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Starting a trampoline park is a major undertaking that requires significant planning, capital, and attention to safety and legal compliance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to approach starting a trampoline park business:

1. Market Research and Business Concept

The foundation of your business is understanding your market and defining your unique offering.

• Target Market: Define your primary customer base. Is it families with young children, teenagers (for dodgeball/fitness), or corporate groups? This affects your park design and pricing.
• Competition Analysis: Research all direct (other trampoline parks) and indirect (bowling alleys, laser tag, indoor playgrounds) competitors in your region. Analyze their pricing, attractions, and what they do well or poorly.
• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine how you will stand out. Will you focus on high-end attractions, a specialized theme, fitness classes, or superior party packages?
• Business Model: Decide between an Independent Park (full creative control, no royalties) or a Franchise (established brand, proven operations, but with fees and less flexibility).

2. Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan

This document is essential for securing financing and guiding your operation. It should include:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of the entire plan.
• Company Description: Your mission, vision, and legal structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.).
• Market Analysis: Detailed findings from your research, including target audience and competitive landscape.
• Products & Services: Detailed list of all attractions (main court, dodgeball, ninja course, foam pit), party packages, concessions, and other revenue streams (fitness classes, merchandise).
• Management Team: Who will run the business and their relevant experience.
• Financial Plan:
• Startup Costs: Detailed estimates for equipment, building improvements, licenses, insurance, pre-opening marketing, and working capital (often $1.5 million to over $4 million total).
• Funding Strategy: How you will finance the park (SBA loans, investors, self-funding).
• Projections: 3-5 year financial forecasts (P&L, cash flow, break-even analysis).

3. Secure a Location and Facility

The property is one of the most critical factors for a trampoline park's success and safety.

• Size and Height: Look for a building with a large open floor plan. Industry guidelines often recommend a minimum of 18,000 - 20,000+ square feet and a clear ceiling height of at least 17 - 18 feet (5.2 - 5.5 meters) to accommodate safe jumping.
• Zoning: Confirm the location is properly zoned for a commercial family entertainment center/indoor recreational use. This is a common early hurdle.
• Accessibility: Choose a highly visible location with easy access, high traffic flow, and ample parking.
• Lease/Purchase: Secure the property with favorable lease terms or purchase the building.

4. Design and Equipment Procurement

This is where your vision is translated into a physical space.

• Professional Design: Work with experienced architects and a reputable trampoline park equipment manufacturer (like MARWEY) to create a safe, efficient, and engaging layout that maximizes jump area and minimizes congestion.
• Attraction Mix: Select a variety of attractions based on your target market (e.g., more ninja/warrior courses for teens, a dedicated toddler zone for families).
• Equipment Quality: Ensure all equipment is certified and meets international safety standards (e.g., those from the ASTM or the International Association of Trampoline Parks - IATP). Get multiple bids from suppliers.

5. Legal, Insurance, and Compliance

This is the most crucial step for risk management.

• Business Registration: Register your business entity and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Licensing & Permits: Obtain all required local and state licenses, including a General Business License, Zoning/Land Use Permits, and a Fire Safety Certificate. If you serve food, you will need Health Department permits.
• Liability Insurance: Trampoline parks are considered a high-risk business. Secure a robust commercial general liability insurance policy—this will be a significant ongoing expense.
• Waivers: Implement a mandatory, legally sound liability waiver system for all participants, which is essential for risk mitigation.
• Safety Protocols: Develop detailed safety rules, staff training programs, and emergency procedures.

6. Staffing and Operations

• Hiring: Recruit and hire your management team and court monitors. The court monitor is a critical role for safety.
• Training: Provide comprehensive training focused on emergency response, first aid, customer service, and enforcing safety rules.
• Technology: Implement a robust Point of Sale (POS) and ticketing system that can handle online bookings, waivers, scheduling, and tracking sales.

7. Marketing and Launch

• Pre-Launch Marketing: Build buzz by creating a website, social media presence, and local campaigns (press releases, local event sponsorships) months before opening.
• Pricing Strategy: Set prices for jump time, party packages, and concessions based on your cost analysis and competitor pricing.
• Grand Opening: Plan a large, well-publicized launch event to generate excitement and initial cash flow.

The initial investment to start a photo booth business typically ranges from ​​$3,000to$12,000+,​​ with the final cost heavily dependent on the quality and capabilities of the equipment you choose. Opting for a commercial-grade provider like MARWEY is crucial for a successful side hustle or full-time business.

A basic starter package with essential features may begin around ​​$3,000-$5,000. For entrepreneurs serious about building a competitive advantage, investing ​​$6,000-$9,000​ in a MARWEY package grants access to premium differentiators like ​AI photography, advanced custom branding, and robust analytics—features that allow you to command higher rental fees. High-end setups with cutting-edge technology (e.g., 360 booths) can reach ​​$10,000+​.

Beyond the machine itself, remember to budget for operational costs like insurance, marketing, and supplies. While initial costs vary, a MARWEY booth is designed for durability and high ROI, transforming a one-time purchase into a long-term revenue-generating asset.

​Ready to calculate your specific investment? Contact MARWEY for a detailed quote tailored to your business goals.​

Read more:

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Photo Booth Business?

While traditional event markets may be competitive in some areas, the business is far from saturated when you focus on ​strategic location placement and technological innovation. The key is to stop competing in the same old markets and create new ones. Our machines, equipped with ​AI Photo Booths, Newspaper Styles, and other unique features, allow you to target untapped venues and create a unique value proposition that avoids direct competition.

​Here’s how to unlock new markets:​

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• ​Target High-Engagement Venues:​

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  • ​Hospitality:​​ Place booths in hotel lobbies, upscale bars, and wedding venues as a premium guest amenity.

  • ​Retail & Malls:​​ Drive foot traffic by offering an interactive experience in shopping centers.

  • ​Tourist Attractions:​​ Provide a memorable, branded souvenir for visitors at landmarks, museums, and amusement parks.

  • ​Corporate Campuses:​​ Offer a modern perk for employees and visitors in office lobbies or during corporate events.

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• ​Leverage Unique Features to Differentiate:​

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  • ​AI Photo Booths:​​ Use AI to generate unique digital props, backgrounds, and artistic filters that cannot be found elsewhere, creating a viral-worthy experience.

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  • ​Newspaper & Vintage Styles:​​ Offer themed templates (e.g., “Front Page News”) perfect for specific events, venues, or branding campaigns, setting your service apart from standard options.

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By focusing on these strategic locations and innovative features, you can effectively operate in a blue ocean of your own making.

Read more:

Is the Photo Booth Business Saturated? A 2025 Market Analysis | MARWEY

Yes! As a direct manufacturer, MARWEY offers ​customizable boxing arcade games​ with bespoke graphics, branding skins, and even tailored scoring mechanics. Perfect for venues seeking branded attractions or unique ​arcade boxing experiences.