Note that how much it costs to start this sort of business will most often depend on if you’re remodeling an existing facility or building a new one. Nevertheless, you should budget around $20,000 or more to remodel an existing batting cage facility and over $400,000 for a brand-new batting cage facility.
Batting cage businesses have risen in popularity as they serve as that perfect place for baseball and softball enthusiasts to practice their batting in a safe environment.
Pitching machines do away with the need to have a person available to pitch, and they deliver consistent throws to ensure that a player can focus on their batting. Batting cages might very well be indoors or outdoors, and players pay for time in the cages.
Starting a batting cage business might look cheap, but don’t be confused because you have to invest in getting the right facility as well as the expenses that come with purchasing the pitching machines and chain link fence for the cages. According to industry reports, the start-up costs for a batting cage business can be as low as $10,000 or as high as $500,000, although building from scratch can considerably add to the start-up costs.
Estimated Cost Breakdown for Starting a Batting Cage
- Business Registration Fees – $750.
- Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $3,800.
- Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $2,000.
- Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
- Insurance – $8,800.
- Rent/Lease – $150,000
- Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $45,000
- Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $6,350
- Equipment, Furniture, and Supplies – $160,000
- Website: $1,200
- Opening party: $5,000
- Miscellaneous: $5,000
Factors That Determine the Cost of Opening a Batting Cage Business
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Table of Content
Location and facility size
Location has a way of impacting a good number of expenses that come with starting this type of business. Have in mind that choosing the right location will depend on factors like the facility’s location, size, and available amenities. A property located close to a retail area will definitely bring in more walk-in business and general public awareness. But be prepared for these properties with prime locations to carry higher rent costs.
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Equipment
All the equipment you need to run this business does not come cheap. A commercial-grade pitching machine costs between $3,500 and $5,000, and you will need several machines. The feeder for the machines will take up around $4,000 for four machines.
Aside from that, you will need bats for people to use in the cages, and this will cost upwards of $150 per bat. You will also need baseballs and softballs, helmets and fencing to build the cages. This equipment can add tens of thousands of dollars to your start-up inventory costs.
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Construction and Renovation
If you need to construct a new facility or renovate an existing one, have it in mind that it will greatly impact your startup costs.
You will want to take into account the cost of purchasing building materials, permits, and labor costs. Building the cages is another start-up cost you will want to take into account. To obtain the best deal when it comes to constructing batting cages, ask for bids from a wide range of contracting and construction companies.
Your best bet will be to work with the lowest bid. Envisage spending around $100,000 if you have to build the cages from scratch.
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Insurance
Have in mind that you will need a wide range of insurance policies when starting a batting cage business. A few of these include:
- General liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Workman’s comp insurance
Note that the exact cost to insure a batting cage business will vary or even depend on the business’ size and location and the value of its equipment. To obtain a comprehensive insight into the cost of your insurance, request quotes from multiple providers.
When comparing the quotes, take into account not only how the premiums compare but also how other factors like deductibles, the exclusions of each policy, and coverage limits vary.
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Permits and Licenses
This is another factor to consider when looking to start a batting cage business in the United States. Note that certain authorizations and licenses are needed to operate this business in the United States. While they will vary depending on your location in the country, don’t forget that these can have associated fees and will have an impact on your start-up costs.
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Marketing and Promotion
A well-prepared marketing strategy is important to keep a batting cage business efficient and lucrative. You can choose from a wide range of options, but common activities include promoting on social media platforms, print advertising, online advertising, and radio advertising.
Don’t forget the importance of forging solid relationships with sports leagues and local sporting goods to ensure you get valuable referral business. Also, consider offering loyalty rewards programs and giving local youth sports leagues and schools discounted admission.
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Utilities
Truth be told, there are certain expenses that come with operating this business. Most often, this will include the cost of electricity, water, heating, and cooling. Don’t forget to evaluate whether utilities are included in rent costs.
You also have to understand that sports facilities that are outdoors will rely on lights for nighttime operation, but this can massively hike electricity bills. The challenge is finding out whether the much higher cost and management of an indoor batting cage facility is worth it.
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Staffing
You will want to consider the expenses that come with having staff when determining how much it will cost to start this business. Industry reports have it that batting cage attendants earn an average of $21,010 per year, though salaries can range from $18,000 to $27,000.
Although it will most often depend on the services offered, the operation might very well be minimally staffed if it is a coin-operated-only facility, but a bigger operation will need baseball coaches, front desk instructors, and maintenance staff.
Howbeit, note that finding the right staff is easy when compared to other businesses, as many people are passionate about baseball and want to see your facility succeed.
Average Salary of your Staff
- General Manager – $48,000 per year
- Sports Director – $47,000 per year
- Coaches (Trainers) – $42,000 per year
- Facility Manager – $35,000 per year
- Administrative Assistant – $34,000 per year
- Receptionist – $32,000 per year
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Miscellaneous Supplies
You will also want to take into account other expenses that come with running this business. Note that you will need a computer system as well as a system to ring up customers. You’ll as well want to consider other permits and licenses that will add to your start-up cost. Other costs include buying furniture for seating and for office use, etc.
Conclusion
Baseball batting cages have proven to be a wonderful way to practice hitting skills and provide youngsters with a fun and safe alternative to visiting crowded fields. However, have it in mind that establishing these facilities requires a significant financial investment.
Nevertheless, note that your startup expenses will be influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others.