Of course there is more to an indoor jump center than just the moonwalks. Here is a list of  few other equipment items to price out for your center and include in the business plan:

Tables & Chairs: Look for school suppliers.  Don’t be afraid to call direct and negotiate a better price for large orders.  If your budget is tight, check with a local party rental store, they may have used tables and chairs to sell.

Store Counters: Check your local newspaper for business closings, sometimes you can get counters any other supplies for pennies on a dollar.  These can also be built. Don’t forget to shop around online including eBay.

Foam Flooring or Carpet: This is a major decision.  Using foam tiles will give you the ability to move them around.  Also you do not have to place them under the equipment – this helps with the cost.

Computers: This depends largely on your center’s needs. Best advice is to keep it simple. Also if your employees are using the computer it’s always a good idea to block access to Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, etc.

Cash Registers: There are many choices from standard cash registers to point of sale computerized units.  If you have a tough time deciding on a system there’s nothing wrong with starting out with a fairly inexpensive cash register. Once you know your exact needs and the features you will need and utilize upgrade to a digital POS system. Proper employee training and surveillance cameras prevent employee theft.

Video Surveillance: Even if you are opening a small facility, budget for video cameras.  You can get an inexpensive camera system locally or customize your system and save more money by purchasing online. You can get a great system for under $1000. My system was black and white and cost $2000 at the time.  It had 16 cameras, and recorded everything.  It has saved thousands in insurance claims and lawsuits.  Even using the fake cameras will help.  My customers can see the monitor showing the jump rooms when they arrive. Tell them you are taping, even if you don’t.  People are NOT nice, they expect to be able to sue you for any minor incident that may occur.

Sound System: Mostly a personal choice.  Due to the nature of kids, we use inexpensive systems placed in each room verses a high cost system.  This also allows each group in each room to choose their music preference.

Lighting: The biggest recommendation here is to install a disco ball in the jump rooms.  They are inexpensive and the kids love them!

Arcade Games: There are two ways to plan this part of the business.  Buy or lease the machines and keep all the profit as well as all the headaches of repair or use a local amusement company.  The local amusement company will place the machines in your business, maintain them and split the profits (usually 50/50).  Either way, do not overlook this extremely profitable income stream.