How to Start a Batting Cage Business

A batting cage offers baseball fans an opportunity to have fun hitting baseballs thrown to them by an automated “pitcher”. Committed baseball players can use batting cages to practice their skills during the off-season. Baseball players whose goal is to increase their batting average must train outside of practice and during the off-season. Batting cages are a fun, safe place for players to improve on those skills. Additionally, your indoor or outdoor establishment could provide entertainment for families who enjoy the sport as a family activity.

Learn how to start your own Batting Cage Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

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

Start a batting cage business by following these 10 steps:

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

We have put together this simple guide to starting your batting cage 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 Batting Cage 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 batting cage business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a batting cage business?

First, decide whether you’d like to run an indoor or outdoor facility. Once you’ve done so, it’s time to choose a location. Conduct research to ensure the area isn’t saturated, to identify consumer needs, and to determine how large your space should be.

Experienced professionals recommend using the following guidelines to determine how many cages you need for an outdoor establishment: (each with dual machines)

  • If the population within a 20 mile radius is 20,000 - 40,000, a four-station batting cage.
  • For 40,000 to 80,000, you’ll need five to seven batting cages.
  • For 80,000 to 150,000, consider seven to eight batting cages
  • Anything over 150,000, set your facility up with a nine-station batting cage.

For an indoor facility, a four or five-cage batting station should be adequate.

Once you’ve decided on a location, start stocking your space with necessary equipment and setting up the stations. Prices will vary from $43,000 to $84,000, depending upon how many stations you’ll have. Construction costs range from $64,000 to $171,000. Equipment includes:

  • Pitching machines and hardware
  • Conveyor/Feeder and hardware
  • Control computer with warning light boxes
  • Sump hole liners
  • Netting system
  • Bats and helmets
  • Baseballs and softballs

In addition to the batting equipment, you’ll need some administrative supplies:

  • Computer, accessories, internet, and phone system - $2,000
  • Management software system, customized to fit your business needs - up to $3,500
  • Website - up to $3,500
  • Marketing materials
  • Insurance - meet with your insurance professional to discuss cost and specific needs to protect your business

While start-up costs are higher, many entrepreneurs opt to invest in franchise opportunities. These often increase earning potential by offering an established name and guidance throughout the process.

What are the ongoing expenses for a batting cage business?

Ongoing expenses will vary, depending upon how many team members you employ, whether your facility is indoor or outdoor, and what additional services you offer. Entrepreneurs recommend budgeting for between $6,500 and $14,500 per month.

Who is the target market?

Your customer base will mostly consist of baseball players, both novice and veteran. The novice players are there to improve their skills as they work towards reaching their baseball goals. The veterans will visit your establishment to keep from getting rusty. Though baseball players will make up the largest portion of your customer base, your batting cage can be a fun, casual setting where families who love baseball can play ball and spend time with each other. Regardless of the type of customer, all will come to enjoy interacting with others who share their love of the sport.

How does a batting cage business make money?

A batting cage business generates revenue from each service offered. Some businesses offer only batting cages, while others offer pitching mounds and fitness training.

How much can you charge customers?

Batting cage rentals are often charged in 30-minute increments. $25.00 for half hour, $40.00 for an hour rental. You could also set the cages up with coins. Most machines offer 12 swings per $1 token.

How much profit can a batting cage business make?

While it’s recommended that you set aside nine to twelve months of cash to carry your business the first year, many batting cage owners have reported a profit at the end of their first year. $40,000 is the average first-year annual profit, with profits jumping to over $70,000 by the end of year three.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Implementing these strategies should help increase your facility’s annual profit:

  • Offer drinks and snacks for your customers while they’re visiting your establishment. If this isn’t part of your business plan, consider renting out a portion of your space to a local restaurant or food truck. This could help with monthly overhead expenses and ensure your customers have the complete experience.
  • Offer pitching and hitting clinics.
  • Offer lessons, catering to each age group (including adults).
  • Once you’re able to reinvest some of your capital, invest in the equipment to offer video analysis of pitching and hitting.
  • Have a room dedicated to strength training and offer classes that are geared towards each specific sport.
  • Host field trips.
  • Offer memberships.
  • Host birthday parties and lock-ins.
  • Cater to additional sports and offer additional activities - some have found success with arcades, footballs, dodgeball, soccer, and whiffle ball.

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 batting cage 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 a batting cage 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.

Release of Liability

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, batting cage businesses should have their clients sign a release of liability. Here is an example of one such form.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional release of liability form for your batting cage when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A batting cage business is generally run out of a modified retail location. 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 batting cage 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 batting cage business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Music Licensing

In order to play music in a business setting, permission must be acquired from the composer or license holder. Typically, it is possible to obtain a “blanket” license allowing a businesses to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios. Such licenses can be obtained from Performance Rights Organizations, such as ASCAP or BMI.

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 Batting Cage Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Batting Cage 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 a batting cage business

Surround yourself with the people who need your services the most. Get to know those in charge at surrounding schools, churches, and sports organizations. Offer reduced pricing with organizations that use your facility regularly. Additionally, many have increased exposure by sponsoring local baseball teams and placing ads in school yearbooks.

As with any modern business, social media is an effective promoter. This is a great opportunity to educate the community regarding the latest in trends, community news, and specials your establishment is running.

How to keep customers coming back

Once you’ve gotten customers in the door, it’s up to you and your staff to keep them coming back. Make sure all equipment is in working order and is sanitized before use. Your staff should be friendly and knowledgeable, offering guidance to anyone that needs it.

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?

Entrepreneurs who are passionate about baseball and/or softball are best suited for this type of business. To build a successful business, firsthand knowledge of the sport would prove beneficial.

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 a batting cage business?

Some of your day-to-day duties include:

  • Routine maintenance on all equipment
  • Checking to ensure all equipment is clean and up to code
  • Interacting with customers, ensuring they understand how to use all equipment, and helping with any questions they may have.
  • Placing orders for any items that need re-stocking
  • Getting involved and attending outdoor events and activities
  • Marketing

Additionally, there will be a number of administrative tasks that will need to be tended to regularly. As profits increase, you may decide to employ an office manager to take over these responsibilities. Doing will allow you to focus on the aspects of the business you’re most passionate about.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful batting cage business?

If this is your first business venture, take a moment to analyze your knowledge regarding what it takes to successfully run a business. While your passion for baseball will contribute to your success, there is much more that goes into running a business. Consider taking a beginner’s business course at your local community college if you feel that you would benefit from a formal education of business basics.

Your role as the owner will require you to interact with potential and current customers. Thus, you must possess strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to customer service.

Many of your clients will be young, aspiring baseball players. Knowledge and a true passion for the sport would prove beneficial. They will look to you for guidance, support, and inspiration. Your ability to inspire others to meet their goals will position you as a leader in the community and help your business achieve its own long-term goals.

What is the growth potential for a batting cage business?

As part of the entertainment industry, there is significant growth potential in owning a batting cage. The key is to conduct thorough research to ensure your facility is located in an area that is in need of a sports complex. To increase your growth potential, consider offering additional activities, such as mini-golf or basketball courts, that appeal to individuals who aren’t as passionate about baseball.

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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 a batting cage business?

Successful batting cage owners offer the following advice:

  • When setting your hours of operation, consider the demographic you’re catering to.
  • Keep in mind that, while important, passion will not carry your business. Make sure you understand the basics of running a business before getting started.
  • The knowledge and friendliness of your staff is critical to the business’ success.

How and when to build a team

The size of your team largely depends upon your knowledge and how much time you would like to spend at the facility. Many batting cage owners have found success hiring high school baseball players. While they may not know everything about the sport, younger customers often relate to them better than older employees. Regardless of who you employ, make sure they understand the intricacies of the sport and aren’t afraid to seek out answers to the questions they don’t know. If you plan to offer classes, be sure you hire an individual qualified to instruct customers of all ages.

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