A Guide to Starting a Bounce House Rental Business

You may find it rewarding to learn how to start a bounce house rental business if you enjoy working with event and party planners. The bounce houses are a huge hit at birthday parties, corporate events, and fundraisers since just about every kid loves to bounce. You can begin with one inflatable, then add more as you expand. With most events occurring in the evenings or on weekends, it’s a great part-time business that can be converted to a full-time business once the following is established.

Inflatable Bounce House Purchase

You can find many possible sources by searching the Internet. You can find assistance in starting a business and information about financing from most companies. In order to provide variety and to service multiple customers at the same time, add additional models as the business grows.

Get a Truck or Trailer

Transport the bounce house to an event by buying or renting a truck or trailer. These inflatables may weigh as much as 100 pounds each. The equipment will need to be moved at the destination with a dolly.

Security for Storage Facilities

Provide the bounce houses with a storage facility. The amount of space required will vary according to how many inflatables are owned. Storage facilities should keep equipment dry, clean, and away from animals that could damage it.

Make a Decision About the Legal Structure

Establish a legal structure for the business and give it a name. These include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.
In the latter two, claims may not be made if anyone is injured. To find out what registration requirements your state has, contact the state secretary.

Licensing and Permitting

Licensing and permitting are important. Each state and jurisdiction has their own requirements. The general requirement is an occupational license. Furthermore, Bounce house rentals are sometimes considered an amusement park by some states. Additional paperwork and equipment inspections may be needed by the state if so.

Obtain a Liability Permit

To protect yourself against accidents occurring on the equipment, obtain liability insurance. The equipment will be covered by the general business insurance. Talk to your insurance agent about how much coverage is required. When a business is classified as a type of amusement park, some states dictate the level of insurance coverage required.

Preparation of a Rental Contract

Ensure that a rental agreement is prepared. You may want to discuss some key provisions with an attorney. Renters must, for example, understand how to properly operate equipment and agree not to sue the rental company if an accident occurs.

Market Your Products and Services

Promote your services. Launch an online presence. Publicize the opening of your business via a news release. You could place ads in the newspaper, phone book and local magazines so parents can see them. Design business cards and flyers to advertise your services. Use social-media marketing to get likes and shares, as well as photos of kids having fun in your bouncy castle on Instagram.

On the equipment used at parties, display your business name and phone number. Give party-goers business cards as an incentive to come back to your next event. Through the use of social media, referrals will eventually become an important source of ongoing business.