How to Start a Laser Tag Franchise

Business entrepreneurs looking for a gaming franchise have too many "iffy" choices. Technology in hand-held games has encroached on arcade profits. Entertainment fads such as paintball attract a narrow segment of the market, and it's hard to predict what will be popular tomorrow. Learn more about the incredible popularity of professional laser tag facilities. Your initial investment will garner returns from a loyal fan base that only keeps growing.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Full-time availability
• Extensive experience with laser tag
• Start-up capital

Instructions

Create a Laser Tag Business Plan

1. Take over an existing laser tag arena and make an immediate profit. Buy an established low-end enterprise and upgrade it to a high-end franchise.

2. Enter an existing market with a new facility. Scout out existing laser tag businesses and move in on the territory of those that don't excel in popularity and profitability.

3. Start from scratch and fill a need. Start a franchise in an area where there is a market vacuum.

4. Affiliate with a local or national laser tag company that offers franchise arrangements. Many of these offer orientation workshops for prospective franchisees.

5. Hire a consulting firm to do a market survey for the location you select.

6. Complete all legal transactions associated with the franchise relationship before you break ground on a new arena.

Plan Your Laser Tag Facility

1. Secure an existing location or choose one that will accommodate at least a 6,000-square-foot multilevel structure.

2. Furnish your arena as directed by franchise guidelines. Floors will be heavy-duty and multiple levels will require ramps and built-in game obstacles. Add a snack shop, video arcade or meeting rooms.

3. Purchase laser tag guns and body sensors, black lights and other game-specific equipment as directed by the franchiser.

4. Install communications and computer controller equipment as recommended by the franchiser, building designer and game manufacturer.

5. Hire dedicated and personable employees as admission and equipment staff, game facilitators and referees, food service workers, janitors and maintenance crew.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't cut corners on equipment, location or amenities.

• Start a franchise if you're interested enough in the business of laser tag to supervise it every day.

• Administrative or entrepreneurial skills in areas other than laser tag may not transfer over to this specialized market. Get as much preliminary experience in laser tag facility operation as possible.

• While laser tag is a profitable anchor attraction, it may not be enough for a facility to survive. Introducing additional services, such as party rooms and food courts, is a good way to add value to the business.