Entrepreneur Business Opportunities
How to Start a Laser Game Center
We've collected some good advice that is written for those of you who plan on opening a laser game center. Read this before you start!
Wondering how to start a laser game center? We take you step-by-step from start to success.
The Appeal of Laser Game Centers
Laser gaming is one of an increasing number of family-friendly entertainment venues to hit Main Street. Although it is extremely appealing to kids and teens, it can also be appropriate for adults and corporate events. From an entrepreneurial perspective, the possibilities are limited only by your ability to monetize the game into creative entertainment opportunities.
One of the primary advantages of laser tag is convenience. Unlike paint ball, players don't have to worry about destroying their clothes every time they play a game. Also, many parents are more comfortable allowing their kids play laser tag because there is less potential for injury.
Since laser game centers can be operated as either a closed (reserved) or open play venue, industrious entrepreneurs can minimize down time. The result is a potentially higher ROI than other types of startups because (in theory), good scheduling can ensure your assets are used to generate revenue on a near constant basis.
Getting Started in Laser Game Entrepreneurism
Before you decide to launch your own laser game center, it's important to visit several laser game centers and talk with successful laser gaming entrepreneurs to learn the business. Each laser gaming venue is unique and insights gained from firsthand experiences will inevitably shape your startup's business model and revenue streams.
Pricing structure is another consideration that's worth considering before you pull the trigger on a laser gaming launch. Rates vary, but it typically costs $10 or less per half hour session. Revenue forecasting will help you determine the amount of traffic you'll need to generate in order to cover operating expenses and equipment costs.
If market research indicates that the required traffic isn't feasible, you'll need to reboot your startup strategy and choose a different location or business model. In some cases, entrepreneurs may discover that laser gaming simply isn't a viable concept in their target market.
Expansion Ideas for Laser Game Centers
The race to generate additional revenue will begin the moment you open the doors of your laser gaming center. Free play sessions simply won't bring in enough revenue to sustain the business, so you'll need to be aggressive about pursuing event and party bookings, food service and additional entertainment options (e.g. video arcade games).
The easiest and most affordable way to grow your business is to expand your hours of operation and/or target additional event bookings. But if the market is already saturated, the only other way to expand your business may be to grow geographically, replicating your business in a promising new territory.
Business Plans for Laser Game Centers
As a startup laser game center owner, writing a quality business plan is one of the first tasks you need to address.
If time is scarce, business plan software can be used to streamline the process. A reliable software solution will increase the accuracy and consistency of your business plan, dramatically improving its value to your laser game center.
Properly utilized, business plan software has the potential to transform your business plan from a throwaway business requirement to an integral strategic resource.
Consider Competitors
Before you open a laser game center in your town, it's essential to see how strong the competition is. Use the link below to find competitors in your area. Complete the form by entering your city, state and zip code to get a list of laser game centers that are close by.
If there's too much competition, it may be wise to consider starting the business in a less competitive marketplace.
Finding a Non-Competitive Business Mentor
As part of your due diligence on opening a laser game center, you really ought to learn as much as you can from somebody who is already in the business. Local competitors are not going to give you the time of day, mind you. It'd be crazy for them to teach you the business.
Thankfully, an owner of a a laser game center outside of your community can be a great learning resource for you, as long as they don't view you as a competitive threat. Many business owners are happy to give advice to new entrepreneurs In my experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.
How do you go about finding an entrepreneur who is running a laser game center in another city who you can speak with?
Simple. Let your fingers do the walking by using the link below.
Acquired Laser Game Centers: Competitive Advantages
Pursuing a laser game center acquisition can be an effective route to profitability for emerging entrepreneurs.
A business acquisition also provides the benefit of intangible assets like a brand identity. In fact, many entrepreneurs pursue acquisitions for the primary purpose of buying an established brand.
Since your laser game center's ability to compete is largely indexed to your brand reputation, an acquisition strategy significantly condenses the amount of time it will take for your business to become a competitive threat.
Explore Franchising Options
You should know that your odds of achieving your top business goals are much better when you opt to franchise and leverage their successful brand and track record.
As part of your process in starting a laser game center, you would be wise to investigate whether franchise opportunities in your space might be the right move for you.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
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