How to Start an Airsoft Field

Start an airsoft field by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your Airsoft Field
2. Form your Airsoft Field into a Legal Entity
3. Register your Airsoft Field for Taxes
4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
5. Set up Accounting for your Airsoft Field
6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Airsoft Field
7. Get Airsoft Field Insurance
8. Define your Airsoft Field Brand
9. Create your Airsoft Field Website
10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your airsoft field. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business. We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

What are the costs involved in opening an airsoft field?

You'll need to rent or buy a substantial amount of wooded or open land. Some players prefer rough terrain with hills and ditches. The field ought to have a small shop and restrooms at a minimum. Optionally, a larger building can provide space for indoor play. An old warehouse may serve this purpose well.

Your business needs airsoft weapons to rent out. Many guns sell for $50 to $275 individually, and high-end units can cost over $800. If you buy them in bulk, you'll pay about 35% to 55% less. You will have to stock your shelves with basic supplies. Safety gear proves necessary as well. You can buy a large commercial first-aid kit for around $100. Be sure to obtain goggles, masks, and protective clothing.

What are the ongoing expenses for an airsoft field?

Even when players sign waivers and wear protective gear, you still need liability insurance. A few insurers offer specialized airsoft coverage. This business involves more hazards than the average establishment, so you're likely to spend at least $1,000 per year. Other costs include maintenance, utilities, property insurance, advertising, food, wages, and rent or mortgage payments. You'll have to periodically replace rental gear as well.

Who is the target market?

Airsoft fields primarily attract young men. Demographic data for the Airsoftology podcast suggests that about two-thirds of enthusiasts are between 18 and 34 years of age. Some children and a few women participate. People may turn to airsoft as a way to escape from stressful or mundane daily life. Many also play paintball, but airsoft holds greater appeal for individuals who desire more realism and/or a less messy experience.

How does an airsoft field make money?

At a minimum, players pay for access to the field. These businesses frequently have daily and weekly rates; some also offer hourly passes. Customers can rent equipment they don't own, such as weapons and helmets. Most fields have retail stores that sell supplies like batteries, pellets, snacks, and beverages. You could prepare and serve meals or rely on a food truck to do so. Income varies depending on the weather, and you'll probably have more customers during weekends.

How much can you charge customers?

On average, players pay around $23 per day for field access. They frequently spend $12 to $25 to rent guns. Customers usually receive discounts when renting equipment or paying admission for an entire week.

How much profit can an airsoft field make?

Thanks to considerable startup and operating costs, entrepreneurs find it difficult to turn a profit on entrance fees alone. Retail sales can produce greater revenue. It's not unusual to earn a 40% margin on guns, according to Independent Retailer. The same goes for accessories like optics. Try to carry products that people can't find at big-box stores such as Walmart and Bass Pro Shops.

How can you make your business more profitable?

It doesn't make sense to pay for utilities and staff when you don't have any revenue. After you've had a chance to attract customers, analyze your daily income, and only open the business on profitable days of the week. Consider establishing an indoor arena so that you become less dependent on dry weather. 

Further tips include:

• Add storage and order supplies in larger quantities.
• Offer related activities like paintball or laser tag.
• Consider selling gear, supplies, and passes online.

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your airsoft field is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Is this Business Right For You?

Airsoft is an exciting, fast-paced activity that people can enjoy indoors or outside. Many individuals play it as a team sport, sometimes with military-style objectives. Basically, the game involves firing pellets at opponents while trying to avoid getting hit. Players often seek specialized airsoft fields where they can safely participate in the sport. You could start a business by providing them with space, equipment, and supplies.

What happens during a typical day at an airsoft field?

You'll need to perform many different tasks, such as selling supplies, renting out gear, ordering products, fixing equipment, and talking to customers. A referee watches the players, taking action when necessary. Newcomers need to learn the rules and sign a liability waiver.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful airsoft field?

You will benefit from expert-level knowledge of this game and the associated gear. It's helpful to know how to repair weapons, install accessories, and troubleshoot equipment. Additionally, you might perform some tasks more easily if you have experience working at a retail or rental store.

What is the growth potential for an airsoft field?

People started playing airsoft in the United States after 1980. It has gradually gained popularity since then. In 2019, Grand View Research predicted that airsoft gun sales would grow at a rate of almost 7% through 2025. A few companies like Tac City have started franchises. Small chains also exist; California-based Airsoft Extreme was established in 1999. It operates several sites and stores in addition to selling equipment online.