Inflatable parks, also known as indoor trampoline parks, have exploded in popularity over the last decade. With kids’ birthdays being a major source of revenue, keeping costs under control is key to maintaining profit margins in this fun but competitive industry. Here are some tips for inflatable park owners and managers looking to maximize profits.
Manage Labor Costs
Staffing represents one of the biggest costs for inflatable parks. Take steps to optimize your labor force by cross-training employees so they can fill different roles as needed. Employees who can serve food, monitor attractions, and handle front desk duties provide more flexibility in scheduling. Consider using part-time workers to fill peak times such as weekends and summer vacations so you can scale back hours during slower periods. Implement online reservations and self-check-in technology to reduce front desk staffing needs. Set performance metrics for employees and provide incentives to boost productivity. Monitoring labor costs regularly will allow you to adjust staffing as needed.
Control Energy Use
With huge open play areas to heat and cool, energy is a major expense. Strategies to reduce energy costs include investing in energy-efficient HVAC systems and replacing old units. Look for rebates on high-efficiency models. Install LED lighting and occupancy sensors throughout the facility. Insulate ceilings and walls to minimize heating and cooling loss. Set thermostats a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter to conserve energy. Shut down unnecessary lighting and inflatables during slow periods or when unoccupied. Tracking energy usage will help identify savings opportunities.
Keep Maintenance Costs Down
Proper maintenance extends the life of expensive inflatable equipment and builds customer loyalty. Best practices include performing regular safety inspections and repairs quickly to prevent bigger problems. Train staff to handle basic maintenance like seam repair and blower motor service. Follow manufacturers’ guidelines on cleaning and maintenance. Rotate inflatables to different spots periodically to distribute wear and tear. Keep replacement parts stocked so downtime for repairs is minimized. A maintenance schedule and log will help stay on top of tasks.
Leverage Franchise Systems
Joining a franchise network for your indoor inflatable park provides built-in processes for controlling costs through their purchasing power. Franchises offer benefits like lower prices on expensive equipment, insurance, marketing materials, and more through franchise-negotiated contracts. They also provide shared best practices for labor management, maintenance, customer service, and other aspects. National marketing and brand recognition reduces local advertising costs. The support and shared knowledge of a franchise system provides economies of scale.
Focus on Customer Experience
Providing an enjoyable customer experience is vital for getting repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. Invest in regular staff training on safety protocols, customer service skills, and dealing with issues. Keep facilities clean, well-maintained, and inspected for safety. Offer party packages and promotions to drive traffic during slow times. Respond promptly to customer complaints and feedback. Delighting your customers will foster loyalty and improve profitability.
With smart management in these key areas of labor, energy, maintenance, franchising, and customer service, inflatable park owners can keep a lid on costs while still providing a fun customer experience. Controlling expenses is critical for delivering profits from a thriving indoor trampoline park.
