Business idea - any thoughts welcome!

plzhelpmesave!

Hi
Just an initial idea that I wanted to get opinions/comments on please!

I took my kids to an indoor playhouse the other day with cheap entry offer and they loved it. Last couple of days, news has been full of into about obesity in children as young as 4.

Do you think a mobile childrens play bus with soft play activities that enccouraged them to play, jump and excercise in the bus would work?

It would be for birthdays & event bookings at weekends and then I would look to go to surestart centres, nurseries, primary schools in the week - with reasonable charge or contracts with providers. We could spread the healthy eating message at the same time as giving the kids fun.

I already have contacts through my work for many of these places & would keep prices reasonable to encourage regular and repeat bookings.

What do people think? I know times are hard for most of us, but I was amazed at how busy the play centre was, 2 birthday parties going on while we were there and well over 100 kids - so parents are still spending money on their kids.

Also, I'm from an asian background so as a USP, I could tap into more asian contacts and events, offer a halal menu & tie into key asian events/themes (if there was any demand!) as well as mainstream parties.

I live in Birmingham so very centrally located and could cover a wide geographical area.

What do people think of this as an initial business ideas? There are buses out there and a local play franchise (Funky Monkeys) is launching their own mobile bus service shortly, so they must have seen some potential in the idea...

Many thanks for reading!

DCFC79

I dont see why not, as long as you can get enough,

if you can get things paid for as in post 5

paddedjohn

it was tried in my area a few years back but i havn't heard about it for a while,. i think these days people like to put a claim in for the slightest think so make sure your fully insured and every potential hazard is checked

maninthestreet

You need a properly costed business plan if you want to take this further - where are the funds going to come from to buy the bus (and convert/equip it as a 'Play Bus') ??

starchild1972

Also have to cost..
PCV licences (maybe even LGV as the vehicle is not being used as a public transport vehicle),
May need an operators license for having and storing the actual vehicle (depends on local area and transport laws)
CRB check costs (anything between £12 and £65)
Insurance, that WILL be phenomenal
Possible registration with local authority as either a child based activity or they may class it as child care (depending on the pen pushers involved, may even need a social services check)
Would it be disabled friendly (discrimination laws)
etc

steve1980

I've replied in your other thread on the same subject in Small Biz.

saintjammyswine

If you can partner with a local third sector organisation (charity / NGO) then you may be able to access funding for this.

Kimitatsu

Hello

THere is a duplicate thread on the small biz and charities board here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=3338548

You may get a better response if you post in there as well

Hammyman

plzhelpmesave! wrote: »

Do you think a mobile childrens play bus with soft play activities that enccouraged them to play, jump and excercise in the bus would work?

No. A full sized bus, whether a double decker or a coach is 2.4 meters wide externally. After you've put in safety cushions on the inside, you'd have a play area about 6ft wide by about 20ft long. The width will be a seriously restrictive issue.

However a custom built vehicle which has a sideways sliding section or is used as the backdrop for a tent like affair would work but you're going to have to have one custom built and its not going to be cheap as in five figures in addition to the cost of buying the vehicle.

ILW

Hammyman wrote: »

No. A full sized bus, whether a double decker or a coach is 2.4 meters wide externally. After you've put in safety cushions on the inside, you'd have a play area about 6ft wide by about 20ft long. The width will be a seriously restrictive issue.

.

Just specify "no fat kids".

Rockporkchop

I like the idea, I have triplet toddlers and would definitely use the bus. If Funky Monkeys are already launching the service won't it be impossible for you to compete though?

They have them in the US already:

http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/jon-kate-plus-8-zipline.html