The Complete 5-Step Guide To Starting Your Mechanical Bull Rental Business

Embarking on the journey of starting a mechanical bull rental business is thrilling! Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate through the process, designed to be both informative and engaging.

Step 1: Securing Your Investment

Before diving into the exciting world of mechanical bull rentals, let’s talk numbers. You’ll need an initial investment of $7,000 to $10,000. This will cover:

  • Purchasing your mechanical bull package.
  • Setting up your website and other marketing material.
  • Optional: A little extra for marketing to kick things off with a bang.

Remember, this is the seed money for your future success, so consider it a wise investment into your business journey. 

CAUTION!!

Yes, you might find mechanical bulls at lower prices from various sources, such as $3,000 from China or $4,000 from Mexico. Additionally, some independent bull makers offer seemingly attractive deals.

However, we strongly recommend steering clear of these vendors. This advice isn't just to encourage you to purchase from us—feel free to explore other options. The reason we emphasize this point is that we frequently receive requests from people needing repairs on bulls they bought elsewhere. Ultimately, you may end up paying the same, if not more, due to constant repairs and lost business opportunities associated with lower-quality mechanical bulls.

Invest in quality to save yourself time, money, and hassle in the long run.


How Long Will It Take to Make My Money Back?

The majority of business owners who are proactive and dedicated typically see a return on their investment within 3 to 6 months. Here’s how:

For the Go-Getters: Targeting high-end clients and charging $150 to $200 per hour:

  • One 4-hour rental: Earn between $600 to $800.
  • Four 4-hour rentals per month: That adds up to $2,400 to $3,200.

At this rate, some owners can supplement their full-time income, cover major expenses like rent, or even save up for an additional mechanical bull.

For Those Just Having Fun: Focusing on the general public and charging $100 to $150 per hour, ideal for those looking to work part-time or just on weekends:

  • One 4-hour rental: You could earn $400 to $600.
  • Two 4-hour rentals per month: This totals $800 to $1,200.

With this extra income, you could easily manage expenses like car payments, rent, groceries, and utility bills.

Alternative Funding

You want to get started but don’t have the cash in hand or want to finance your purchase? Besides paying for your mechanical bull package up front, here are the top 3 ways you can still make a purchase: 

  1. ShopPay - ShopPay is a financing company that allows you to put a small down payment on your purchase and finance the remaining balance on a 6-12 month term. Rates depend on your credit score. How do I Apply? ShopPay is already integrated through our website. You can choose to checkout with this option and apply directly on our website.
  2. Ascentium Capital - Ascentium capital focuses on helping small business owners financing equipment for their business. You can finance the entire purchase with no down payment. How do I apply? You can apply with Ascentium here: https://myascentium.com/ApplyNow/
  3. Credit Cards - Depending on the limit, you can put the entire purchase of a mechanical bull package on your credit card. We recommend this option if you are planning to pay off the balance quickly, otherwise option 1 and 2 have better rates most of the time. 

Step 2: Building Your Brand

Now that you have your funding taken care of you may be tempted to start the purchasing process. There’s one more step before we get there, let’s lay the foundation of your brand. This is what you will need to get started:

  • Business Name: Choose a name that you like the best. No need to overthink this part. Choose a name you like the best. Here are some name examples: “Cali Bull Rentals” “Jakes Party Rentals” “Wild Cowboy Rides”
  • Phone Number: You will need to decide if you will have a separate phone number for your business. For a free separate phone number you can checkout voice.google.com/u/0/about
  • Website Domain: We recommend having a website for your business as it drastically increases the number of bookings. You will need a domain name for your website such as www.yourbusinessname.com and you will need to confirm the name is available. You can get your domain name here: www.godaddy.com/
  • Social Media Handles: Social media is also an important part for securing bookings. You will need to come up with social media handles such as @calibullrentals for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and/or any other platforms you want to be present.
  • Logo: A logo is optional but is something that can set your business apart since you can use it for your website, business cards, shirts, social media channels, etc. 

IMPORTANT

If you need help with any of the above please shoot us an email or give us a call! We would be more than happy to guide you through this part.


Step 3: Selecting Your Bull

Now that you have your marketing material, it’s finally time to customize and order your mechanical bull package! Below are the three packages our company offers (feel free to checkout our website to learn more about each package:

  • Standard Package: $7,000 + Shipping
  • Classic Package: $8,500 + Shipping
  • Premium Package: $9,500 + Shipping

Note: For each of our packages you are able to pay only 50% of the cost to get your order started. The other 50% can be paid once your package is fully manufactured and ready to ship to your doorstep. You will need to contact us directly to set up the two payment process. If you’d like to pay in full you can just purchase directly through our website. 

Considerations:

  • Customize your mechanical bull mattress. You can add your business name, phone number, social media and logo on the air mattress for no extra charge. 
  • Having your information on the inflatable mattress serves as a marketing tool for your events. Guests at events will be able to see your name, phone number and social media handles and contact you for future bookings.
  • Select the package that aligns with your budget and business vision. Make sure you get the mechanical bull that you like the best while remaining within your budget. Remember you can always come back and purchase your second bull once your business is bringing in the profits.

Step 4: Establishing Your Online Presence

Congratulations! Your order is placed! Manufacturing for your mechanical bull is about 2-3 weeks. This gives you the perfect amount of time to start establishing your online presence and setting up the foundation for your success. 

NOTE: DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. IT IS IMPORTANT TO START MAKING MONEY WITH YOUR MECHANICAL BULL ASAP!

Here’s the 5 things you need to do while your mechanical bull is being manufactured:

1. EMAIL ACCOUNT. First things first make sure you have an email account specifically dedicated for your new business. You will use this email address to open all of your future accounts such as social media accounts, Yelp account, Google account, etc.You can a free Gmail account here: https://www.google.com/gmail/about/
2. WEBSITE. Next, we recommend you get your website built. You can use platforms such as Shopify or Wix that are easy to learn and you can build the website yourself. 
Note: In this part you will need to purchase your domain name if you haven’t done so already. You will need your domain in order for your website to go live. Google is your best friend! Make sure you Google any questions you may have during this process or get in touch with us.
IMPORTANT: If you are not tech savvy, we can build your website for you for a small charge of $150. 
3. SOCIAL MEDIA. Open your Social Media Accounts. If you have not done so already, you will need to set up your social media accounts. Don’t overthink this part
simply go to Google and type “How to open my Facebook Business Page” How to open my Instagram Account” How to open my TikTok account”. 

Make sure you use a username that is close to your business name. If you can, try to keep the same username across all platforms so it can be easier for customers to find you.
YOUR FIRST POST
Once you have your social media accounts, start posting! The first post we recommend should be on your personal social media accounts and local community Facebook Groups. 
Here’s a template you can use for your new post (customize it to match your personality):
"Exciting news, friends! 🎉
I'm embarking on a thrilling new journey by launching my very own mechanical bull rental business! 
This adventure is all about bringing fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories to your events and gatherings. Whether you're planning a party, corporate event, or just want to spice up a weekend with friends, I've got you covered! 
I'd be incredibly grateful for your support as I start this journey. đŸ‚đŸ’« If you or anyone you know is looking to add an extra dose of excitement to their next event, please think of me and reach out. Let's make your next celebration truly unforgettable! #NewBusiness #MechanicalBullRental #SupportLocal #EventPlanning #BookNow"

4. YELP. Open your Yelp Account. Yelp is the main platform where most people get their bookings from. Please take some time to fill in as much information as possible during the process. Make sure you include basic information such as your hours of operation, website, email, phone number, and areas you serve. 
    You can get started here: https://business.yelp.com/
    5. GOOGLE. Open your Google Business Profile. Opening a Google Business Profile allows you to increase your online visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find you, view customer reviews, and get in touch directly through Google Search and Google Maps. This free tool can significantly enhance local SEO, attract more customers, and ultimately boost bookings and revenue.
      You can get started here: https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/business/


      Step 5: Building Your Business

      Your bull has arrived and you’re now ready to start building your business’s reputation and making money! Here are the best tips and tricks from party rental owners on how to start building your business. 

      1. Offer Crazy Promotions. Consider providing discounted pricing or free rentals to friends, family or local groups.
        WHY?
        Get Familiar - You’ll need the first couple of rentals to get familiar with the whole process of booking from start to finish. This is where you’ll time yourself on how long it takes you to set up and tear down.
        Take Pictures/Videos: During these initial events you can take pictures and videos for your website and social media pages. This is important because your future customers will want to see what they are getting before they book with you. Try to get pictures and videos of the bull in action. People smiling and having fun in the background is a great way to convince potential customers to book. Why? Because they can picture themselves having that much fun at their own event.
        Collect Reviews: Reviews are extremely important when you are first starting out. As a new business your customers don’t know what to expect which is why reviews are important. For the discounted bookings you get, make sure you get a review on your Google and Yelp page. Having at least 5-10 reviews on each page is a perfect start. 
        Ninja Tip: Have your wife/husband, aunt, uncle, coworker, friends, etc. leave a review as well. (Make sure you don’t go and create fake emails to leave fake reviews
this is a good way to get your accounts deleted.)
        Spreads The Word: You might wonder if hosting free or discounted events is worth the effort. We can assure you, it is! These events played a crucial role in securing our first full-priced bookings. They provide a fantastic opportunity for people to discover your company and learn about the mechanical bull rentals you offer.
        We highly recommend asking the event organizer for permission to distribute your business cards to guests. Based on our experience, you'll find that potential customers often approach you themselves after seeing the fun and excitement your bull brings to an event. They'll want to know more and will ask for your card, opening the door for future bookings.
        2. Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace is one of the best platforms to get bookings. Make sure you are posting your services on Facebook Marketplace!
        3. Yelp. Another good platform to get bookings from is Yelp. Make sure you build out your profile and fill in as much information as possible. Consider using Yelp Ads as well in order to get more exposure.
          4. Paid Advertising. If you have money to invest or once you start making money with your bull, consider running Facebook or Google Ads. This step can get complicated so we recommend you use Google to find guides on how to run Facebook and Google Ads. When done correctly this is one of the best ways to get consistent bookings. 
          Conclusion
          If you have any questions about starting your own mechanical bull rental business, please don't hesitate in reaching out to us! We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
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