Starting a laser tag business is a dream of many.
If you have ever considered starting your own business and love working with people and working within a supportive and enthusiastic group, then owning a Battlefield business might just be your next great adventure.
Are you Battlefield Ready?
Discover if you are ready to arm yourself for adventure - take the quiz!
But Where To Start?
Here you will find an exact step-by-step guide of how to start a business using our Laser Tag equipment. In fact, we have written a start-up checklist for you.
We have helped hundreds of businesses start-up and/or expand their business in more than 50 countries.
Robert Lean, The Collary Center (Salvation Army) Conferences & School Camps
"If you are considering starting a laser tag business I would say: Know your purpose and do your research. Battlefield Sports is the best on the market in terms of weapon emulation and configuration, by far. What I like best is its scalability for a wide variety of ages. I can keep it simple for 6 or 7-year-olds, or make it more challenging for adults. The "Laser Tag" language [Battlefield TAG] is great for keeping everything family-friendly. Thank you for always being available for assistance when required. Special thanks to Canditta & Adam for the support!"
Last year we celebrated 20 years in the live gaming industry, Battlefield Sports offers a step-by-step guide to how to start a business for mobile, indoor, outdoor, or zombie laser tag. We are an innovation-focused Laser Tag supplier with one mission:
It is a simple step by step guide for entrepreneurs on how to successfully start a business in seven steps.
Nicole Lander, the co-Founder of Battlefield Sports, is delighted about being able to offer advice on the start-up process for new entrepreneurs and small business owners.
"The process of starting a new business can be exhilarating but confusing, but it can actually be broken down into seven simple steps. Actually it's simpler than many battlefield business operators think," said Nicole.
If you are expanding a business, then you likely will already have a business name. Some of our customers have kept their business name when adding a new profit center. For example, one Battlefield Business operator had run his "Challenge Paintball" business for many years and then added, "Challenge Laser". Once you have chosen your business name you will need to check that it is not already taken. Many governments around the world nowadays enable you to check if the business name is already trademarked. Often you can do a free search online. If the name you want is available, then trademark it! (Depending on where you are this is going to cost a bit of money, and take a bit of time, but it is well worth it.) Please note that Battlefield Sports has several of its own trademarks such as Battlefield LIVE, Laser Skirmish Ready, Aim... Fun! and Laser Tag in a Box and of course SATR. Also, you will want to check with the domain name e.g. www.lasertagyourtownsname.com is available. If it is, buy it!
You will need to consider where you domicile your business. Or in other words where your official business address will be. If you are starting your business in the USA, then most business owners choose to incorporate their business in the State they hold business in. But there are a few States with incorporation perks that small business owners might not know about. Nevada is famous for having no State or franchise taxes for corporations. Delaware has no personal income tax for non-residents. Something to consider.
Are you planning:
The way you deliver your business will determine how you get started and expand your laser tag business.
Are you planning to incorporate your business? That is are you planning to become a company or simply operate as a sole trader? Or if there are two of you in the business, you might consider operating as a partnership.
Laws are different around the world, as are tax implications, so get local advice on what's best for your situation. Your local Chamber of Commerce can help.
Consider what sort of gaming theme you want. Are you planning to entertain your players with family-friendly games? If so a "Battlefield TAG" theme is for you.
Or if you want more hard-core, mil-sim scenarios then a "Battlefield LIVE" Theme is the way to go.
Or if you want to scare the pants off your guests with horror entertainment then choose "Battlefield UNDEAD".
Or if you want to recreate the thrill of the video game PUBg or the famous Fortnite video game then the "Battlefield ROYALE" is for you.
In fact, there are 12+ themes to choose from.
How to Start a Business: Step 4
Decide if you are going to run a mobile laser tag business, an indoor laser tag arena, an outdoor laser skirmish operation, or a zombie games business.
Or a combination of these.
Then determine how many people you'll like to cater to at once.
We recommend some minimum numbers of gaming guns:
The minimum number of an indoor arena is 24
The minimum number of an outdoor battlefield is 48.
How many laser tag guns in your arsenal will impact on how much money you can make. Check out our online revenue calculator.
What else do I need you may ask?
Well, when I go out to the battlefield I take 10% spares. This covers extra gamers who turn up but weren't booked. Also, consider getting some gaming accessories. For example, each battlefield needs at least two Battle Boxes set as Medic Boxes -- the computer inside the box enables the gamers to re-activate (or respawn) themselves at their base. Each battlefield needs a Master Controller -- this turns all the gear on, sets the game duration, and lots of other cool stuff. If you are planning on running Domination Games (one of my favorites!) then you'll need another Battle Box set as a Domination Box.
Our system doesn't use vests (also known as Battle Suits). We did away with them because we found gamers today are all different shapes and sizes! So instead we have a twirly cable which connects the head-sensors. Each gaming gun you order comes with integrated sensors. The head-sensors are attached to a headband and then the headband goes over a hat or bandanna for quick through-put.
Some might suggest wireless head sensors are the way to go, from practical experience I know that gamers can misplace them. Imagine a player running through the forest or around a dark maze, then they drop the head sensors. Or say a gamer wants to swap the model of gaming gun they are using from one game to the next. Well, then you will need to find the missing sensor and re-twin them with the gun. It sounds like a nightmare to me! Worse it could slow down your throughput. In other words, you could get fewer games completed per hour, and therefore earning less money.
Batteries. Guess what? The battery IS included. They are re-chargeable. Depending on which model you select will determine which type of battery is including. We also recommend getting one spares kit for each 10 gaming gun you order.
I know it sounds obvious but it is a must to work out how much is in your budget to start or expand your business. How are you going to pay for it all? Are you using personal savings? Bank finance? An SBA loan? Or some other funds? When planning your start-up costs include insurance costs, most landlords nowadays demand Public Liability Insurance. If this is the first time you are starting a business then one of the very first things to do is to separate your personal money and your business money. Opening a business bank account so you can deposit your business income into it and pay for your business expenses out of it is a must.
Having a great location can be a defining factor in business success. This also loops back to Step 1 - your business model. If you are going indoor versus outdoor will have a big impact on your location.
In my book "Right on Target" I run through the "3-Ps" of setting up a battlefield. Somewhere to play. Somewhere to park. And somewhere to "pee!". If you are looking to break into the laser tag business then get yourself a copy of this book: click here.
You are in business for yourself but not alone. Our team of battlefield gurus at Battlefield Sports™ is behind you every step of the way. While local market nuances will vary from country to country, even county to county Battlefield Sports has a resource for you called the Battlefield Sports University. This online resource has lots of useful stuff for you from press release templates for your grand opening to high res images. Our team is here to help you with your project and help with your business ideas.
We have given you seven simple steps to start up your business, whether it is a home-based business or an attraction for a major theme park.
Based on our years of experience we have good ideas and guidelines for starting a small business and getting it growing.
Our new live gaming is the very latest home-based business ideas. It is underpinned by the current business trends in information technology.
"Battlefield Sports is here to help you to start a business or expand your business using laser tag equipment," said Nicole.
Our friendly Battlefield Gurus are happy to help with your project.