Put the word out, tell all the parents you know about your business. Price your hire to allow for a discount to anyone who passes business to you by telling a friend, or otherwise reward these people in some way. Advertise in the local newspaper, get in the Yellow Pages, and get some business cards and leaflets made up.
Be aware of where you will do your business. Most hires will take place in back gardens, community centres or halls. However, you may find bookings taking place at nurseries, playgroups, pubs, hotels, clubs, shopping centres, fetes, car boot fairs, shows, charity events, football clubs, barbeques, beach parties, wedding receptions, balls and open days.
You can also rent Commercial Grade Inflatable Games ( which is also known as ” Jeux gonflables de qualité commerciale ” in the french language )
It’s therefore a good idea to make yourself known to key establishments in your area, so that if anyone suggests these places as venues for a bouncy castle, the venue will be able to suggest your business as the supplier of the castle.
When you arrive at the booking, be aware that there will be parents there — potential customers — so make sure you take advantage of the marketing opportunity. Have your business cards and or leaflets to hand and don’t be shy about handing them out. Everyone’s child has a birthday every year, and as all children know, bouncy castles are a riot – so feel free to suggest to parents that they give you a call around the time of their child’s birthday.
How to deal with enquiries
Be ready to give enquirers your pricing information, the exact dimensions in height, depth and width (feet and meters) of the bouncy castle, what age groups can use it, and how many at once. Tell the customer that there is a bouncy castle rain-cover included in the price.
Make sure you take details of the date of the party, the venue, and the age groups of the people using the castle. Then you can suggest a size to fit the requirements. Remember that most of the time you’ll be suggesting a 12ft x 12ft bouncy castle.
Explain to the customer the arrangement for delivery, setting up the bouncy castle, collection — all of which will be your responsibility. It’s a good idea to arrange to call the night before delivery just to confirm the delivery time. This is all pretty much common sense, but when you start out you’re bound to be a little nervous, so you may forget to ask for, or give, crucial information crucial bouncy castle information.