Running an inflatable rental business can be a lucrative option for entrepreneurs looking to get into a high-demand business. There are numerous events that can benefit from renting inflatables, such as inflatable slides, bounce houses, inflatable games, and even inflatable movie screens. Inflatables make a great addition to children’s birthday parties, school events, church events, fundraisers, community events, and so much more.
Choosing to run a rental business in this industry makes sense. Renting is often a much more practical solution for business owners and general consumers. This is also a good option for individuals who would prefer sustainable options. As you build your reputation, you’ll quickly find yourself in demand for year-round events in your community.
Owning and operating an inflatable rental business takes time, commitment, and an understanding of your market. Once you have everything you need and a business plan perfected, you’ll be ready to get started and dive into the fun world of inflatable rentals.
Understanding Demand
Whenever you are considering starting any business, it is important to do your research to ensure that your market is there. This is necessary to make your business the most profitable it can be. When it comes to the party market, there is always a demand. For the most popular inflatables like bounce houses, inflatable tubes, inflatable slides, and even inflatable costumes, the demand is there for small and large-scale events. Inflatables are an easy way to keep large numbers of people happy and entertained.
You could choose to offer inflatables for outdoor events or to have an indoor center franchise where customers come to enjoy your inflatables. The business model you choose should depend on the demand in your area.
Know Your Market
For the inflatables industry, the target market is typically those who cater to kids. Most inflatable rentals will likely involve private birthday parties and other milestones. This means that parents may be the best source of consistent income for your inflatables rental business. Making connections with families in the area is a great way to build your reputation. Parents will often turn to other parents when seeking quality companies to use for their children’s events. If you can become the name around town for inflatable rentals, you’ll maintain a consistent flow of business. It is also valuable to keep in mind that even adults like to have fun, with or without kids involved. It is not uncommon to have adults seeking inflatable games, inflatable costumes, or even bounce houses for kid-free events.
Public events often seek out inflatable rentals to cater to the guests of their events. This can include schools, festivals, churches, fairs, and other events that want a way to keep large groups entertained with ease.
Know Your Competition
When looking to start a new business venture, you need to know your competition. Depending on your area, you may have a harder time building your business if the market is already saturated by other companies. Especially if you are in a smaller area, it is vital that you understand your chances of success. Before launching your business, take the time to look at other inflatable rentals in your area. Look at what they have in stock, what they charge, and what events they commonly take part in. Taking these steps helps to ensure that you can find an edge to grow your new business venture.
Getting Your Equipment
The world of inflatables continues to expand to accommodate the desires of various events. The most popular options include bounce houses and inflatable slides. These are perfect for events large and small and are a huge hit with kids. The best part about investing in these inflatables is that they are affordable. Quality bounce houses can cost between $1,000- $3,000 depending on the size, style, and features of the inflatable. Commercial-grade inflatables like slides and bounce houses are more expensive due to their higher quality, but purchasing them can be a worthy investment for rental companies in the long run. Making inflatables yourself will require significant research and labor.
You will also need to invest in a generator and air blower for places that lack electricity. In addition to the actual rentals, you’ll need to have a reliable vehicle that can transport your rentals to various locations. If you plan on renting numerous inflatable options, you’ll likely need a van or truck to ensure you can meet the demands of your clients.
Ongoing Expenses
In addition to your initial investment into your inflatables, as a business owner, you will have ongoing expenses. Ongoing expenses may include:
- Cleaning supplies
- Equipment repair and replacement
- Business insurance
- Liability insurance
- Labor
- Energy
- Gas
- Advertising and marketing
Make It Official
When you’re ready to officially kick off your inflatable rental business, you need to form a business entity. It is important to take the time to understand your licensing, as it impacts your direct responsibilities, liabilities, and taxes. To mitigate liability, you also need to make sure you are applying for all necessary permits and licenses. Not doing so can lead to significant fines or could even result in the loss of your business. The licensing you’ll need can vary on state and local levels, so be sure to understand the requirements of the specific areas you’ll be operating.
Daily Operations
A smooth-running inflatables rental business relies on a solid daily operations plan. This starts with ensuring you have the storage capabilities for your equipment, including your deflated inflatables, blowers, generators, and cleaning supplies. Inventory management is important for ensuring you don’t overbook yourself and ensuring the complete satisfaction of your customers. You will also need to ensure on-time delivery, setup, and breakdown of your equipment. Helping run your clients’ events will also make your company more appealing to customers.
Ensuring the safety of your guests is the top priority, and you must adhere to industry standards. It is vital to give a detailed inspection of your equipment, from bounce houses to games, prior to use, as well as before deflating and storing the equipment. You should be using lead-safe and flame-retardant materials. As a business owner, you can be held responsible for injuries if you do not ensure equipment is safe, all licensing is up-to-date and accurate, and your insurance is current and designed to protect you.
The Benefits of The Inflatables Business
Renting inflatables can be a rewarding business venture. The demand for inflatable equipment remains steady and shows no sign of changing. Before jumping in, it is beneficial to explore the current demand in your area, research your target market, and ensure you have everything you need to launch a successful business. This industry is a great place for growth, whether you want to keep your business small or create a well-known brand name.
