The startup process of an escape room business may be highly exhilarating and quite fulfilling to be into. People of every kind and of every age group visit the escape games. Thus, if you want to design and start your own escape room business, there are various things you need to investigate. In this article, we have compiled a step-by-step comprehensive guide to help you get started:
1. Research
First, learn about the industry of escape rooms. Learn the basics about how an escape room operates and why it is interesting for participants. Research what types of escape rooms exist, like mystery, adventure, or even horror-themed escape rooms. Then, look at what the popular types are in your area. Thereafter, decide on the experience you want to present.
2. Make a Business Plan
A business plan is like a map that gives you the overview of everything. It will outline the details in terms of themes that you wish to use for your escape rooms. Moreover, it states who your target audience would be, and what cost would be incurred at start-up. Further, consider how much you would charge for each ticket and how many tickets you want per day. Determine if you will just have one room or more rooms. Thus, planning allows you to create goals and prepare for everything.
3. Location Selection
The location of your escape room matters. Identify a place that is accessible to many people and is large enough. You would need more than one room in an escape room. Consider the parking availability at that place or the distance to the nearest public transport station. This makes access easier for customers. It's advisable to consider shopping centers because they have higher traffic, thus attracting more people.
4. Design the Escape Rooms
The design of your escape game is what makes or breaks the experience. You can create a haunted house, a detective mystery, or a treasure hunt. Moreover, the puzzles and challenges you think of must relate to the theme. Further, they must engage the players till the very end. Additionally, the puzzles should not be too difficult or too simple. You must know how to strike the right balance; else the game will be no fun! Lastly, use proper props, lights, and sounds to create the perfect atmosphere.
5. Obtain the Relevant Permits and Insurance
Inquire from your local governments on the permits or license one needs to start running their escape room. These are what keep your business in the right books and in safe hands. You might want to consider getting insured too. Insurance will safeguard you in case something went wrong, like a client breaking an arm. It's an important step to get your business secured.
6. Market Your Business
Market your escape room to attract customers. Share photos, videos, and details of your rooms on social media. You can also offer discounts to first-time players to encourage them to visit again. Moreover, you can collaborate with a couple of local cafes or restaurants to reach more people. Additionally, good customer reviews can even spread the word itself.
7. Keep Improving
Once you are on a roll, listen to any feedback coming from the customers. Try to see what they enjoy the most and what they find frustrating. Then, use their feedback to make your escape room better. Moreover, you can evolve the game by changing the puzzles, updating the theme, or adding more rooms as your business grows. Keeping things up to date will make individuals come back.
Conclusion
Setting your escape room business will require detailed planning and creativity. But when executed properly, your business can be a fun place creating delight among customers and spreading joy!