How to Open a Roller Rink

Research other skating rinks. Before you know what you want your skating rink to offer, you are going to need to visit other roller rinks in your desired area to find out how they run and what they features they have available. Make notes of each location regarding the pricing, design, clientele, games, features and anything else that will help you develop your business objective.

Choose your location. This will take careful research. In most circumstances, a convenient location is not as important as important features when opening a skating rink. Sometimes owning a rink on the quieter side of town is okay if you are able to feature a great rink. If the rink is nice and the staff is courteous, most families will be willing to make the drive.

Work with an architect. The design of your rink is very important and you cannot always rely on yourself to make big design decisions.

Determine your expenses. Make an itemized list of expenses per month. This will include items like rent, food cost, labor cost, maintenance cost, electricity and insurance. Determining how much you need to make per month to keep the business operational will help you determine how much you will charge and how much start-up capital you need to get your business off the ground.

Draw up a business plan. In order to get funding, you will need to have a professional business plan which details all the phases of owning your own business. Include information like your objective, your expenses, your projected admission cost and design specs. This plan will be a great resource throughout the rest of the start-up process.

Get funding. This is the part that many people dread, but without it you can’t get your business off the ground. Many banks and lending organizations offer small business loans. In order to qualify, you may need to take a seminar at a local university or community college. You will need to do your research before getting loans, however, especially to check interest rates and payment options.

Design and build up your skating rink. Make your space something you would be proud of. Make it an exciting and fun place for kids to come. You might need to work with commercial interior designers to create an innovative and dynamic space. Install your carpets, build your architectural features and watch your business take shape.

Buy your games and equipment. These days roller rinks are as much about the rink as they are the games. You will need to buy all of your games, equipment for your concession stand, tables, booths, rental skates and more. Use your business plan to reference what equipment you need to buy and what budget you have to work with.

Hire your staff. You will need to hire a knowledgeable and courteous staff to help your business run. There is no way you will be able to run a successful skating rink alone.

Cover your liabilities and responsibilities. Kids will be coming to your rink to have fun, but due to the nature of the sport there is some risk of injury especially when small children are involved. You will need to take out insurance to protect you and your business from liabilities.

Promote yourself. If you build it they will come, but why wait for them? Offer incentives, discounts and free skate nights. Scout out schools to market your place for parties and field trips. Do whatever you need to do to make your customers roll in and out of your rink again and again.