How to Start a Go Kart Track
Go-kart tracks are entertaining for the whole family. They give kids a chance to "put the pedal to the metal" and drive before they have a license. Starting a go-kart track takes capital, time and creativity. Running a go-kart facility provides not only income, but also the satisfaction that you are supplying fun for children and families.
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Instructions
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Visit go-kart tracks. Speak with the owners. Ask questions about the business such as how the owner got started, what they'd recommend and what to avoid. Be clear that you are not seeking to compete, but would like to learn and network. Other go-kart track owners can help you find the best deals.
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Make a plan. Consider what you'll need to start and run the track. You'll need land, a track design and the go-karts themselves. You also need to consider landscaping to make the go-kart Track inviting. Decide how you'll promote your business. Figure out what you need in the way of financing in order to get a loan to start your go-kart track. Include liability insurance in your budget.
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Choose your customers. Decide whether you plan on starting a go-kart track for kids and families, or one for racing. Before you build, you need to choose who your customers are and focus the business on them. There is a difference in landscaping, the area needed, layout and cost.
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Check out city, county and state regulations regarding the permits and licenses needed to run your go-kart track. Be sure to apply for a sales tax license, as you will need to collect sales tax to remit back to the state.
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Purchase the land. Other go-kart tracks can advise you on the type and amount of land needed. The lay of the land, at least partially, dictates course design. Include space for parking. You can find out from the city or county how large each parking space needs to be and figure out how much parking you'll need.
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Build the track and buy the go-karts. Work with contractors who have experience building go-kart tracks. Work with landscapers to provide a look that is visually stimulating, fun and inviting. Make sure the contractors, landscapers and others working on the track understand your vision. Buy enough go-karts to serve your customer base.
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Promote, promote, promote. Open with a free day for everyone, with food and balloons, entertainment and anything else that will draw customers to your new go-kart Track. Hand out lots of brochures and business cards and put up fliers at stores. Invite the media for free publicity.
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Ask customers for feedback. This will help you know what you need to tweak to make the go-kart track experience better. You will also glean positive statement you can use, with permission, in future advertising as you build up your go-kart track business.
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References
- Photo Credit Two racing endurance karts image by Nicola Gavin from Fotolia.com
