Indoor laser tag arena

Families and kids' party hosts, school holiday groups, corporate teams, social clubs and walk-in friends or teenagers.

A price per player per game or session, party packages, corporate bookings and extras such as snacks, drinks and merchandise.

• Customer service and managing busy groups
• Budgeting and managing a lease and staff
• Marketing to local families and workplaces

• Laser tag itself does not usually need a dedicated licence, but check with your council whether planning or change-of-use approval is needed, plus building and fire safety requirements, which vary by state and council
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Working with Children Check requirements for staff, which vary by state
• Food registration or notification with your council if you sell snacks, and liquor licensing rules if you ever serve alcohol
• Lease terms, fit-out costs and slow weekday trade, so check your break-even point
• Player safety and waivers, including age limits and equipment safety standards

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $120,000 to $300,000, depending on the premises, lease terms, fit-out, obstacles and the vest and blaster system you choose. Get quotes for the fit-out and equipment before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on bookings, trading hours and how busy weekdays are. That is revenue, not profit. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week.

Check with your council whether planning or change-of-use approval is needed, plus building and fire safety requirements, which vary by state and council. Also check public liability and workers compensation insurance, Working with Children Checks, and food registration if you sell snacks.