Laser Tag Startup Costs for an Indoor Arena

The Cost of Doing Business

How much does it cost to start a business? Boy, I've asked and answered this question a few times on four occasions. One of these occasions included looking into laser tag startup costs for an indoor arena. In 2003, I planned on adding laser tag to an indoor paintball arena I owned. Since I didn't need props and barriers, I only looked into the cost of a laser tag system that included phasers (guns), vests, and a computer-based point system. During this research, I encountered outdoor laser tag equipment, which I never knew existed. I decided to go in the outdoor laser tag direction. 

 So what can you expect in startup costs for your potential new indoor laser tag business? Here's a general reference guide on initial investment costs for an indoor laser tag arena.
Of course, these costs will vary depending on your specific situation, so use this as a general information starting point in your research.

Indoor Laser Tag

Indoor laser tag is a worldwide industry and has been around for over two decades. Some basic requirements for an indoor laser tag setup are laser tag guns (or phasers) tethered to a vest, computer software to tally scores, a dimly lit or dark room (recommended minimum of 6,000 square feet for the play area alone), obstacles for hiding and a storefront.  

Laser Tag Equipment

LaserMaxx Phaser & Vest
An adequate number of companies make indoor laser tag guns and vests. Below you will find links to the websites of some. Suppose you already have a general location for an indoor laser tag arena, i.e., a city and a high-traffic area within that city, and you're highly motivated to open a great indoor laser tag arena. In that case, you must start your research by choosing the right manufacturer for you. The following is what you should look for when choosing a company to supply your equipment:

  1. The visual appearance of the phasers and vests. When your customers see the equipment for the first time, you want them to think, "Wow, this is cool!" 
  2. The functionality and features of the equipment. The industry standard is to generate a tally of scores and a ranking list using computer software, but also look for programmable playing modes to offer a variety of play. And look for a good "hit" accuracy range between phasers.
  3. Suitable price of equipment. The cost per new phaser and vest can range from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00. The variables that may determine the price you pay include the number of units you purchase (the price per unit usually decreases the more units you buy at one time), the type of units you purchase (most manufacturers have standard and pro-level systems to choose from) and self-installation versus company installation (unit cost is usually dependent on who does the install of the equipment - you or the manufacturer).
  4. Financing options. Most manufacturers offer financing after a substantial down payment is paid. Interest will usually be charged on the purchase amount carried by the manufacturer. Others offer pay-per-play financing, where you only pay the manufacturer for each player that actually plays. Also, paying the total price upfront may get you a discount on the original price.
  5. Warranty. All manufacturers will offer some sort of warranty on their equipment, whether 12, 18, 24, or more months. Some give warranties based on minutes played on the equipment. Some will also allow you to purchase an extended warranty. Because your equipment will hopefully be played by hundreds if not thousands of people over the years, some equipment will be damaged and/or just stop working, so you'll need to do your due diligence in researching a manufacturer's warranty policy. And make sure you ask many questions on what's covered and what's not and what their repair policy is if the equipment is damaged by a customer but not covered under warranty. 
  6. Support from the manufacturer will be most important during installation and during the initial few months of your opening day. Check out the manufacturer's testimonials and give those customers a call. After you are settled into your business, continued manufacturer support for repairs will be important. Do your homework regarding this; you'll appreciate it later.

Laser Tag Arena

A LaserTron Arena
The arena is the laser tag play area with obstacles to hide behind and in, lights, music, sound effects, and base stations. Most laser tag phaser manufacturers also manufacture these arena props. The price of arena props is usually determined by the prop functions you choose and the props you need to buy. Most manufacturers price out their packages using a price-per-square-foot model. This price is usually adjustable based on whether they send someone to install the props for you or you install them yourself. The look and feel of your laser tag arena are just as important as the look and feel of your phasers. Keep this in mind when doing your research, and choose both wisely.

So What Should I Expect To Spend?


On 16 phasers and vests, software, and arena obstacles for a 6,000 sf. play area alone, look at a minimum of about a $100,000.00 investment. Also, keep in mind that there are additional costs too, such as securing rent on a storefront, miscellaneous equipment like a point of sales cash register system, signage, display cabinets, video games (if you choose to have them), food facilities (if you choose this), etc.

List of Indoor Laser Tag Manufacturers


The following is a list for your convenience as a point of reference for your due diligence research. This is not an endorsement by me of one company over another:

What About Outdoor Laser Tag?


The expense of an indoor laser tag arena is outside your price range, but if you're still interested in a laser tag business, why not look into the outdoor laser tag business model?  For information on this, read my post, Start a Laser Tag Business? Try Outdoor Laser Tag.

 Laser Tag Man