How to Start an Axe-Throwing Party Business

Axe ranges are unique entertainment venues that cater to axe-throwing enthusiasts and individuals who want to try something new. Most axe ranges also have a “travel” option where they will come to a home or business and set up a mobile range. These parties are great for work or bachelor parties.

You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.

Learn how to start your own Axe-Throwing Party Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start an axe-throwing party business by following these 10 steps:

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

We have put together this simple guide to starting your axe-throwing party business. 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:

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

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Axe-Throwing Party Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your axe-throwing party business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening an axe-throwing party business?

Costs can be rather high. The most expensive aspect of starting this business is getting an insurance company to agree to insure the activity. Many insurers don’t understand the business model. As a result, some ranges pay between $10,000 and $25,000 in premium per month for liability coverage.

Other expenses include the cost of throwing axes, which retail from $20 up to $150 per axe.

If you run a mobile axe-throwing range, then you will need to factor in the cost of a truck or van and a trailer to haul equipment to venues and events. This can add anywhere between $25,000 to $50,000 to the initial startup cost.

In addition to the insurance and equipment, there’s the range itself. A typical range needs safety cages, wooden stand-up targets, a treated floor to prevent slips and falls, proper lighting, and safety equipment for customers. Unless you are leasing an existing (or old) range, expect to pay between $50,000 and $150,000 to remodel a building for your business.

What are the ongoing expenses for an axe-throwing party business?

Ongoing expenses include insurance, utilities, and maintenance on the equipment (axes and related gear). Periodic replacement of safety gear is also recommended. These costs may amount to between $3,000 and $20,000 per month, depending on how expensive your insurance is and how much abuse your equipment suffers during normal use.

Who is the target market?

Preferred customers are those who are gaming enthusiasts. Axe-throwing also appeals to a wide range of other audiences, some of which include the vape community, cigar community, and firearms enthusiasts.

How does an axe-throwing party business make money?

Most axe-throwing companies make money by charging a per-hour or flat fee for axe-throwing, either at the business’s location, at a mobile range set up at a customer’s home or business, or at at an amusement park or fair. Another way that these businesses make money is by hosting weekly axe throwing leagues sponsored by the National Axe Throwing League (NATL). League participants are charged a fee.

How much can you charge customers?

Range fees can vary between $10 and $20 per person for “open range” throwing, up to $30 to $50 per person for private events. Some ranges charge per hour, while others set a flat-fee for a day’s worth of throwing or for a specific number of hours.

How much profit can an axe-throwing party business make?

Earning potential varies based on size. A small business can bring in up to $100,000 in its first year, with good marketing and strong a community presence. As your company grows, that revenue could swell to between $500,000 and $1 million per year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Adding profit to your axe throwing range is a matter of decreasing costs and adding revenue streams. Some businesses choose to add food preparation services, a bar, or a cigar bar or smoking room, and other related activities.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

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 axe-throwing party business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

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.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

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!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

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.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

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.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

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.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an axe throwing range business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A axe throwing business is generally run out of a building. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a axe throwing business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your axe throwing business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Liability Waivers

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, axe throwing businesses should have their clients sign waivers.

Liquor Licensing

Businesses involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to obtain a liquor license from the appropriate state or local agency. A comprehensive list of laws by state (including necessary licenses, zoning laws, etc), curated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, is included here.

Food Regulations

When selling food, you will need licensing from a local health department; all establishments serving food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on a health inspections

There are federal regulations regarding what can and cannot be added to, sold as, and processed with food. Attached is a resource from the Food and Drug Administration detailing the process of starting a food business: How to Start a Food Business

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.

FInd out what types of insurance your Axe-Throwing Party Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Axe-Throwing Party Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an axe-throwing party business

Marketing is typically done word-of-mouth. Many of your customers will be repeats who will refer their friends and family. When first starting out, it may be helpful to distribute business cards, fliers, and run a few ads in your local paper or run a small local pay-per-click campaign.

How to keep customers coming back

Running an axe-throwing range is already pretty unique. On the off chance you have local competitors, consider teaming up with the others to host a competition. You could also offer supplementary services, like bar and cigar sales or prepared foods.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is right for individuals who enjoy games and gaming (specifically, axe-throwing), have good business sense, and want to entertain others and teach them how to throw axes.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an axe-throwing party business?

Day-to-day activities of this business include setting up and breaking down the range, making sure all customers understand basic safety procedures before axe-throwing begins, and managing customer expectations. Business owners are usually involved with major venue planning and corporate decisions about whether the company will manage a mobile range or just a local one.

Companies also usually make customers sign a liability waiver before they participate.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful axe-throwing party business?

Obviously it helps to know how to throw an axe. Other than that, business owners need to have a good business sense and deep understanding of the gaming and entertainment industries.

What is the growth potential for an axe-throwing party business?

This business can be run as a small local range or as a franchise. Small ranges usually operate as sole proprietors or LLCs. Minimum staff varies between 1 and 5 people. Larger axe-throwing ranges can employ 10 to 20 people or more and can include both local and mobile ranges for parties and events.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an axe-throwing party business?

Since this is still a budding industry, jump starting your business is usually as easy as getting the word out in your local community. Offer a “bring your own beer” (BYOB) incentive and host a grand opening to celebrate. Invite all your friends, family, local business owners, and members of the community.

How and when to build a team

For safety reasons, you should have 1 dedicated employee for every 2 customers who are throwing. At minimum, this means a small range could have anywhere between 3 and 5 full-time employees. Larger ranges may employ 5 to 10 or more full-time employees.

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