The game laser tag has long become popular in the United States and Europe. It came to Russia and Ukraine quite recently and is already gaining popularity. This entertainment is a direct competitor to paintball, which uses paint balls. In this article we will look at how to open a business in a laser tag club and describe the basic technology for its promotion.

Laser tag is team game, which uses devices emitting IR radiation. The essence of the game is to hit the enemy and take him out of the game. All “shots” are determined through the interaction of a marker that emits IR radiation and sensors located on the player’s head and vest. They are absolutely safe for the human body. During the game you do not experience any pain, and all actions are regulated by electronics configured in certain programs on the computer.

Pros of laser tag:

• There are no consumables; you buy the equipment once and then charge it regularly from the mains.
• the entire game process is recorded on the computer, and you do not need additional personnel to referee the game.
• Very low rate injury hazard.
• wide target audience.
• various scenario options for building a game.

Among the disadvantages, one can highlight that this game is not very popular in our country and sometimes it is difficult to attract customers. And the second negative point is seasonality. In winter, the demand for this service decreases.

Target Audience

Laser tag can be played by both adults and children, but you should mainly target children between the ages of 14 and 25. They will be the main core of your clients.

Your main interest may be schoolchildren. In order to attract clients, you need to negotiate with school administrations in your cities, as well as nearby areas, since you first need to advertise your services.

An excellent place to start would be demonstration performances at public celebrations in your city. Such performances attract children, and each of them wants to try to participate. After this, having previously agreed with school administrations, games can be organized.

It is worth emphasizing that laser tag, first of all, is a sports game in which you need to run a lot and which allows children to take a break from computer games and devote time to their sports training.

The second group of potential visitors to the laser tag club are corporate clients and students. Here you also need to establish direct connections with company management and offer them corporate holidays in the format exciting game. This event can perfectly unite the team, which can become a powerful argument during negotiations.

Documents

In order to officially work, you will need to obtain all the necessary permits and documents.

• open IP.
• indicate OKVED for the activity. For Russia this is code 92.62. For Ukraine - 93.21.
• recruit staff.
• have quality certificates for equipment and carry out safety precautions before the start of the game.
• a lease or purchase agreement for the premises, if you use it. Or an agreement for rented space in the open air.

This is just the basics. In order to be sure that all paperwork is completed accurately, use the services of lawyers.

Where to play the games?

When drawing up a business plan for a laser tag club, it is important to initially imagine where the games will take place, this will directly determine starting capital necessary to start a business.

There are several options here:

1. Outdoors, for example in a field using inflatable or wooden structures, or near abandoned buildings that are not in disrepair.
2. Forest area. In the forest, you need to select a clearing with trees and bushes and play the game without the use of additional structures.
3. A separate room for a laser tag club. This is the most expensive option to start with. You will need to rent and renovate the premises and install all the necessary equipment. But at the same time, you will be able to play games even in winter, which will be a competitive advantage in this market segment.

When choosing an outdoor location, follow simple rules:

• availability of access to the game venue and the ability to get there by public transport.
• safety for players.
• possibility of a picnic. This is especially true in the case of corporate events.

You can also work on location, with the principle that the client chooses the location himself.

Business premises

If you nevertheless decide to open a laser tag club in a separate room to allow year-round gaming, then there are a number of requirements for such a room.

• room area from 150 sq.m.
• the room itself is segmented into a play area, locker rooms, with the possibility of storing personal belongings, showers and toilets.
• All communications must be connected: heating, electricity, water supply, sewerage and ventilation. Pay special attention to lighting settings.
• It would be a plus to have parking.

It will also need to be redecorated and all protective structures installed to protect players from injury.

Types of scenarios

Like any game, laser tag has a number of basic scenarios that are used most often. Based on the scenario, you will need to purchase additional equipment, which we will consider below.

Here are the three most popular types of scripts you can use to start your business:

• "Capture the Flag" The idea is that all players are divided into two teams and try to capture the flag of the enemy team and deliver it to their base.
• "Every man for himself." This gaming technique is used with a small number of players. Everyone plays for themselves and the goal is to remain the last “survivor” in this battle.
• “Care” - one team must “neutralize” the players of the other team.

You can find many different scenarios on the Internet, and manufacturers have already implemented additional equipment for all of them. This way, you can gradually expand your laser tag club, promoting your business and surpassing your competitors.

Laser tag equipment?

In order to open a laser tag business, it is worth purchasing all the necessary equipment.

— To start, you will only need to purchase about 10 sets for playing laser tag, and for example, you will need: 10 MP514, several first aid kits, several checkpoints, and a set of batteries. For all this you will need to spend about $4500 - $5000.

— The third item of expenditure is vehicle for delivery of inventory. If you have a car, great; if not, it’s okay to start by using a taxi or asking your friends for help.

In general, all laser tag business equipment can be divided into three types:

• basic.
• additional.
• server.

The main type of equipment includes markers in the format of weapon models, vests and sensors.

Additional items include:

• vests with additional damage sensors: $70 - $75
• spare weapon sensors: from $22
• flag that is used to implement a special script: $60
• first aid kit, its function is that when used, the player can increase the level of health in the game: $35
• spare and main module for connecting weapons to the server: $75 each
• hostage sensor kit: $58
• reanimator, which allows you to return retired players to the game: $25
• other.

A laptop with special software for playing laser tag is used as a server. The game time, player defeats, etc. are recorded there.

Staff

When starting a business, you can get by with a minimum number of employees.

To get started you will need:

• service sales manager.
• instructor for conducting games.

You can take on the responsibilities of an accountant.

You can work on a piecework basis, this will reduce the risks of your business.

How much can you earn?

The cost of one game session per person will be about $4.5 - $5. Let's say you manage to attract about 70 people over the weekend. This way you can earn about $350. Taking away from that amount the salary for the instructor and services for transporting equipment - this is approximately 45% - 50%. It will cost about $190 net. You can really earn that kind of money in 2–3 days. Such calculations show that laser tag as an additional income is quite normal.

With normal promotion and organization of various stories, your services will be in constant demand among schoolchildren, students and office workers.

You can recoup your business within 6–10 months, with active promotion using advertising and direct calls to potential clients. If you plan to work in big city, then be sure to make a website and run contextual advertising.

Conclusions. The business idea of ​​opening a laser tag club is a profitable niche for young entrepreneurs, which with a small investment can bring good profits. The main thing is high-quality equipment, interesting scenarios and active advertising throughout the city.

Do you have experience in this niche? We look forward to your feedback and recommendations in the comments.

Today there are many ways that allow you to relieve stress after work, improve your physical fitness and get bright emotions. Among other proposals, military team games such as airsoft, pentball and laser tag are of great interest. And if the first two have recently become more than popular, laser tag is not yet very familiar to people. Although it does represent a huge competitive advantage over the first two games. This shows the great potential of the game in the entertainment services market. Therefore, it is worth considering the creation of such a club as a promising line of business.

What is laser tag and what are its advantages?

As already mentioned, laser tag is a military team game. Unlike the similar games mentioned above, it uses light weapons that “shoot” infrared rays. The hit is recorded by the computer through special sensors on the players’ clothing. Therefore, the main advantages of this type of game organization are:

• Reduced uniform costs - no need to buy protective equipment.
• Reduces consumable costs as no paint or balls are used during games.
• Reduced costs for service personnel - everything that happens is recorded by a computer, no judges are needed.
• Low risk of injury from games.
• Everyone can participate in the games, even children - simple and clear rules, low requirements for the physical training of players.
• Several scenario options make the games constantly interesting.

Club organization options

The business plan must provide for the form in which the club’s work will be organized. There are three options where its work can be organized:

• Open air in an area partially built up with trenches, structures and other things.
• Forests, fields without artificially erected structures.
• An enclosed space with a specially equipped labyrinth and anti-ricochet installations.

The most expensive option for creating a club is the last one. But since any abandoned building is suitable for such games, unless it is in disrepair, the organization costs will still be relatively low. To rent an outdoor area, it is enough to agree with the local administration.

The ideal option is an open area with small but varied buildings.

The main criteria for choosing a location are:

• transport accessibility;
• low costs for the creation and operation of the club;
• safety of players and spectators;
• possibility of picnics.

Territory within the city

The advantages of opening a club inside the city (park area, industrial area) are the presence of a transport interchange, so it is easier to attract clients without their own transport. This means that in winter the club will also be full in the evenings. In addition, it is possible to heat it. The disadvantage of this location is the high rent and the hiring of additional personnel to guard the club.

Territory outside the city

Low rent, which allows you to cover large areas. Due to this, it is possible to provide a wide range of services, organizing accompanying recreation. But then not every client can come here with their own transport. This reduces the number of potential customers or increases costs if you organize their delivery yourself.

Work on the road

A budding entrepreneur can offer services for organizing a game at the customer’s site. Under such conditions, the client himself chooses the territory and provides a place for installation game server and the work of its operator.

Premises on the club premises

As practice shows, a club will need at least two playing fields, which, if necessary, can be organized into one large field. Approximately 50 meters from them, it is necessary to equip a shooting range in which clients can shoot before playing laser tag. The sites should be 150x80 meters in size.

It is also necessary to organize heated changing rooms and showers, as well as places to store things. It is advisable to organize a place where players can have a snack after the game. A big plus will be an equipped parking lot for 15-20 cars and good access roads to it.

Scenario options

Your business plan for organizing a club should provide several options for organizing a game that you can offer to clients. Scenarios are selected based on the number of players and their desires. The most common scenarios are:

1. Four of a Kind – one team must “kill” all the players of the other team.
2. Invader-Defender – used when there is a fortress building. One team defends it, the other captures it.
3. Capture the flag - the point is to capture the enemy's flag and deliver it to your base.
4. TopGun – Used for small quantities. In this scenario, everyone plays for themselves: the participants scatter in different sides, and after a set time they begin to “knock out” the rest.

There are many other options for scenarios with the capture or release of hostages, one-on-one duels, and so on.

Equipment

The main thing that a club’s business plan should include is the purchase of necessary equipment. Laser tag will require three main types of equipment:

• basic;
• additional;
• game server.

As the latter, a regular computer is purchased. If you plan to work at outdoor events or in open areas, it is best to purchase a laptop. Good equipment will cost about 35-40 thousand rubles. You need to install a special one on it software, which will record the time used by the players. Additionally, a special device is installed that deactivates the equipment at the end of the time until the players extend it or until the owner comes to withdraw the cash. The cost of the device is 17 thousand rubles.

Basics

The main equipment is dummy weapons, often based on airsoft or paintball. The cost of one gun varies between 1200 rubles. and 39,500 rub. The price is influenced by the following factors:

• quality of material and workmanship;
• degree of naturalism;
• technical parameters;
• additional accessories.

The business plan should include the purchase of a wide range of weapons at the rate of 12 guns for 10 players. As a rule, special bandages are included with the weapon, which record the hit to the player and turn off his weapon. Communication with weapons can be wired or wireless. The latter is more reliable, but also costs more – about 8 thousand rubles. compared to wired.

Additional

Laser tag wouldn't be complete without additional equipment. This includes:

• a resuscitator, which allows you to “revive” participants who have been taken out of the game (costs 1,450 rubles);
• a first aid kit that allows the player to “raise the level of health” in the game (costs 2100 rubles)
• a set of damage sensors for “hostages” (cost 3,400 rubles each);
• spare and main module for connecting weapons to the server (4,350 rubles each);
• flag - a special device for use in certain scenarios (costs 3,500 rubles);
• tripwires that allow you to hit players at a distance of 10 m (cost 3,500 rubles each);
• protective vests with additional damage sensors (cost 4,150 rubles);
• spare weapon sensor bands (from RUB 1,300);
• sets of damage sensors, which will cost 850-2350 rubles.

Staff

For the club to operate, the business plan must provide for a certain staff of employees. It provides for the following positions:

• general manager;
• accountant-cashier;
• general manager (deputy chief director);
• a technician who ensures that the laser tag and its equipment are in good working order;
• a judge-instructor who will work directly with clients;
• the warehouse manager who will be responsible for the weapons;
• additional staff (cleaning lady, barmaid, driver, etc.).

As a rule, they are given a fixed minimum salary in accordance with their position and qualifications, and are also paid a percentage of the club's income.

Club registration

The business plan must provide for the official registration of the club. To do this, you can use any organizational and legal form that is convenient for the entrepreneur:

• LLC is a legal entity for which it will be necessary to form an authorized capital before registration;
• CJSC is a complex system that operates on the basis of shares;
• partnership is a form where the founders combine not capital, but personal participation;
• individual entrepreneur - used in cases where there is only one organizer.

If you are in doubt about what form to organize laser tag, we recommend that you seek advice from a lawyer.

Financial part

It is difficult to name the exact amount required to open. It all depends on where the club is organized, what equipment your business plan involves purchasing. According to experts, on average it will take about a thousand dollars to organize a site.

Income is planned to be received primarily from the sale of participation in the game. IN major cities cost of participation – from 2 thousand rubles. In the periphery it can be 500 rubles. But 90% of the profit usually remains with the entrepreneur. As for the payback, the business plan can expect to return the funds no later than in a year.

One of the main advantages of laser tag is that there is no need to have a special playground! Games can be played in the yard kindergarten or in a school gym, in a city park or in an area equipped with inflatable shelters, at a recreation center or in the forest! And most laser tag clubs successfully do this, collaborating with event agencies or providing the “play away” service on their own! But the organization of such events must be approached very seriously and scrupulously, because your reputation depends on it and whether the client wants to order the game again or recommend you to friends! Our 10 tips for holding a laser tag game on the road will help you with this!

1. When accepting an order, get as much information as possible from the client:

• Exact date
• How many people will be playing?
• What age are the players, will children play?
• The most accurate location of the game

The number of people needed depends on the number of people. Given their limited quantity, you can immediately communicate to the client your capabilities and options for holding the event. If children will participate in the game, it is worth taking with you an instructor with the skills of a children's animator.
Much depends on the venue. Firstly, distance plays an important role. You will be able to immediately assess the required travel time and the feasibility of such an event.

Secondly, the terrain itself is important. You need to understand if there are conditions for playing the game there - natural shelters, the absence of injury hazard areas and access to electricity. A situation may arise that in the area chosen by the client there are practically no natural shelters, which significantly reduces the interest of the game.

Here they will come to your aid, which are easily transported and installed on almost any surface. But in order to inflate the figures with air, you need to use a compressor, which is powered by a 220 V network. If there is a need to use inflatable shelters, but there is no access to electricity, then the best way out of this situation is an electric generator. Don't you have it? Rent one - it will be much easier and more reliable.

2. Once the order has been accepted, book immediately required quantity play kits by entering the information into the event schedule and notifying the appropriate personnel. This way you will eliminate possible overlaps and unpleasant moments. Promptly notify the instructors who are needed to conduct this event about the away game.

3. Be sure to take advance payment. Once you know the exact location of the game, calculate the costs of transporting equipment and personnel in both directions and take this amount from the client as an advance. Why is this so? If suddenly the customer turns out to be dishonest and does not appear at the specified place and time, you will not incur the cost of traveling “idle”. And if everything goes according to plan, then there is a high probability that clients will play longer than planned and the final payment will occur after the fact of the time played.

4. The day before the game, be sure to call the customer! Find out if everything is in order, if the weather is good and if there are any changes. If not, great. If a client, for example, forgot about an upcoming event and planned other things, you will save yourself from unnecessary travel and can quickly organize another game.

5. Make a list of everything you need in advance. For example:

• required number of laser tag kits and additional equipment by name:
  • 10 sets
  • 6 sets (short, for children)
  • 3 checkpoints
  • laser tag bomb
• game uniform (if the client ordered it)
• folding table - convenient to hand out and collect equipment
• awning tent - will protect the command post from the sun or possible rain
• water for instructors
• first aid kit
• electric generator
• keeper tape for fencing the playing area
• garbage bags and so on.

Your list may be different, but take the time to create it. It will facilitate the collection process and, using the same list, it will be easier for you to collect all the equipment at the end of the game.

Be sure to check that all equipment is fully charged!

6. Agree to meet with the customer before you start preparing the play area to agree on it and make sure that everything suits him. Immediately invite him to sign a statement that he understands and accepts the rules of this event and you are not responsible for possible injuries. In essence, this is a formality, but it can help in possible conflict situations.

7. Take the preparation of your play space seriously. Protect it with keeper tape. Carefully explore the area and eliminate all objects that are dangerous and could cause injury to the player. These could be broken bottles, protruding sticks or snags, cobblestones and other objects.

If the game takes place in an industrial area, abandoned warehouses or bases, then fence off all dangerous places with keeper tape or try not to include them in the playing area at all. If the client has ordered inflatable shelters, then arrange them symmetrically for equal playing conditions.

8. It is important that your team of instructors includes a person who has first aid skills. As well as having a full first aid kit. Of course, it’s better if it doesn’t come in handy, but you need to be prepared for anything, especially in the field.

9. Be sure to conduct a detailed briefing with all participants in the game and ask them to sign up for the list, indicating their first and last name, date of birth and contact information. You will issue equipment using this statement and collect it using it.

As an instruction, except general rules games and the operating principle of gaming sets, it is worth conveying to the players that:

• You must not resort to intentional physical contact!
• It is prohibited to play while intoxicated! (If you or your instructors notice an inadequate “fighter”, if possible, immediately remove him from the game)
• It is prohibited to leave the playing area without notifying the instructor.
• It is strictly forbidden to create any traumatic situations.

10. If the game is planned for 2 hours or more, then prepare different scenarios so that you can diversify your program.

Possible options:

• Capture
• Wall to wall or team battle
• Installation/Disarming
• Release of hostages

And a few tips off the list.

Try to have documents for the equipment with you. Many clubs rent entourage models of taggers, created on the basis of full-size models of military weapons, which in appearance are practically no different from the real thing. In this regard, unpleasant situations with law enforcement agencies may arise. Therefore, have documents for game kits with you and do not be lazy to inform the structures located near the event that you are hosting a game and the weapons are not military.

Be sure, despite fatigue and other disturbing factors, to collect the equipment according to the list and check everything before settlement with the customer. This way you can detect problems or shortages in time and quickly resolve this issue!

We wish you only successful laser tag games and satisfied customers!

This article presents a generalized business plan, full version A business plan with an economic component is included in the turnkey Laser Tag business package.
Currently everything larger number successfully working people began to pay attention to sports, maintaining good physical shape, while attending gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools. It can be said that conducting healthy image life becomes habitual.

Resume

Against the backdrop of an ever-increasing number of people able to pay for their entertainment and the congestion of existing recreational facilities, it becomes attractive to create a place that would combine both sports and entertainment services that can satisfy customers. One of these places is the laser tag club.

Laser tag is a team sports and technical game using light weapons (markers) that shoot IR rays. There are plenty of options for laser tag game scenarios. The playing field is a forest or open area with natural or artificial shelters for players.

Advantages of laser tag.

• Laser tag does not require special physical training and is based on simple and clear rules, therefore, any person who is allowed to participate in physical education for health reasons can participate in it.
• Games take place outdoors or indoors and are associated with active physical activity, and there is no need to separate players by weight or age categories.
• Compared to other sports, laser tag has a special appeal as a military sports adventure. Moreover, laser tag provides an opportunity for a controlled release of aggression and stress relief.
• Laser tag can be used as a non-traditional sport with elements of military-patriotic education and preparation for military service, instilling respect for equipment and equipment, and diverting teenagers from the street.
• Also widely used is the ability of laser tag to unite the team during the game and identify natural leaders - many companies use it to select working groups during internal corporate tournaments.

Thus, the goals of the presented investment project are:

1. Development and description of ways to create an organization providing sports and entertainment services, determination of its organizational and legal form.
2. Determining the expected location of the created organization in the services market.
3. Description of the services that the organization will provide to consumers.
4. Analysis of the feasibility of creating such an organization from the point of view of profitability.
   Selection of optimal ways to solve the problems set in the business plan.
   Development of specific activities related to the implementation of the business plan.
5. One of the forms of sports and entertainment organization offering its clients various sports games and events, as well as a club form of communication, is the laser tag club. Description of the laser tag club and services provided to clients.

Main criteria for choosing a location:

• the possibility of arranging interesting play areas;
• ensuring maximum convenience for customers;
• reducing the costs of creating and operating a club;
  maximum security for clients,
• spectators and strangers;
• transport accessibility.

The most suitable areas for placing a laser tag club are the territories of pioneer camps, boarding houses, camp sites, holiday homes - i.e. facilities with usable infrastructure and premises. To deploy sites, it is better to use areas of pine forest (the best drainage) and dilapidated or abandoned buildings. Attention! It is very important to carefully prepare the fields from a safety point of view - the absence of subtle obstacles, ditches, barbed wire, destroyed floors in buildings, protruding corners, etc. It is advisable to locate the country club no further than 20 kilometers from the city, in a place with convenient (and easily explained) access, away from populated areas. A big plus is the ability to use a developed entertainment infrastructure:

• bar, billiards or American pool;
• shooting range crossbows, bows, darts;
• volleyball, mini-football;
• picnic area (barbecue, umbrellas, tents, furniture, karaoke)

For all these recreational activities, clients do not need special sportswear at all, and the amount of pleasure they receive is comparable to real sports.

Club within the city.

The advantages of a laser tag club in the city (for example, in a park area) are the presence of an extensive transport network, the ability to attract clients who do not have personal transport, and a larger number of clients for games on weekdays (in the evenings). In addition, in cities it is easier to find an empty, covered and heated room for games in winter.

Disadvantages - the need to provide enhanced security of property and territory, excessive interest from children, pensioners and administrative bodies, high rental costs.

Out of town club

Pros - low rent, large spaces, the ability to provide clients with a wider range of services, organize related types of recreation at any time of the year; Great opportunities to work with corporate clients.

Disadvantages - it is necessary to organize transport for clients, delivery of materials and personnel to work.

A necessary attribute of a laser tag club should be music that will serve as the background. It should create a mood and not put pressure on the ear.

When a client comes to the club, he receives a range of services that are currently new on the entertainment market with steady growth dynamics observed in recent years. Since the demand for sports entertainment is constant and depends little on seasonality, then the question of a club occupying part of the entertainment market segment is only a matter of creating advantages over other competitors already on the market.

Organizational and legal aspects of creating a laser tag club.

The legal basis for creating a laser tag club is the organizational and legal form that is convenient for the Founders, based on the conditions for minimizing tax and other deductions under the law. When choosing, you should be guided by the current Civil Code of the Russian Federation, legislation on commercial and non-profit organizations.

Commercial structures:

• A limited liability company is the simplest legal structure for creating a business based on the pooling of capital. It is in the form of an LLC that has been created today greatest number small and medium business organizations. This form is also used by business sharks, dividing their huge holdings into segments.
• Closed joint stock company - disadvantages of a closed joint stock company - constantly arising questions in the course of working with shares, the Federal Commission for the Securities Market, the register of shareholders, etc.
• Partnerships are a form of business organization not based on the pooling of capital, but on the basis of personal participation.
• Individual entrepreneurship. It is used when the founder of the club is alone, or with family and friends.

These are the basic forms. Let’s say right away that each form has its own disadvantages and advantages, and when choosing, we recommend that you find a good lawyer, tell him frankly about your plans and ask him for recommendations and help. At the first stage, you cannot do without the participation of a competent lawyer.

Non-profit structures:

The main difference between commercial organizations and non-profit organizations is that the former are created to make a profit from their activities, while the latter are created to achieve socially beneficial goals. In addition, you, as a founder, should be aware that income received by a non-profit organization cannot be distributed among its participants. The choice of non-profit organizations is also extensive:

• Non-profit partnerships (membership based). You should learn more about this form if you want to organize a club structure, where each participant is a member of the club and receives certain benefits from this.
• Autonomous non-profit organization (not membership based). You can review this form if you want to conduct educational work with the younger generation, fight drug addiction and alcoholism, support veterans and disabled sportsmen, carry out work on the development of sports and its individual types, conduct active work with ROSTO and local governments and all kinds of youth affairs committees, etc. Note that there are practically no differences in the taxation of income of commercial structures and non-profit organizations in one way or another, showing the receipt of income. All accounting must be kept strictly and reports must be submitted on time.

Due to all of the above, the advantage of an LLC today is obvious. This is the simplest legal structure for creating a business based on the pooling of capital. It is in the LLC form that today the largest number of small and medium-sized businesses have been created.

Market characteristics

The entire population of your city, which has an income of $250 or more per month, can be considered as potential consumers of the services provided by the club. The target audience of laser tag consumers as a form of recreation and entertainment in our country is as follows:

• 12-16 years old - 10%
• 16-20 years old - 35%
• 20-25 years - 35%
• 25-35 years - 15%
• 35- more - 5%

It should be noted that more than 50% of the target groups 25-35 years old are corporate clients who are active consumers of services in the entertainment and active recreation market.

According to average statistical data on sales of laser tag equipment and equipment in 2011 compared to 2009, the market capacity increased by 1.5-2 times. Also in 2009, the number of laser tag clubs and organizations offering laser tag as a sports and entertainment type of service increased by 25%. Speaking about competition, it should be noted that it is advisable to classify as competitors clubs that provide services similar to those of a laser tag club. A detailed analysis of competitors is carried out in the following areas - location, opening hours, parking, quality of equipment and service, congestion of playing fields and cost of games.

Marketing plan

1. Event plan (club opening, tournaments, festive events).
2. Work with corporate clients (large companies, security organizations, educational institutions).
3. Work with regular clients (athletes, club members).
4. Organization of away games. If there are large holiday homes in the vicinity of your city, then try to conclude agreements to hold games in them. This service will be beneficial to both the holiday home and you.
5. Sales of laser tag equipment and equipment.

The goals and objectives of the laser tag club are:

• creating a new niche in the existing segment of the entertainment market in your city;
• return on capital investments in 0.5-1 year;
  receiving income on invested funds of at least 250% per year;
• The goal of marketing is to create conditions for the operation of a laser tag club, under which it can successfully fulfill its tasks, taking into account the current parameters of the entertainment market:
  consumers of laser tag club services - the population of your city who has an income of over $250 per month;
• The market opportunities of a laser tag club are assessed by the capabilities of the material and technical base of the laser tag club, i.e. the maximum number of clients that the club can accept over a certain period of time, in terms of price-quality ratio, i.e. competitors' prices for similar types of services and their substitutes are taken into account, as well as the created information field and the image of the laser tag club. When creating the image of a prestigious (elite) laser tag club, it is necessary to maintain prices at relatively high level, but for existing services the price should not be higher than that of competitors, and at the same time, the laser tag club’s pricing policy should be based on the principle of high price - high quality, and in order to make maximum use of the laser tag club’s capabilities, consider the possibility of introducing discounts on the purchase of games for regular (corporate clients) ), preferential time, volume discounts and club cards;
• holding special promotional events (competitions) aimed at promoting laser tag in the entertainment services market and popularizing it as a sport among the general population, while it is necessary to constantly maintain the image of a prestigious (fashionable), but at the same time accessible sport and entertainment.

Plan of additional sports and entertainment events for 2012.

• Name of the competition events Date of the event Number of participants
• Open Laser Tag Championship TV+Radio “Sweet Couple” dedicated to St. Valentine’s Day.
• Valentina February
• Youth laser tag tournament “Young Defender”
• Fatherland" February
• Amateur laser tag tournaments
• “March 8”, “MASLENITSA” March
• Open corporate city championship – March-April
• Open April Fool's tournament "Just for fun"
• April Central Park of the city
• Laser tag competition as part of the Final of the city game "Zarnitsa-2012"
• Interregional tournament with teams from neighboring regions on May 1-2
• “Military Sports Games - 2012”, dedicated to the anniversary of the Victory in the Second World War of 1941-45. May
• Laser tag championship for boys and girls dedicated to Youth Day June
• Final of the city corporate championship August
• City championship for boys and girls sports laser tag dedicated to the “Day of Knowledge” September
• "City Cup" in laser tag dedicated to the city day September Central stadium of the city
  City school championship in laser tag among 10-11 grades. September-December Sports base of the club 960
• New Year's role play“Save Santa Claus” December Country house rest

Company investment plan

The best places to organize a laser tag club are recreation areas, boarding houses with developed infrastructure, areas of empty pioneer camps and military camps and bases, areas of inactive airports, and parks. You can also organize away games.

General requirements.

• The territory should be sufficient to accommodate 2-3 (for a city) or 4-5 (for a suburban area) playgrounds and a shooting range (shooting range). Experience shows that the most convenient size of sites is approximately 150x80 meters. It is better to make playgrounds different in the type of shelters and landscape (for example, a field with artificial shelters, a field in a pine forest, a field in bushes, a field with a building, a field with “fortresses”, etc.).
• The sites and shooting range should be located closely (so that players do not have to walk far) but at a sufficient distance (at least 50 meters) from other buildings and structures, places where people gather or pass.
• The location, designation and equipment of sites and shooting ranges must prevent the appearance of unauthorized persons on them during the game or shooting.
• Locker rooms for players can be located in an indoor area, army tents (must be heated in winter), rooms for storing and servicing markers - under a canopy, and a staff locker room - separately. It is desirable to have a room for organizing a kitchen/buffet, for the administrator and working with clients, a place for a barbecue, tables (pyramids) for placing equipment during breaks between games.
• It is desirable to have not only cold but also hot water, external lighting of the surrounding area and playgrounds, heating closed premises. A shower can be a big plus.
• It is necessary to take into account that among the clients there are many car owners, so it is very important for the club to have access roads with asphalt or improved surfaces and parking space for at least 15-20 cars. It is desirable to have public transport stops near the laser tag club.
• It is desirable that the location of the laser tag club allows for a one-time (for tournaments) or permanent increase in the number of sites in the future, as well as their combination into a single playing field (for large games).

Organizational plan

Organizational structure of laser tag club management.

Laser tag club staff

Each laser tag club has three main functional positions, but in different laser tag clubs these positions are filled by a different number of people - depending on the need.

General manager:

The General Director manages the work of the club, resolves all issues related to the ongoing work of the club, and financial and organizational issues relating to the use of part of the profit and the directions of development of the club are resolved jointly with the founders of the club.

Accountant-cashier:

The accountant-cashier maintains accounting records, withdraws cash,, together with the general manager, prepares financial reports, and pays wages.

General Manager:

The general manager acts as a director during his absence. Organizes the work of club employees, accepts applications for organizing games from clients, applications from club employees for the necessary materials for organizing gameplay and the work of the club.

Communicates with clients if the client wishes to become a member of the club or take part in games and events held at the club, accepts orders for reserving seats, gives orders to club employees for organizing games and preparing the equipment necessary for them, and personally monitors readiness.

Technician:

The technician’s task is to maintain laser tag equipment in full working order and ready for games, cleaning and maintaining laser tag equipment after games, replacing equipment as necessary, storing and accounting for equipment and consumables, and issuing rentals. We do not recommend burdening the technician with extraneous responsibilities.

Judge-instructor:

The judge is the face of the laser tag club, because... It is he who directly works with clients from the moment the player appears at the club until the farewell at the gate after the playing day. On the other hand, this position does not require such high professionalism as the positions of an administrator or technician, so here there is the greatest turnover among the staff. The referee, as already mentioned, must meet the players, help them fill out liability agreements, give them instructions on safety precautions, the use of laser tag weapons, the rules of the game, help them get rental equipment, break them into teams, take them to the field and give the signal for the start of the game. During breaks between games, the referee must morally support the losing or unsure players, if necessary, shuffle the composition of the teams or propose a new game scenario, explain the mistakes and bring them to new game. At the end of the game day, help hand over the equipment.

This leads to the requirements for the judge-instructor - they must be sociable, active people who have a sufficient minimum of knowledge about laser tag in general, about organizing games, and about the operation of equipment. Usually the judges are young people who love laser tag, but do not have enough money to play themselves, and thus a win-win situation develops: the clubs provide them with the opportunity to play and get very motivated instructors. The norm is at least one referee for six players, i.e. with 10 players, it is necessary to place two, or even better, three referees on the field. So, the main task of the judges is to make sure that the client gets as many pleasant moments from the game as possible, and as few unpleasant ones as possible. The percentage of clients who will come to play with you again depends on how well the judges work.

Warehouse manager:

The warehouse manager is responsible for storing gear and equipment, maintaining the laser tag club infrastructure and, possibly, making purchases, i.e. is engaged in supplying the club with consumables according to a plan approved by the general manager of the club at the specified prices at previously determined supply locations.

Commercial risks:

The likelihood of a risk of lack of demand is low, based on the dynamics of growth in demand for organizing laser tag games as a sports and entertainment hobby. The volume of games depends on the correct marketing policy of the laser tag club administration. In any city there are a large number of people who want to pay for their vacation and unforgettable adventures in your laser tag club. If such a risk is high, we recommend inexpensive kit options for organizing laser tag clubs.