need help

Question
dear Pat,
      it is me hector again I got the list of questions

1.How much money do you think i need to start my business?
2.where would you sugsest as a location?
3.how many square feet of space do i need?
4.how will I find people to come to my rooler skating rink?
5.how should i adverties?
6.is renting equipment a good idea?
7.I design this myself or have it done professionally by a architecture?

Answer
Hi Hector,
  Here's some answers that I hope will help your project.

1.How much money do you think i need to start my business?

As little of your own money as possible, as much from others as possible.  To start from scratch you will need at least $300,000 to $400,000 in cash or credit.  Most new rinks of average size are going to cost from 2.5 to 3 million to construct.


2.where would you sugsest as a location?

The idea spot to build would be somewhere that has a lot of traffic going by and a lot of houses in the near neighborhood.  Of course the propety would have to be zoned for a business and not residential use.  Somewhere out of town but easy to get to and that a lot of people would pass in their normal route to work, school etc.


3.how many square feet of space do i need?

I would recommend 13,000 sq ft for a 75'x175' skating floor size to 14,500 sq ft for a 80'x180' skating floor size. That is just for the skating surface.  Then add as much room as your budget allows for the rest of the rink.

Most rinks have room for benchs to sit on, lockers, washrooms and a snackbar with more benches or tables to sit at.


4.how will I find people to come to my roller skating rink?

If the rink is in a good location the people will find you.  Otherwise you would have to advertise and perhaps give away free passes just to get people in there the first time.


5.how should i adverties?

Newspapers will usually come to take pictures and write an article if you call and ask them.  Contact schools and give them flyers, contact churches and any other place where people/kids gather.  

Make up flyers to pass out at the rink so people can take them with so they know your skating schedule.   

Give out passes or coupons for "Buy One Admission and Get One Admission Free"  Once people come and if they enjoy it, the word will spread to other people.  But at first you need to advertise a lot.


6.is renting equipment a good idea?

Renting equipment is a must.  Most people do not have skates so if you want them to skate, you have to supply them.  There is usually an additional fee for skate rental.  You would need regular skates and inline skates to rent out.  And if money allows you may invest in speed skates to rent out also.  But save that as a last resort.  First would be regular roller skates, then inline skates, then speed skates.


7.I design this myself or have it done professionally by a architecture?

I'm afraid you & I would have no idea how to design a building.  Get professional help immediately and follow their advice.

Start with rink consultants and the help offered by the Roller Skating Association.  Once a clear idea of what is doable has been settled, then hire an architect to handle the plans for the building.

Good Luck.......I hope this helps you.
Pat