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If you don’t plan and track your laser tag center's budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for laser tag center owners, we saw a lot of 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 laser tag center's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for laser tag centers
Most laser tag center owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for laser tag centers
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a laser tag center, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for laser tag arena space | $6,000 | $72,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for lighting and equipment | $1,200 | $14,400 |
| Water | Water usage for restrooms and cleaning | $150 | $1,800 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $200 | $2,400 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manager | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Game Attendants | 4 | $2,500 | $10,000 | $120,000 |
| Maintenance Staff | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Customer Service | 2 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
3. Equipment & Supplies
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Tag Gear | Vests, guns, and sensors | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Lighting & Sound | Special effects lighting and sound systems | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Maintenance Supplies | Tools and materials for repairs | $300 | $3,600 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sanitizers, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $400 | $4,800 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $500 | $6,000 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $200 | $2,400 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $150 | $1,800 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $150 | $1,800 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $300 | $3,600 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of laser tag equipment | $500 | $6,000 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms | $200 | $2,400 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business licenses and permits | $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 |
Some laser tag centers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best laser tag centers in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a laser tag center?
Watch out for these pitfalls. Here are five major costs every laser tag center owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Equipment and gear costsThese can take a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with high-tech gear that can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Prices can vary based on technology advancements and supplier availability. To keep these costs in check, focus on buying durable, high-quality equipment, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and maintain your gear regularly to extend its lifespan. Avoid overspending by not opting for the latest gadgets that don't add substantial value to the experience.
- The staff at your laser tag centerYour staff is crucial for providing an excellent customer experience, but their wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need a sufficient number of employees to ensure smooth operations and great service. 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 laser tag centerPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more customers. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too extravagant for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to spread the word about your laser tag center, 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.
- Facility maintenance and upgradesThis includes everything from the laser tag arena setup to the lobby and waiting areas. These are expensive because quality facilities and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and customer satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, low-maintenance materials and maintaining your facility regularly to avoid costly repairs. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech upgrades that don't significantly enhance the customer experience.
How to spend less with your laser tag center?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a laser tag center owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Equipment Costs | Partner with reputable suppliers for bulk discounts on laser tag gear and maintenance services. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a scheduling software to optimize staff hours and reduce overtime. |
| Utilities | Install LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your laser tag center and collaborate with local influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on efficient use of cleaning supplies to reduce waste and maintain a clean environment. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Set up a maintenance log for regular equipment checks and servicing to extend the lifespan of your gear. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Game Props | Use cost-effective, durable props and regularly inspect them for wear and tear. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
| POS System | Choose a POS system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| 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 materials where possible. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional gaming equipment and utilize management software for bookings and customer management. |
| Decor and Ambiance | Use reusable and durable decor items to create an immersive experience while keeping costs low. |
| 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 systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce spoilage of perishable items like snacks and drinks. |
| 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 DJs or bands during special events. |
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Expenses that are just useless for a laser tag center
Yes, some expenses for your laser tag center are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving customer experience.
| Laser Tag Center Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Over-the-Top Decorations | Extravagant decorations don't necessarily attract more players and can be a drain on the budget. |
| Premium Laser Tag Gear | Unless you are targeting a high-end market, most players are satisfied with mid-range equipment. |
| Excessive Game Modes | Offering too many game modes can confuse players and complicate operations. |
| High-End Sound Systems | Top-of-the-line sound systems 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 laser tag center |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the player 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 players. |
| Exclusive Game Features | Using rare game features can inflate costs and complicate maintenance. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by players and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Merchandise | Personalized merchandise is a minor detail that most players overlook, and it can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most players are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Rental Equipment | Maintaining more rental equipment 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 Lobby Centerpieces | Elaborate centerpieces are often ignored by players and add to the cost. |
| High-End Game Props | Luxury game props are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by players. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Marketing Materials | Frequently redesigning marketing materials 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 is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your laser tag center!
Managing a budget for a laser tag center when funds are tight can feel like navigating a maze in the dark. Every unexpected expense can throw you off course and leave you scrambling.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in new equipment or marketing campaigns, leaving you always trying to catch up. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, cutting corners and just getting by. 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 flexibility and more resources to invest back into your business.
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 laser tag centers just like yours. Get them now!
Make your laser tag center more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best laser tag centers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
