Things to know before investing in your indoor playground equipment
Indoor play centres are all the rage. Investing in an indoor play area can be a lucrative business opportunity. Choosing the right commercial indoor playground equipment is one of the most important aspects of starting out in this sector, but it involves careful thought and planning. At Play in Business, we have made a long and satisfying career out of helping professionals do just that. So, before you embark on this new adventure, here are some things to consider before purchasing your indoor play equipment.
Budget and space: Consult with trusty indoor play equipment manufacturers
With its long experience in the industry, Play in Business is well aware of all the pitfalls awaiting many professionals while setting up their commercial indoor playground. If you want to start on a good footing, always start by assessing your budget. Indoor play area equipment can be expensive. Setting a budget and sticking to it is half the battle. Consider cost of equipment, installation and maintenance when deciding. You don’t want to overspend but, as we will see later, you don’t want to underspend either for obvious security reasons. You want your play equipment to last too, it is important to balance cost with quality. If you are on a tight budget, remember there are options available: Quality budget-friendly equipment does exist. Your indoor play equipment manufacturer is your best partner for this.
Discuss your price limits, consider customisations, and most crucially, the space available for your commercial indoor play area. Check there is enough space for the equipment you want to install, the children, and the adults accompanying children, as it is critical to leave enough space between pieces of equipment to avoid crowding. Being accurate about space will prevent you from limiting overall capacity. Last but not least, there are plenty of financing options out there as well. Be sure to check them out before deciding on any purchase.
What kind of customers for what kind of play with your indoor playground equipment?
Consider the age range of your target audience. Will you be catering to toddlers, pre-schoolers, older children, teenagers, students, whole families? Different age groups will have different needs and preferences when it comes to indoor playground equipment. Toddlers, for example, will need soft play areas and low-level equipment that they can safely climb and explore, whereas older children may prefer more challenging equipment such as climbing walls and zip lines, places where they can slide, crawl or jump to spend all that energy, like the much-loved trampoline. Teenagers adore obstacle courses of all kinds and interactive games. Focus on giving positive examples: encourage movement through fun to teach children and teenagers about the importance of fitness and health, help younger children build their imagination and develop their motor skills. These are the best parts of operating an indoor playground.
Think about the accompanying parents and adults too, so that all can have an unforgettable time at your indoor playground. Project planners often underestimate the number of adults to be accommodated. As a rule, the ratio is 1 adult to 1 child. If a game can accommodate 200 children, then 200 adults must be accommodated, which means at least 70 tables and 280 chairs (because not all families are 2 parents + 2 children!). Plan refreshment areas with food, sweets and drinks.
In short, make sure your offer is visually appealing and that it can be easily customisable. Understand the age range you are aiming at so that you can invest in your commercial indoor play equipment accordingly.
Your reputation as a professional commercial indoor playground operator
As a professional you want to be reliable, and you want to build a long-term relationships with your customers. Safety should be the number one priority when selecting indoor play equipment. It must meet the latest safety standards, should be free of sharp edges and rough surfaces. Your equipment should also be maintained regularly, and your staff should be well trained and knowledgeable about all issues in the industry. It is also important to have clear rules and guidelines in place to ensure that children are using the equipment safely. Most of all, when deciding on a purchase, choose a reputable indoor play equipment manufacturer. Look for suppliers that have experience in the industry and a proven track record of providing safe and high-quality equipment, with excellent ongoing customer assistance. Check reviews and references from other businesses that have purchased indoor playground equipment. Your peace of mind will keep your business thriving.
Ultimately, the popularity of your commercial indoor playground will depend on customer satisfaction. Choose equipment that is engaging and fun for children of all ages. Consider offering a variety of play experiences. Keep in mind that children’s interests can change quickly, so it’s important to update and rotate equipment to keep the indoor play area fresh and exciting. At Play in Business, we are ready to be with you on this adventure all the way to success.
