I am a young man (22) who has always been interested with owning my own business, and lately, my instincts have been pointing me in this direction. I would like to open up a paintball range where people can come, have fun, and shoot each other. The population in my city is around 500,000 and there are only 2 other places that I would be competing with (which are 20+ miles away) I would be starting this business with my father, but neither of us has any experience with this sort of thing, but we would be completely passionate about it. We would have a small shop in the front where we would sell and rent equipment/supplies/????. I was thinking about rehabing a large wherehouse, but then again, I think having something outside with trees would be fun as well. (I live in california so the weather would only be bad for about 2 mo. out of the year)I need help in the following areas:
Funding - what would be the best way to finance something like this?
Marketing - other than the teenage market, any other things I might be missing?
Suppliers - I've never owned a business where I had to contact suppliers, any ideas?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks a bunch!
#1. "Paintball Associations" In response to Reply # 0
Funding and marketing all critical factors to any business... so start with the SBA.
But before that, I'd check out the internet for Paintball organizations or associations or leagues... and check around there sites for ideas.
On the negative side... I've seen a couple of the smaller paintball arenas go belly up in my area... and it seems that the ones surviving are heavily related to aforementioned leagues or associations.
#2. "RE: Paintball Associations" In response to Reply # 1
Not sure about funding or associations but I definately think you should take the classes offered by the Small Business Administration (1) for learing how to have a business (2) they offer small biz loans. If you are serious about owning your own biz, which you said you are and I believe you are because I think the earlier one "knows" it the more likely they will make it happen. Seems the older we get the less willing we are to take risks. I've seen very basic set-ups (one at an old driving range with the big round cable spools and another with the trees) Set up should be quick and not too expensive as you can make a lot of objects from plywood. I think your marketing is what will make you successful...think "THEMES" (pre-teen day, teen day, veteran day, church group night) That is where you'll bring in the groups and keep them coming back. Drop off coupons to special groups. The possibilities are endless. Good Luck
#3. "RE: Help! I want to start a paintball arena!" In response to Reply # 0
Royce,
Don?t think your markets are just teenagers. My husband, 31, and his buddies from work go every weekend and they got started when the company they work for used it as a team building activity. So don?t forget corporate business and grown ups with good jobs who can shell out more money then teenagers.