Start a Paintball Field: Cost, Location and Profit Potential

Key considerations to keep in mind when opening your paintball field:

1. Site selection — Choose a suitable location for your paintball field. Consider factors such as accessibility, parking availability, land size, and terrain variety.
2. Field design — Design a safe and engaging paintball field with different playing areas, such as woodsball, speedball, and scenario fields. Include obstacles, bunkers, and cover to enhance gameplay.
3. Equipment — Invest in high-quality paintball equipment, such as markers (paintball guns), hoppers, CO2 or compressed air tanks, masks, and protective gear.
4. Services — Decide on the range of services you will offer, such as public paintball games, private parties, corporate team-building events, and tournaments. Consider offering specialized games and events, such as night games, themed scenarios, or leagues, to attract a wider range of customers.
5. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or choose one of the top services available.
6. Insurance — Secure appropriate insurance coverage, including general liability insurance, to protect your business from potential claims related to accidents and injuries.
7. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
8. Safety — Implement safety measures such as boundary markers, netting around the playing area, clearly marked safe zones, and first aid stations.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a paintball field has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Paintball industry trends

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US paintball field industry is worth $1.3 billion in 2022 after expanding 12% in the last decade.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/paintball-fields-united-states/))
• Growth forecast – The US paintball field industry is projected to grow 1.2% in 2022. 
• Number of businesses – In 2022, 1,708 paintball field businesses are operating in the US.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/paintball-fields-united-states/)) 
• Number of people employed – In 2022, the US paintball field industry employs 15,942 people.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/paintball-fields-united-states/))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the paintball industry include:

• Paintball equipment technology has improved, making it safer and creating new game options. There are new guns that hold two types of spherical ammo so that you can strategically choose one based on your strategy.
• Online paintball forums have become a popular way for paintballers to connect. It’s a great place for paintball fields to market their games.

Challenges in the paintball industry include:

• With more people turning to online gaming, the paintball industry may suffer.
• In some areas, people have tried to block the opening of new paintball fields because they worry that stray paint pellets could damage their property. 

How much does it cost to start a paintball business?

Startup costs for a paintball field range from $30,000 to $90,000. Costs include the land purchase or lease, field design and preparation, and paintball equipment. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your paintball business, including: 

• Paintball guns
• Paint
• Paintball markers
• Goggles and other protective equipment
• Inflatable bunkers
• CO2 tanks
• Compressed air tanks

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150 - $200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100-$300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200 - $300	$250
Website setup	$1,000 - $3,000	$2,000
Land deposit or lease	$10,000 - $50,000	$30,000
Field design and preparation	$10,000 - $20,000	$15,000
Paintball equipment	$10,000 - $20,000	$15,000
Total	$31,550 - $94,100	$62,825

How much can you earn from a paintball business?

The price of an hour-long paintball battle is usually about $60 per person. Your profit margin after rent or mortgage payment, overhead, and labor should be about 40%. Your business may be seasonal, so this will assume you will operate eight months of the year. 

In your first year or two, you might get 10 players a day for eight months, bringing in $144,000 in annual revenue. This would mean nearly $58,000 in profit, assuming that 40% margin. As your field grows in popularity, you might get 30 players a day. With annual revenue of $432,000, you’d make a handsome profit of almost $173,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a paintball field. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The startup costs of land and equipment
• Finding land that can be zoned for a paintball field

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a paintball field, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research paintball fields in your area to examine their products/services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a low-impact paintball field or an indoor paintball field.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your service packages and products

Your services are straightforward – entry to the field and equipment rental. You could also have a concession stand to increase revenue, and offer branded merchandise such as T-shirts. 

How much should you charge for paintball?

The average price for one hour is about $60 per participant. If you have a large, complex course, you may be able to charge more. After costs of land rent, overhead, and labor, you should aim for a profit margin of about 40%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will probably tend to be a younger crowd. You can find them on sites like TikTok and Instagram. But you should also target families and community groups on Facebook. 

Where? Choose your paintball field location

The location of your paintball field is critical to its success. Look for a spot that is easily accessible and in a high-traffic area, such as a popular outdoor recreational destination or a busy commercial district. Consider convenience and accessibility, ensuring that the location is easily reachable by public transportation and has ample parking.

When selecting a location, ensure that it meets all necessary safety and regulatory requirements for paintball fields. By strategically choosing the right location, you can establish a profitable and successful paintball field that offers an exhilarating experience for players and stands out in the competitive outdoor recreation industry.

You may want to buy land for your field, or you may be able to find land to lease. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows

Step 3: Brainstorm a Paintball Field Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “paintball” or “paintball field”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Blast Zone” over “Corporate Combat”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool below. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Paintball Field Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of the entire paintball field business plan, summarizing its key points.
• Business Overview: A concise description of the paintball field business, its mission, and its objectives.
• Product and Services: Details about the specific paintball-related activities and services the business will offer.
• Market Analysis: Examination of the target market, including demographics, size, and potential for growth.
• Competitive Analysis: An assessment of competitors in the paintball industry and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for attracting and retaining customers, as well as sales and promotional efforts.
• Management Team: Introduction to the key individuals running the paintball field business, highlighting their relevant experience.
• Operations Plan: A plan detailing how the business will operate, including location, equipment, and staffing.
• Financial Plan: Projections of the paintball field’s financial performance, including income, expenses, and break-even analysis.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials, such as supporting documents, licenses, or additional data that support the business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to paintball fields. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your paintball field will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a paintball business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a paintball field business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. Some states and localities require special licenses and permits for a paintball field, and to buy paintball guns. Check with your local governments for requirements.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your paintball field business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Clubspeed, Embed, or BookNow, to manage your bookings, ticketing, payments, and reporting. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Social Media Blitz: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase thrilling moments, share event highlights, and engage with your audience through contests, polls, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Local SEO — Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Partnerships with Local Businesses: Forge alliances with nearby businesses like restaurants, cafes, or sports shops to cross-promote services, offering discounts or joint promotions to expand your reach.
• Theme Nights and Special Events: Create themed paintball nights or special events, such as glow-in-the-dark matches, zombie scenarios, or tournament weekends, to keep players intrigued and encourage repeat visits.
• Student and Corporate Discounts: Attract large groups by offering special discounts for students, corporate team-building events, or social organizations, fostering a sense of community and repeat bookings.
• Referral Programs: Incentivize your existing customers to bring in new players by implementing a referral program, rewarding them with discounts, free equipment rentals, or exclusive access to events.
• Loyalty Programs: Establish a loyalty program that rewards frequent players with discounts, freebies, or exclusive access to premium game scenarios, encouraging repeat visits and building a dedicated customer base.
• Mobile-Friendly Booking System: Simplify the reservation process by implementing a user-friendly mobile booking system, allowing players to easily schedule sessions and receive real-time updates on events and promotions.
• Local Newspaper and Radio Advertisements: Tap into traditional media channels by placing targeted advertisements in local newspapers and radio stations, reaching a broader audience beyond digital platforms.
• Community Engagement: Attend local community events, fairs, and sports expos to promote your paintball field, offering demonstrations, giveaways, and exclusive coupons to attract potential players.
• Customer Testimonials and User-Generated Content: Showcase positive experiences through customer testimonials and encourage players to share their own photos and videos on social media, building credibility and creating a sense of community around your paintball field.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your paintball field meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your paintball business could be: 

• Build team spirit with corporate paintball events
• Shoot your friends on our state-of-the-art paintball field
• You’ve never played paintball like this before! 

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a paintball business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in paintball for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in paintball. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a paintball business include:

• Paintball Field Workers – assist customers with games
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Paintball Field – Start Making Money!

Ready to have some fun? You can join a growing industry and make good money while helping people have a blast! It takes a real investment to get started, and the right location, but a paintball field can be very lucrative. You can work outside every day, unless you start an indoor paintball field, which can be just as enjoyable. Either way, you can become the paintball king or queen of your town!

You’ve learned the business ropes, now it’s time to find the perfect spot and paintball your way to prosperity. 

Frequently Asked Topics

Is a paintball field profitable?

Yes, a paintball field can be very profitable. You need a good location, a well-designed field, and quality equipment so that you can provide a great experience for your customers.

What is the minimum space for a paintball field?

The minimum space required for a paintball field can vary, but typically ranges from around 1 to 2 acres. However, the size can vary depending on local regulations, the type of gameplay offered, and the number of players you intend to accommodate.

How can I differentiate my paintball field from competitors in the market?

To differentiate your paintball field from competitors, consider offering unique gameplay scenarios or themed events, providing exceptional customer service, maintaining high-quality equipment and facilities, implementing creative marketing strategies, and hosting tournaments or leagues.

What types of playing fields and obstacles can a paintball field offer?

A paintball field can offer a variety of playing fields and obstacles to enhance gameplay and provide diverse experiences. This can include natural elements like trees, bushes, and uneven terrain, as well as artificial structures like bunkers, walls, towers, and barricades. 

What types of equipment and gear should I have available for players to rent or purchase?

To cater to players, it is important to have a range of equipment and gear available for rent or purchase. This can include paintball markers (guns), protective masks, chest protectors, pods and harnesses for carrying paintballs, air tanks, hoppers, barrel covers, and other accessories.