| Hopefully by now you have researched the | | | | of thing you are looking for so it's now time for |
| market in your area and found that there is a | | | | some more research. Over the last ten years or |
| reasonable demand for inflatable hire and some | | | | so, there has been a huge increase in the number |
| strong competition. The next phase is to work | | | | of inflatable manufacturers. Fortunately for you, |
| out your budget because this is going to need | | | | the global financial crisis means there are deals to |
| some investing on your part. How many bouncy | | | | be had. By shopping around and using the internet, |
| castles or bounce houses you start with will | | | | check out some of the prices, particularly locally. |
| depend on the money you have available of | | | | You will probably find that they vary significantly |
| course but may I suggest no less than two and | | | | but cheap is not necessarily a good thing! Once |
| no more than five. You need to be able to offer | | | | you have made a list of potentials, it's time to use |
| some choice to your customers but at the same | | | | the phone. Ask how long they have been in |
| time you do not want to be in a position where | | | | business. Although there are no guarantees, length |
| you are unable to handle the volume of bookings | | | | of time trading does prove some continuity. Call |
| on your own or have to let customers down at | | | | other local operators and ask who they would |
| the last minute. | | | | recommend. Generally in this business you will find |
| Let's assume you have decided to start with two | | | | most people helpful, even though you may be in |
| inflatables. With so many different types on the | | | | direct competition with them. One day they might |
| market, you may be confused as to what to buy | | | | need your help. |
| first so let me help. Your initial purchases should | | | | Hopefully by now you have created a shortlist of |
| be identical slide bouncers. Two bouncy castles | | | | suppliers. Get back on the phone and ask how |
| with slides attached on the side or the front giving | | | | long the warranty is? Does the price include |
| a dual purpose for the children. These days the | | | | delivery? Is there a certificate supplied with the |
| difference in cost between a straight forward | | | | castle confirming it conforms to the required |
| castle and a slide bouncer is negligible but you can | | | | safety standards in your country? When would |
| charge more for hiring the latter. One should be a | | | | they be able to meet the order? What age limit is |
| boy theme like pirates for example and the other | | | | the inflatable designed for? (You want a minimum |
| a girl theme, pink and white, candy, princesses, | | | | of age 10). What is the maximum number of |
| that type of thing as these styles will never go | | | | children that can use the castle at any one time? |
| out of fashion and hence will always be in demand. | | | | (You want a minimum of 8). Finally does the price |
| Both should be arched at the top as this allows | | | | include any of the following? Electric fan, repair kit, |
| the air to circulate more freely. This is particularly | | | | groundsheets or tarps, extension leads, safety |
| important if you live in a warm climate. The other | | | | mats or metal stakes. Depending on the answers |
| tip is to buy detachable shower/shade covers | | | | given, you should now have an even shorter list. |
| giving the option to the customer on delivery. | | | | Congratulations, you have just completed phase 2. |
| You should now have a good idea as to the type | | | | |