of income, you're going to have to be available when people want to rent. And that's generally on the weekend.

Your most expensive cost still be insurance. You can save on insurance by purchasing more units, but many people want to start with just one. One bounce house will run around $1500.00 and the insurance for that unit will cost about $750.00. If you rent your unit for $150.00 you pay off your investment in less than 20 rentals. Of course, you can pay it off faster if you charge more. However, if you're in California it will probably take you longer to pay off the original investment.

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.

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

-Find out from your state and local board what you need to start a bounce rental business. There might be restrictions on what you can do.

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

-Find out about insurance. You can get information from inflatable suppliers. Make sure NOT to make a purchase until you secure insurance.

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

-It'll take some time to get your equipment and you have work to do while you're waiting for it to arrive. Make up fliers and business cards. Do a press release. Get your phone number and web address. Don't forget to tell everyone you know about your new business.

-DON'T book your units until they're in your possession. Disappointing your first customers won't be a good way to start your business.

-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.

-It's so much fun to blow up your unit the first time. The neighborhood kids will want too play and you need to let them. Watch them have fun and learn all about your new bounce. Remember, the more people see it, the more people will 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!

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