Soft Play Franchises

What Are Soft Play Franchise Opportunities?

Soft play forms a big part of every person's life. From early years right up until late childhood, as well as parents, soft play centres and equipment has risen in popularity amongst families. Maybe a family looking for something to do on a rainy day. Or a flick through a local magazine sparks interest in a local activity centre. Or it might be a parent looking for somewhere to host their child's birthday party.

There are many different types of soft play franchises in the UK, and many of which are franchises.

Franchising - An Alternative to Employment & Starting Up a Business

If you're looking for an alternative to employment, or you're simply looking for a career change, there are a few directions you can take. You can either start up a soft play business from scratch, or you can go down the franchising route.

Where the former will require you to design a brand, find partners and suppliers and do most of the legwork, a franchise for sale enables you to get a head start. With franchising, you'll be buying the rights to trade as an already-established soft-play business but in your own area. The advantage to you - business ownership within a proven brand and in a fully supported sector. The benefit to the franchisor - increased brand recognition network-wide and ultimately, more business for them and their franchisees.

More and more people are choosing franchising as an alternative to employment because:

• Full training and support is provided
• Soft play equipment will be provided
• You get access to a proven business model
• You are not alone, unlike starting up a business from scratch
• You get a wealth of marketing support and materials to help get your business off to a flying start

What Types of Soft Play Franchises Are Available?

One of the biggest and most recognised types of soft play business is a soft play centre. However there are other types of children's activity franchises too.

Soft Play Centre Franchises

Soft play centres for sale will usually require a premises and the size of the venue required will depend on the franchise. Soft play centre franchises will often have multiple revenue opportunities, from general admission through to parties and food. With this does come higher overheads from assets like staff and safety measures. However in your due diligence, explore the market and determine whether there is a demand for soft play centre franchises in your area.

For those without premises, there are many other types of soft play businesses which can be run on a solo operator basis. Some of these include:

Bouncy Castle Franchises

Bouncy castle franchises for sale will often be van based. You'll hold stock of several types of bouncy castles ranging in size. Using your van, you'll hire out this bouncy castle soft play equipment to people. Typically you'll charge the client per hour of hire either at their own property (eg a garden or lawn), set up requiring no more than 30 minutes of the franchisee's time. Clients will usually hire for several hours but sometimes even a week at a time, and during the hire period you can serve other clients. The money rolls in whilst you spend your time finding more clients. Clients may be parents looking for an at-home birthday party, or you might set up at a local community fair or event (eg car boot sale) and charge admission for one of your bouncy castles.

On a broader scope, generic soft play equipment may be hired out to clients not just limited to bouncy castles. These too will be van based with minimal overheads.

Baby Sensory Franchises

Children's sensory and movement franchises often involve soft play and can either be operated alongside an existing soft play centre business, or at a local venue. Baby sensory children franchises are growing in demand thanks to their relaxing effect on both babies and parents.

Nursery Franchises

Another type of soft play related franchise is a nursery franchise. Many households have two working parents and it can be a struggle to find someone to look after the kids during out of term time. Nurseries for sale require a premises / venue but will be heavily involved in soft play related activities.

Benefits of Investing in a Soft Play Franchise

There are many reasons to invest in a soft play franchise UK. First of all, you'll be providing a service to your community. Many mums and dads frequently use soft play centres for their child's enjoyment, and soft play centres are a fantastic way to engage with your community by running themed and seasonal events.

On a personal level, soft play franchises for sale can enable you to take control of your career and run your own business. You will benefit from the support of the franchisor, who will be able to provide you with everything you need. This includes finance support and health & safety related resources as well.