Guide on How to start a Trampoline park business

Or, better yet, are you the right person for such a business? Having a company that provides entertainment for kids and young people, active young families or successful business people, a business filled with smiles and laughter, joy and happiness, may seem like the best job in the world.

Although it’s not just a business full of laughter and fun, the most important thing to ask yourself before starting the trampoline park business is: Am I the right person for it? This question not only requires you to check your bank account but also to make sure that you are the type of person:

who understands what sports and active lifestyles are,
who will take care of security and insurance from the beginning of that business and every single day, with full concentration,
who will form the beginning be willing to take care of spare parts and
who will take care of the crowds as well as never-ending parties from the first to the last opening hour?

The trampoline park business is most often seen as a family business. A business that brings together and engages the whole family can grow nicely if you are the type of businessman and person who understands the entertainment industry and knows its specifics.

There is no business you can start without having previously researched your target market. You need to know if you have competition, who your target customers are, and how big the market is that you want to cover.

This means that you should start with good old market research, defining and knowing your target audience, and calculating the return on investment and earnings estimates and profit.

Market research will give you the best insight into whether it is the right time and place to start your new business with trampoline parks. By doing good market research for your specific industry, you will reduce the risk and increase the chances for a quick return on investment and profit.

In the beginning, it is very important to define who your customers are and determine the size of the market, and the needs, and the habits of your audience that you can fulfill.

"Trampoline park market research reduces risks and increases quicker ROI."

1. Who is your ideal target?

First of all, you will need to research your demographic market to determine exactly who your customer base is and how big your specific market is. You can look at younger customers, middle-aged, or even older people. Fitness freaks? Athletes? Most trampoline parks target users between the ages of 5 and 25 or 10 to 30 years.

Also, you should count that there will be at least two types of users in your target group:

those who will plan one visit for fun for themselves, their family, or the company and a one-shot special occasion
and another kind, those who will come to your trampoline park regularly, using the park as their fitness activity.
Eventually, if you plan to open a park in a larger city, you can count on the third type of visitor, those who will be jumping “professionally”, that is, as a sports activity and competitively.

Now that you’ve just realized how big, different and exciting the target group of trampoline parks can be, let’s move on.

2. Who is your Trampoline park competition?

Don’t be afraid of the competition! Your competition will make you better and more competitive, you just have to get to know them well.

By learning as much about them as you can, you will find out all their good and bad points. This will make it easier for you to make your strategy - it will also mean that your "trial time" will be shorter and there'll be fewer errors and troubles. That is why you will be able to quickly dominate in the offering and fulfill all your clients’ expectations.

Finally, having competition in your environment, business or industry will make you imaginative and different. And that is always the first sign of success.

"Good competition helps you to achieve more!"

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Like it or not to do some extra work, writing a business plan is not really an extra: it’s essential to work!

A good business plan is the best way to make good business. First of all, by answering basic and specific questions, you will see all aspects of your future business. Moreover, a clear plan is critical to the success of your new business. This will help you map out the specifics of your business and uncover some unknowns.

Let’s go over the most important questions that your new business faces:

How much is this going to cost me?
What are the estimated costs of the equipment and ongoing supplies?
How long do I have to wait to break even?
What are the insurance costs?

"A clear plan is critical to the Trampoline park business. Without plan, it's just a wish."

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Now we are going more specific and you will love this part of the planning: designing! The design of your trampoline park is something you will pay particular attention to. Your park will most likely be custom-made, according to the size and shape of your space.

1. How big should a Trampoline park be?

There is no standard on how big a trampoline park has to be. You should keep in mind, that the size of a trampoline park should coincide with the number of visitors planned (capacity).

In Europe, the average size of a trampoline park is between 1000 and 2500 square meters, and in the USA around 2400 square meters. It's recommended that a trampoline park should occupy at least 1500 square meters of space and the ceiling should be at least 7 meters high, measured from the highest point of the barrier at the floor, to the ceiling. You can also build a smaller park, but then you need to pay even more attention to the creative concept and design of the park.

Basically, the jumping field itself should take at least 80% of the total squares of the entire park. After all, this is the main source of your income and visitors' happiness. And the rest must be an additional accompanying space for the reception, coffee bar, dressing and changing rooms, and bathrooms. Which, of course, will be physically separated from the jumping room.

Akrobat Trampoline park Jump Town, Ingollstadt, Germany

Akrobat Trampoline park Abenteuerland, Germany

Akrobat Trampoline park Hop Arena, Liberec, Czech Republic

Akrobat Trampoline park Amazinga, Zagreb, Croatia

Trampoline park Urvab Jump, Cergy-Paris, France

Akrobat Trampoline park Urban Jump, Cergy-Paris, France

2. Find the right park manufacturers!

Trampoline parks are no longer just a collection of trampolines. Modern trampoline parks are complex objects, creatively conceived concepts consisting of a variety of park modules from classic trampoline modules to climbing walls, ninja modules, ziplines, and different digital interactive modules.

In any case, you should participate in the design, but leave the professional layout and architecture to the experts. You need licensed suppliers and builders, and experts to provide you with an attractive, durable, quality, and safe park.

There are many different manufacturers of trampoline parks, that differ in their offers and willingness to take that "bonus" step. However, it would be best for you to choose a manufacturer that offers you a full range of services. In addition to purchasing equipment and building the park, it is important that you also receive:

expert advice on location suitability,
assistance with trampoline park design,
engineering,
turnkey execution
spare part supplies and services.

"A good manufacturer will not only sell you a trampoline park, but he will be your best partner during its design and construction."

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You already know that the hall needs to be spacious and tall. If you are not going to build a custom building, what do you think of old, abandoned industrial buildings? Many successful trampoline businesses are open in such spaces.

Of course, you should also think about the price: a location that is more attractive, accessible, and closer to shopping malls, will be more expensive than space in the old industrial zone.

"Only when absolutely all factors related to the location have been considered you can actually start with planning and construction of your trampoline park."

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We have reached the creative stage of your new business: marketing trampoline parks and related events.

Trampoline parks are attractive to a wide audience, however, you need to focus your marketing activities on different types of users of different ages. To accurately target different demographics, you may decide to maintain multiple different programs throughout the day. Ideas for different events:

Fitness activities for adults
Sports preparations and sports competitions
Beginner groups for the youngest
Birthday and anniversary celebrations
Team building
Family fun
Sports days and sports education lessons for primary and high schools

In relation to these events, you can focus on and interact with your target audience with all these different offers

1. Define your marketing channels

While it goes without saying that your trampoline park is a stand-alone service that brings customers back by wanting more, trampoline parks can surely benefit from other creative techniques that customers will acquire and, most importantly, retain.

Trampoline parks should look for any opportunity to place their business on the radar of their potential customers. Since trampoline parks are considered a unique experience, your new trampoline business should consider incentives for customers to bring them to their door. Some ideas to consider and use:

Special event packages
Membership and loyalty program
Discounts for the first time visitors
Fitness programs and classes
Sport competitions
Affiliate program

Let’s look at the other ways to promote your trampoline park:

Putting up signs and flyers throughout the neighborhood
Hand out brochures

Give away discount coupons (online and offline) to inspire people to check out your trampoline park for the first time.

"Trampoline parks should look for any opportunity to place their business on the radar of their potential customers."

2. Establish an online presence

For example, you need to define the marketing channels while being online and reap the benefits of online representation. The following channels are extremely suitable for promoting your business:

Your website with a simple online booking/ticketing platform and client portals
When people want to find a place for leisure and entertainment, they will probably first look online. To promote yourself and convert visitors to customers, create an attractive and useful website, make the book or buy tickets online and offer them a loyalty program with attractive rewards for returning customers, families, and groups.

Social media e.g Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Social networks are an ideal channel to promote such an attractive service. Video and photography provide countless opportunities to present trampoline entertainment as an irresistible and attractive way to have fun. In addition, you will talk, talk, and talk to your future clients on social networks and it’s a good thing for your business.

Different crowdsourcing review sites like TripAdvisor
People will evaluate and review your service all the time and you should be prepared for it from the beginning. Register as a business owner on reputable sites and get in touch with visitors who rate you right away.

Collaborations with influencers
Influencer marketing is one of the most effective ways of promoting your Trampoline park and spreading awareness. The right influencers can help you spread awareness about your Trampoline park by helping you reach out to your target audience.

While there are some big influencers who have millions of followers, we strongly suggest also taking a look into smaller ones who have fewer followers but enjoy the higher engagement. You should choose influencers according to your needs, which can be based on the experience you sell, your area of operation, or the demographics of your target audience.

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Every business has its own legal specifics. In the country of your business, you will, in accordance with local regulations, register a company, open a bank account, register taxes, and do the insurance mentioned above. Don’t forget to register your brand name!

However, a trampoline park is a complex business that is made up of a number of crucial legal elements that support the business. So, to limit risks, make sure well in advance that you have fulfilled all legal requirements. This is of vital importance before you start. Here’s a checklist of a few specifics you shouldn’t forget:

Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Operating a trampoline park may require some permits and certificates. Be aware of all licensing requirements and permissions your business must have before it becomes operational.
Selling food
If you sell food, you will need permits and licensing and will have sanitary controls. All businesses serving food are required to pass a health inspection.
Music licensing
In order to play music in a business setting, as many trampoline parks do, you need to get permission from the license holder. Usually, it is possible to obtain a general license allowing you to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios.
Liability
Disclaimers and release of liability are necessary because consumers will be in a high-risk environment and participate in intense physical exertion. For this reason, it is best to acquire park equipment built by industry standards. You should also have all the necessary permits before opening.
Labor safety requirements
It is important that you comply with all safety laws and regulations: The most important thing is to provide workers with all safety measures, including pre-service training.

To avoid penalties and unnecessary stress, be sure to keep yourself informed of local laws and obtain all necessary permits and licenses. These may vary from place to place, so go for more information on what is needed in your area to your city, town, or county office.

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The trampoline park opening ceremony is the icing on the cake of all your previous efforts!

After months of preparation, dust, and sweat, the launch of a trampoline park facility is finally on the calendar.

The opening ceremony should be preceded by marketing and PR activities, cooperation with local sports clubs, celebrities, and influencers, and contacts with business partners and friends.

It is up to you to decide if your personal guests’ list will be present at the opening or whether the opening ceremony will be fully open to the public.

Of course, opening a park is just a one-day event and right after that, your business starts operating.

After launching, let your business take off. Provide the best service and experience to all your customers so they can come back and even inform their friends and family about your business. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow.

1. How many employees do you need to operate a Trampoline park?

The number of employees depends on the type and size of the trampoline park and the level of services you choose to provide to your customers. But you will surely need cashiers, maintainers, and demonstrators, as well as animators, birthday party hostesses, security employees as well as others if your park offers additional attractions.

Every employee must be appropriately qualified and understand how trampoline parks operate. Also, all employees must be made aware of all safety instructions and know-how to react in the event of any injuries or essential assistance that must be provided for visitors. You also need to take into account the rules in terms of how many employees are necessary for a certain number of visitors, and how many employees are required to carry out specific activities and programs. The right staff will have a major impact on the good and, above all, safe operation of our trampoline park.

2. How to keep customers coming back?

To get new customers at the door, the Trampoline park, offers truly new experiences and will do this task usually with ease.

However, it may be difficult to get visitors who have never been to a trampoline park to sign up for several sessions at a time and come back for more.

That is why it's so important to offer different programs, challenges, group adventures, and different fun packages that will be enough challenging and engaging, to make your visitor crave for more and regularly come back.

One simple trick to make customers come back, again and again, is to reward system (every fifth arrival free of charge, discounts on drinks, accessories …)

3. What does a typical day at a Trampoline park look like for the staff?

Especially at the beginning of operating the business, the staff welcomes guests, explains how to enjoy trampolines safely, and responds to guest requests. They can help serve guests and give a personal touch to the business.

Another important task is taking care of the security of visitors.

When not communicating with guests, the business operator usually spends time planning and managing staff, inspecting and repairing equipment, and promoting the business.

4. What skills and experiences can help you build a successful Trampoline park?

Park operators don't need any special training before opening a Trampoline park, but they must have strong communication skills, good customer service skills, and decent general business skills.

Although not necessary, Trampoline park operators may plan to undergo training and provide certificates for the technical maintenance of the parks. This can increase the efficiency of the company’s operational work.

5. How does a Trampoline park make money?

A Trampoline park business makes its revenue by selling tickets.

A significant part of income comes with:

organizing birthday parties,
selling equipment (such as special jumping socks)
selling refreshments,
selling other merchandising products (T-shirts, hats ...).

A good opportunity is also to connect with nearby primary and high schools to organize sports days and sports education lessons for them.

All these activities represent a lucrative market for every Trampoline park owner and can add up to additional revenue.

The start of a new business can always be a challenge. Especially in the trampoline park business, which is very complex. This is why you need to have a good partner in your new business journey, who guides you through all the complex processes - from the beginning to the opening of the trampoline park and then on.

This guide is a complete, step-by-step checklist for opening your new Trampoline park without any big troubles. On your way from the initial idea to the grand opening, this guide will help you to identify the following key points:

Defining yourself as a Trampoline park business owner

Market research essentials

Creating a business plan for a Trampoline park business

Tips for designing a Trampoline park and identifying proper park equipment supplier

Finding an ideal location for your Trampoline park

Marketing and promotional activities of Trampoline park business

Legal aspects of the Trampoline park business to pay particular attention to

Launching tips for opening and growing your Trampoline park business

How to start a
Trampoline park Business

Table of Content

The ultimate guide on
how to start a Trampoline park business!

01.

Is Trampoline park the right business for you?

02.

Start with market research

2. Who is your Trampoline park competition?

03.

Write down a business plan for your Trampoline park

04.