| If you're one of the few who already own a patch of | | | | a small store where players can buy paintball guns and |
| land and want to turn it into a paintball field, you've got | | | | equipment from you. You had to become a dealer |
| it made! You can play on it all you want and can turn it | | | | anyway to get a better deal on your initial equipment |
| into a business if you want. If you're like most however, | | | | purchase; you might as well try to sell more of their |
| you may owe money on the property you use (either | | | | products. You can sell parts, upgrade kits, markers, |
| as rent or a loan payment). For most people, the cost | | | | masks and even apparel if you want. Having a |
| of starting a commercial paintball field will force them | | | | pro-shop may also attract new customers to your |
| into business mode. If you've got the right location, | | | | field. Sometimes, people who just come to the paintball |
| marketing plan and set-up, running a paintball field can | | | | shop didn't even know you had a field to play on - |
| be a great money-making business. Plan ahead and | | | | they may become patrons of your field as well. |
| start small! | | | | After you've got all the equipment, your course is |
| Once you've gotten a quote on all the equipment, you'll | | | | ready and the doors are open.... The initial success of |
| soon realize how committed you're going to have to | | | | your paintball field business will depend on one thing - |
| be by the size of the debt that can quickly accumulate. | | | | how effective and consistent your marketing is. Get |
| Initial equipment costs will require a loan for most | | | | the word out that you're a new paintball field open for |
| people; then there's the ongoing monthly bills you must | | | | business every way possible. Flier campaigns to |
| also consider... a mortgage bill (if you have one), | | | | churches, schools, youth groups, boy/girl scouts; |
| ongoing supplies like paintballs and replacement parts | | | | website/landing page and direct mail campaigns are a |
| for your guns. Don't forget the payments for your | | | | good start. |
| liability insurance policy to cover you in case someone | | | | Get involved with the local community as much as |
| gets hurt. | | | | possible. Sponsor tournaments and organize events to |
| With a high level of commitment involved, it's best to | | | | be held at your field. Sponsor a local team for your |
| start your paintball field with a clear plan in mind from | | | | field - and put them to work for you marketing your |
| the very beginning. Write up a business plan with a | | | | business! It might even be a wise investment to |
| mission statement and written goals with timelines. | | | | purchase netting or an inflatable course (with walls) |
| Come up with an aggressive marketing plan that not | | | | you can travel with to set-up a temporary paintball field |
| only includes initial start-up advertising campaigns but | | | | arena wherever you can. Bringing a paintball event to |
| regular ongoing promotional ideas as well. | | | | a community festival, town event or even a block |
| Before embarking on a journey of this magnitude, read | | | | party is a great way to get the word out about your |
| everything you can get your hands on regarding this | | | | field. |
| subject. Take your time in researching companies | | | | It's also a good idea to consider aligning your business |
| thoroughly before going into business with them. | | | | plan with a higher cause to affect the greater good. |
| Remember - how they treat you is also how one of | | | | This means your paintball field is a business to not only |
| your customers could be treated in case they have to | | | | make money, but also to help troubled teens, for |
| deal with them. If possible, travel to several paintball | | | | example (or any other cause you want to help). Since |
| fields in different areas/states to speak with the | | | | paintball is mostly played by teenagers, and is a great, |
| owner and managers; look around to steal ideas and | | | | safe outlet of energy and exercise - why not pick this |
| observe how their operation runs. Only spend time | | | | group? Who knows, you might even end helping a |
| with the successful fields; see if you can figure out | | | | troubled teen or two! Positioning yourself with a cause |
| more ways of making money at your own field by | | | | like this can also help attract new, different clients - |
| copying their successful traits. | | | | who have no interest in paintball whatsoever, but still |
| Another great way of making money at your field is | | | | become patrons to support your cause. |
| by having a Pro-Shop on the premises. This would be | | | | |