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If you don’t plan and track your ice skating rink budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for ice skating rink owners, we saw a lot of rink owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having substantial revenue.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your ice skating rink's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for ice skating rinks
Most ice skating rink owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for ice skating rinks
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for an ice skating rink, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for rink space | $8,000 | $96,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for ice maintenance and lighting | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Water | Water usage for ice resurfacing | $300 | $3,600 |
| Gas | Heating for the facility | $500 | $6,000 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $150 | $1,800 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $100 | $1,200 |
| Pest Control | Monthly pest control services | $50 | $600 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $600 | $7,200 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rink Manager | 1 | $4,500 | $4,500 | $54,000 |
| Assistant Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Ice Technicians | 2 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Skate Guards | 4 | $2,000 | $8,000 | $96,000 |
| Cashiers | 2 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Concession Staff | 2 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
3. Equipment & Maintenance
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Resurfacer | Maintenance and fuel for Zamboni | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Skate Rentals | Maintenance and replacement of rental skates | $500 | $6,000 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sanitizers, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and safety gear | $200 | $2,400 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $500 | $6,000 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $200 | $2,400 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $150 | $1,800 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $200 | $2,400 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of rink equipment | $500 | $6,000 |
| Licenses & Permits | Operational permits and licenses | $100 | $1,200 |
| POS System | Point of Sale software and hardware | $150 | $1,800 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $500 | $6,000 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $200 | $2,400 |
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What are the biggest expenses for an ice skating rink?
Be mindful of these potential pitfalls. Here are five major costs every ice skating rink owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Ice maintenance and resurfacingMaintaining a high-quality ice surface can be a significant expense. You’re dealing with specialized equipment and materials, and costs can vary based on usage, weather conditions, and maintenance schedules. To keep these costs in check, focus on regular maintenance, invest in efficient ice resurfacing machines, and train your staff properly. Avoid overspending by not over-maintaining the ice or opting for overly expensive resurfacing products that don’t add enough value.
- Staff at your ice skating rinkYour staff is crucial for operations, but their wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need a certain number of employees to ensure safety, provide excellent customer service, and keep the rink running smoothly. Optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor service.
- Rent and utilities of your ice skating rinkPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more skaters. Utilities like electricity, water, and heating are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient systems and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too extravagant for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to promote your ice skating rink, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we provide in our pack. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Equipment and maintenance costsThis includes everything from ice skates to safety gear and rink maintenance tools. These are expensive because quality equipment and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, energy-efficient equipment and maintaining it regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your ice skating rink?
Here are practical tips to help you, as an ice skating rink owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Ice Maintenance | Invest in energy-efficient ice resurfacing machines and schedule regular maintenance to extend their lifespan. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime, especially during peak and off-peak times. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems to manage the rink's temperature and humidity levels effectively. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your ice rink and collaborate with local influencers and sports teams for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste and maintain a clean, safe environment. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular checks and servicing of skates, rental equipment, and ice resurfacing machines. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location if feasible. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Skate Rentals | Use durable, high-quality skates to minimize replacement costs and offer discounts for customers bringing their own skates. |
| Concessions | Partner with local vendors for cost-effective, high-quality food and beverage options. |
| POS System | Choose a POS system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems like booking and inventory management. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources to keep staff updated on safety and customer service. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize waste and recycle where possible. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional equipment and utilize rink management software for bookings, scheduling, and customer management. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan delivery routes for supplies to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital booking and management systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels of rental skates, concessions, and other supplies. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Entertainment | Use a streaming service for background music and host local bands or DJs during special events. |
Copy the tactics of the best ice skating rinks in the world!
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Expenses that are just useless for an ice skating rink
Yes, some expenses for your ice skating rink are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving the skater's experience.
| Ice Rink Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Lavish Decorations | Over-the-top decorations don't necessarily attract more skaters and can be a drain on the budget. |
| Premium Skate Brands | Unless you cater to professional skaters, most visitors are satisfied with mid-range skate options. |
| Excessive Rental Gear | Having too much rental gear increases inventory costs and leads to more maintenance expenses. |
| High-End Ice Resurfacing Machines | Top-of-the-line resurfacing machines are not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your ice rink. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the skater's experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by skaters. |
| Exclusive Snacks | Using rare snacks can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture in the lounge area is not always appreciated by skaters and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Napkins | Personalized napkins are a minor detail that most skaters overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most skaters are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Maintenance Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Centerpieces | Elaborate centerpieces in the lounge area are often ignored by skaters and add to the cost. |
| High-End Tableware | Luxury tableware in the snack bar is prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by skaters. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Menu Designs | Frequently redesigning snack bar menus is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Catering Equipment | Specialized catering equipment for events is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your ice skating rink!
Managing a budget for an ice skating rink when funds are tight can feel like a nightmare. It's like being on thin ice where any unexpected expense can send you spiraling out of control.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth projects, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more money to spend.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of ice skating rinks just like yours. Get them now!
Make your ice skating rink more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best ice skating rinks in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
