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