Starting a soft play hire business

Thinking about starting a soft play hire business? You’re onto something amazing! With parents everywhere going crazy for soft play setups at their kids’ parties, now’s could be a great time to try it yourself. Whether it’s birthday bashes, weddings, or local events, soft play hire is in high demand because it’s safe, fun, and keeps the little ones happy for hours. Plus, with the right planning and smart moves, you could turn this into a super-profitable, family-friendly business. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

1. Understand the Market

Before diving in, take the time to research your target audience and market demand.

• Who are your customers? Primarily, you’ll be targeting parents of young children, wedding planners nurseries, and event organisers.
• What styles are in demand? Trends in soft play themes can change quickly, so staying informed is key. Right now, popular setups range from ‘Wild One’ jungle-themed parties to ‘Pink Princess’ celebrations. But remember—what’s trendy today might evolve in six months. Keep an eye on social media, chat with customers, and research what’s buzzing in your area to ensure your offerings stay fresh and exciting.
• Research competitors. Look at other soft play hire businesses in your area. Identify their strengths, pricing, and any gaps in their services.
• Chat to other soft play suppliers! Want to gain insider knowledge? Reach out to other soft play hire suppliers, especially those based in different areas where you’re not competing. Many are happy to share tips on where to source high-quality equipment, effective marketing strategies, and even how to handle tricky customers. These conversations can give you a head start and help you avoid common pitfalls. Networking with experienced business owners can be an invaluable way to learn the ropes.

Understanding your market will help you tailor your offering and identify opportunities to stand out.

2. Invest in High-Quality Equipment

The quality and safety of your soft play equipment are paramount.

• Prioritise Safety It might seem obvious, but ensuring your equipment meets safety standards is essential. Invest in durable, high-quality pieces made from easy-to-clean materials to keep your customers safe and satisfied.
• Offer Variety A diverse selection of equipment—such as ball pits, slides, tunnels, and soft climbing blocks—can make your service more appealing. Themed packages, like jungle, princess, or space themes, can attract even more customers. However, since trends change over time, consider investing in soft play items that are versatile and easy to customize for different themes.
• Scalability: Start with a manageable inventory and expand as your business grows.

Remember, first impressions count, so make sure your equipment looks professional and well-maintained.

3. Set Competitive Pricing

Pricing can make or break your business. Research competitors’ pricing structures to determine what’s reasonable in your area.

• Offer packages: Bundle your equipment into different packages based on event size and budget.
• Include delivery and setup: Customers will appreciate all-inclusive pricing that covers delivery, setup, and takedown.
• Consider add-ons: Boost your revenue by offering extras like party bags, decorations, or sensory toys.

4. Create a Professional Online Presence

In today’s digital world, an online presence is essential.

• Build a website: Your website should showcase your offerings, pricing, and contact details. Include high-quality photos of your soft play setups in action.
• Leverage social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for promoting your business, sharing customer reviews, and engaging with your audience.
• Invest in SEO: Optimize your website for local search terms like “soft play hire near me” to attract customers in your area.

5. Use an all-in-one Booking Platform like ours

Managing bookings, payments, and customer enquiries can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where an all-in-one booking platform like Go Book It comes in.

• Real-time availability: Let customers view available dates and book instantly, reducing back-and-forth communication.
• Customisable booking forms: Tailor forms to collect all the necessary details upfront, such as event location, duration, and specific equipment requests.
• Automated invoicing: Save time with professional, automated invoices that make your business look polished and organized.
• Payment integrations: With Go Book It, you can offer secure payment options through Stripe or PayPal, giving customers flexibility and peace of mind.

By using a comprehensive booking platform, you can focus more on growing your business and less on admin tasks.

6. Market Your Business Effectively

Marketing is key to attracting customers and growing your business.

• Be Instagrammable! Who would have thought soft play hire could become a trendsetter? But it has! Make sure to capture photos of your adorable party setups and share them online. Use trending and relevant hashtags to maximize your reach and attract more customers.
• Partner with other suppliers: Collaborate with party planners, caterers, or photographers to cross-promote your services.
• Encourage word-of-mouth: Provide excellent service and ask satisfied customers to leave reviews or recommend you to friends.
• Offer Promotions: Discounts for first-time bookings or loyalty programs are great ways to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back. With the Go Book It platform, you can easily create your own discount codes to boost sales and encourage repeat bookings!

7. Focus on Customer Service

In the event industry, great customer service is crucial. A couple of tips:

• Be reliable: Always show up on time and deliver exactly what you’ve promised.
• Communicate clearly: Keep customers informed about booking confirmations, setup times, and any changes.
• Respond promptly: When a parent contacts you, be sure to reply asap. After all, time is money! If you don’t respond quick enough, another supplier will.
• Handle feedback professionally: If something goes wrong, address it promptly and professionally to maintain your reputation.

8. Plan for Growth

Once your soft play hire business is up and running, think about how you can scale.

• Expand your inventory: Add new themes or equipment based on customer demand.
• Hire staff: As your bookings increase, you may need to bring on team members to help with delivery and setup.
• Explore new markets: Consider targeting corporate events or offering sensory play sessions for children with additional needs.
• Use data to make decisions: Platforms like Go Book It provide valuable insights into booking trends and customer preferences, helping you plan your next steps.

9. Ensure You’re Insured

Public liability insurance is a must for a soft play hire business. It protects you in case of accidents or damages during events. Additionally, check whether your equipment supplier offers a warranty or maintenance support.

10. Stay Organised

Running a business involves juggling many tasks. Tools like Go Book It can help you stay organised by centralising your bookings, invoices, and customer communications in one place. Additionally, use a calendar or project management app to track your schedule and deadlines.