Bouncy Castle & Soft Play Hire
Weekend hire of bouncy castles and soft play sets for children parties, school fairs and community events.
None
Parents, schools and clubs book inflatables every weekend, year-round. Typical offers: half-day and full-day hire with delivery, setup and collection included. Add-ons (soft play, didicars, gazebos) raise the average booking value. Schools and parish councils give repeat seasonal bookings. Gross margin figures are planning estimates of revenue minus direct costs (materials, consumables, fuel and per-job expenses); they exclude the owner's own labour, so treat them as a guide to job economics rather than take-home pay.
- Starting capital: 3500–9000 GBP
- Total starting capital: 5500 GBP
- Setup: 3-6 weeks
- Gross margin: 60-70%
- Business model: Day-rate hire with delivery and setup fees, plus add-ons like mats, blowers and party packages.
- Category: Events & Leisure
Risks
- Weather risk: Outdoor bookings cancel in high winds; clear terms protect income.
- Safety compliance: PIPA testing and public liability insurance are non-negotiable.
Costs
- Equipment — Two commercial bouncy castles with blowers — 3000 GBP
- Vehicle — Used trailer or van share for transport — 1200 GBP
- Compliance — Public liability insurance and PIPA testing — 600 GBP
- Marketing — Local ads, Google profile and party-shop partnerships — 400 GBP
- Equipment — Safety mats, anchors and extension leads — 300 GBP