This week we’ll focus on a key new stream of revenue for your paintball or laser tag business. Many fields are already using this money-making machine known as a rental program. Hundreds of rental-only stores such as True Value Rental, Taylor Rental, Grand Rental Station have been renting the systems with success for a while now. In addition, you have your party rental centers doing the same thing. It’s time for you to cash in on this option. If you are trying to reach that audience that no longer wants to do a bounce house or is a teenager needing something “less boring,” this is your best bet.
It doesn’t matter if you are a paintball field, mobile laser tag business, or an in-house laser tag operator. Setting aside some units (or purchasing more) for a rental will allow you to get business out to those who might be on a budget or do not want to come to you. They might want to just play in their backyard at the party or do some corporate team building at their place of work. Put together a package (usually 6 or 12 guns – the Barracuda) and store them in an easy rolling box or plastic container (from Walmart or Menards). You do not need a CCM or iCE. Renters only want to pick up the guns and start playing. Contact your Tippmann rep for a simple 3-step instruction sheet to include with this box that will get people up and running. You can supply batteries or have them buy their own.
When it comes to pricing and time allowed, stick close to the traditional rental center methods. A set of 6 laser tag guns usually rents between $150-$350 per day. The most common is about $250 per day. It is a premium rental option for those carrying bounce houses and other party options, so they charge slightly more for the laser tag. You can also charge per hour or time block, for insurance or deposit, and for delivery and live tutorial if the customer requests that. The units will get a lot of use. While Predator units are very durable, hundreds of careless kids over a few months will begin to wear the equipment. You should set aside $100 per year for any repair charges and you probably won’t even have to touch that.
The benefits for you are plenty! Not only will you be taking in more money for this new audience, but you will also be getting your name out there on location. It’s free publicity to all the neighbors and people taking notice. You’re also giving current customers another option if they wish to play in their own yard. Our research shows that most businesses with a laser tag rental program make their money back in three months, and that’s without doing anything else.