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#1 dswillia74437

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 07:26 AM

I am just getting into the Inflatable Business here in rural Oklahoma. I purchased some used equipment from a couple of individuals in another city and currently have the following equipment to startup:

1 - 13 x 13 Bounce House
1 - 13 x 13 Bounce House / Slide Combo
1 - Toddler Bounce House
1 - Boxing Ring
1 - Bungee Run
1 - Bungee Run and Joust Combo
1 - Velcro Wall
1 - 24' Foot Obstacle Course
1 - 52' Obstacle Course
Assorted folding chairs and tables.

Now here is my question, I will have an additional $5000 to $8000 to invest in additional equipment within the month. What I am asking you seasoned professionals is what kind on inflatable products should I add to the above inventory. I really have no idea on what will provide me the most "bang for the buck" starting out.

EDIT: What manufacturer would you suggest as I would like to make one purchase and the current equipment is from different vendors.

Thanks in Advance!

Edited by dswillia74437, 31 January 2013 - 07:43 AM.


#2 Castle Party Rentals

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 07:33 AM

Jump/Slide Combos, something a bit bigger than 13x13, and more rectangular shaped.

#3 AtlantaLarry

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 07:41 AM

Combos! Perfect for the easy upgrade.
And the customers grow tired quickly of the same ol bounce house, but for a backyard you usually dont do interactives..

NJ C4s ..

And a slide... Maybe 18ft or so...

#4 FuntasticJump

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 08:17 AM

I would suggest a combo unit too. I notice most of my customers rent combo units constantly. Make sure you have a unit that both boys and girls would like.

#5 allstarinflatables

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 08:17 AM

I would recommend a 18ft wet/dry slide.
http://bigtopinflata...tock&prod_id=51

And a wet/dry dual lane slide.
http://bigtopinflata...tock&prod_id=56

You will need some wet options in the summer time, also I recommend a dual lane slide to go with your inventory so you can accommodate bigger events with your interactives. You will be able to bundle your obstacle course interactives and dual lane slide to pitch to churches and community events!

#6 abc123

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 08:30 AM

I would recommend a 18ft wet/dry slide.
http://bigtopinflata...tock&prod_id=51

And a wet/dry dual lane slide.
http://bigtopinflata...tock&prod_id=56

You will need some wet options in the summer time, also I recommend a dual lane slide to go with your inventory so you can accommodate bigger events with your interactives. You will be able to bundle your obstacle course interactives and dual lane slide to pitch to churches and community events!

Ditto

#7 Just 4 Jumping

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 08:31 AM

how much did you pay for all that equipment?

if the bouncers are in good shape from a known manufacture, these are the prices i would pay, about 8-9k

1 - 13 x 13 Bounce House $500
1 - 13 x 13 Bounce House / Slide Combo $700
1 - Toddler Bounce House $500
1 - Boxing Ring $500
1 - Bungee Run $800
1 - Bungee Run and Joust Combo $1000
1 - Velcro Wall $800
1 - 24' Foot Obstacle Course $1200
1 - 52' Obstacle Course $2000

#8 JJ Jumpers

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 09:20 AM

oh man i hope you just didnt burst his bubble....

Yup anything with a jumper and slide, does are my money makers, and dont think the bigger jumpers you get the more money your gonna make, always gage your customers.

#9 SirBounce-A-Lot

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 09:28 AM

Combo and a wet/dry slide for your budget. Ninja c4s are nice.

#10 dswillia74437

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 09:28 AM

how much did you pay for all that equipment?

if the bouncers are in good shape from a known manufacture, these are the prices i would pay, about 8-9k

1 - 13 x 13 Bounce House $500
1 - 13 x 13 Bounce House / Slide Combo $700
1 - Toddler Bounce House $500
1 - Boxing Ring $500
1 - Bungee Run $800
1 - Bungee Run and Joust Combo $1000
1 - Velcro Wall $800
1 - 24' Foot Obstacle Course $1200
1 - 52' Obstacle Course $2000


I am in under 8K, and I didn't mention the 2002 Ford F350 Box Truck
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#11 B N

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 09:50 AM

Here is what I reccomend. Slow down!!!! Dude first see if you can handle what you have now. Even with 9 units if you market right you will be very busy. There will be plenty of time to get further into you vinyl addiction. To many to fast and you may burn yourself out. I started with 2 and built from there and I know I would have quit if I didnt start small. Even when I was at 6 I was busting my a$$ every sat and sunday working 20 hour days.

Now what to do with that extra $5-$8k take the family on vacation it will be the last one you get for a while.

Good Luck and enjoy your new fettish
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#12 weekend warrior

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 10:52 AM

BN puts it so nice. If you don't have good help you will be in trouble. What about web presence and marketing.

#13 dswillia74437

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 10:58 AM

I am testing ERS right now, will see how it turns out. I have 5K allocated to initial marketing so I think that will be fine. My biggest concern is that I am interactive heavy, with not enough standard bouncers/combos.

#14 Spoiled Rotten

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 04:32 PM

Avoid bouncers, not enough money.

Have you accounted for the cost of inspections in Ok?

Go for some good combos, ez inflatables and einflatables are nice. There are many good ones to choose from.

I agree with BN though, pace yourself and make it to the AIR show in Austin

#15 Mr. Inflatables

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 04:33 PM

..My biggest concern is that I am interactive heavy, with not enough standard bouncers/combos.

that's not so bad.. your working smart not hard. Bouncer rentals are very small margin inflatable both to sell and rent. If you feel pressured to buy something small. I think a girl pink/purple or princess theme bouncer would be a good addition to your inventory. I also think a boy train, pirate, or race car theme inflatable would be a good choice. Adding a boy and girl theme bouncer would compliment your collection very well.

#16 CapitolOnlineAuctions

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 05:29 PM

My company will be exhibiting at The Air Show which will be April 24-25 in Austin, Texas. There will be educational seminars, a chance to meet face to face with the inflatable manufacturers, and see their units(and test them), a networking event, and more. If you PM me your info, I can get you free VIP tickets.
And for a shameless plug, I see a few people have recommended some of the items I am auctioning right now. Here is a link. Capitol Online Auctions

#17 The Bounce House

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Posted 01 February 2013 - 06:10 PM

Where in OK are you located?

#18 dswillia74437

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Posted 02 February 2013 - 04:34 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone!  I am located in Henryetta, OK which is 52 miles south of Tulsa, and about 80 miles east of Oklahoma City.



#19 KeepitBouncin

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Posted 03 February 2013 - 02:14 AM

..My biggest concern is that I am interactive heavy, with not enough standard bouncers/combos.

that's not so bad.. your working smart not hard. Bouncer rentals are very small margin inflatable both to sell and rent. If you feel pressured to buy something small. I think a girl pink/purple or princess theme bouncer would be a good addition to your inventory. I also think a boy train, pirate, or race car theme inflatable would be a good choice. Adding a boy and girl theme bouncer would compliment your collection very well.

 

I would go with a NJ C4-Disney Princess and Justice League. 



#20 Northern Chris

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Posted 03 February 2013 - 04:23 AM

I would add concessions.  Cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones...






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