If you've been looking into the inflatables industry and have decided you want to get involved, then you should know that you have four main options to choose from. After all, inflatables aren't just for backyard play rentals anymore. To be a really successful businessperson, you will need to choose a specific avenue of operation for your company. I will list these avenues in order of size.
Your first option is the basic backyard rental company. This type of inflatable company is easy to operate, but is designed for small-scale growth. For instance, renting an inflatable to a household for a child's birthday party typically only happens on weekends, and the largest inflatable you can buy is one that fits nicely into a large backyard. Bouncers are the most popular inflatables to buy in this situation, and ball pits are a secondary choice. Since this type of business only functions on the weekends and holidays (for the most part), this is a good investment for families who are looking to make a little extra money part time.
The next option requires a slightly bigger operation. It is the full-time event inflatables rental company for personal or business use. This inflatable company type requires you and a group of employees (or family members) to run events, such as church VBS groups, corporate picnics and kids events, school carnivals, and other such happenings. The process is similar to that of the backyard rental company, except you can buy bigger and better inflatables. I've seen these companies have everything from a giant slide to a full-scale bouncy obstacle course. Of course, these events must be manned by a staff of inflatable operators to make each even possible, which means employees and a different tax bracket. Also, you will need vehicles to haul the heavy inflatables, equipment to maintain them and process repairs, advertising and marketing efforts in your area, and a lot more time than a weekend or two a month.
Next, there are the pay-for-play companies. These are a step above the event rentals, but with the same basic concept. Instead of renting inflatables and choosing some employees to man them, this company targets specific carnivals, fairs, and public events, like the California State Fair. They set up a permanent location at these events, pop up a large inflatable, and people purchase tickets to enjoy the inflatable area for a certain period of time. For this company, the wear and tear on the inflatables is less sporadic and more of a full time concern. However, they make a constant stream of money during the events, unlike the one-day rental options. Many of these companies make up their start-up costs in only one season! Plus the advertising is done for them, as each public event draws in more and more people. The downside is that the cost of a rental space, combined with paying a full-time team of employees, can be pretty high and more accidents are prone to happen to your inflatables in a large crowd of people.
And finally, there is the indoor inflatable play center option. Family fun centers are popping up all over the United States and are doing surprisingly well. Children of all ages enjoy coming to locations with a series of inflatables, vendors, and video games. All it requires is a prime location, a large indoor space, and a series of inflatables to fill the space. Because of its indoor nature, these companies don't experience the same problems with sun damage and accidental punctures that outdoor rental companies face. However, with constant use comes typical wear and tear, so be prepared to have backup inflatables for replacements while used inflatables are patched and repaired. Also, the cost of a large enough rental space will be rather high, as well as the cost of utilities and maintenance.
So, as you can see, there are four main options if you want to start an inflatables business. And what you choose will depend upon how much time you have, whether you want this to supplement your income or be your income, whether you have a useable indoor space, and how much money you want to put into this concept being a success. If you want to get involved in the inflatables business and see how it goes, I recommend starting small with a backyard rental company and working your way up. That way you can see how the inflatables will hold up and whether a company is truly a good investment for your family.
Also, it's a good idea to note that, the larger the company, the more stress you will be under and the more people you will need to assist you. A large indoor play area might seem like a wonderful plan, but if you don't have the help, the location, or the start-up capital, you should start a smaller company. Expansion is always an option down the road, but starting too big might be your company's downfall.