Before You Open, Read This

Starting a business is exciting as well as scary–there are so many different things to think about. Here at Southeastern Skate Supply, we have a pretty good handle on all that you need to know before you open a roller skating rink. Here’s a short list of some of the major things you need to consider when making your business plan. Remember that a full list of subjects, with in-depth coverage of each, can be found in our Roller Skating Business Resource Manual.  

• Capital. How are you going to gather the initial investment to start your business and keep it running until it starts to turn a profit? Savings? Loans from the bank? Investors? A combination of factors? This often requires a substantial amount of money, so make sure you are totally clear on where it’s coming from.
• Building, Flooring, Lights and Sound Equipment. These are by far your biggest expenses, and the most important decisions you’ll make. How your skating rink looks and whether the equipment works is going to determine how customers respond to it, and whether or not they come back. 
• The Snack Bar. Food service brings its own challenges, including complicated health and safety regulations, dozens of vendors, seasonal variation, and changing trends and competition.
• Safety and Security. Don’t overlook this important subject, or leave it for last! When you’re starting a business for families, you need to really think about how you’re going to help those families stay safe.

So many small businesses fail within the first few years–don’t let that happen to yours. The Manual has all the information you need, about all of these topics and more, to start the best roller skating rink you can.