We receive many questions from prospective dealers about our business and what's involved with starting your own dealership. To save you a bit of time, we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions which will answer many of your queries about what is involved with a Flex Court dealership.
- Can you give me an overview of the start up for this business?
- How much does it cost to start up?
- Why is this custom game court business so much less expensive to start than many other national franchises?
- What kind of profit can I make?
- Can I do this business by myself?
- Is the product difficult to install? Do I need to be an experienced contractor to do this well?
- How do I know if I need a contractor’s license?
- Is the training seminar mandatory?
- How can I compete with internet sales of multi-game court products?
- Do you grant exclusive territories?
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Q. Can you give me an overview of the start up for this business?
A. Yes. If you are starting from scratch, you'll need to do a lot of legwork for the basics: Order a phone line; determine whether or not to incorporate, form an LLC, or operate as a sole proprietor. You'll also want to research and obtain appropriate insurance, business licenses, and so on. In some states you may even need a contractor's license. These are some of the basic steps to setting up most businesses.
To learn all about starting and successfully running a custom game court business, offer you Webinar based training conducted by a Flex Court executive, as well as a comprehensive dealer manual and DVD that covers all phases of court design, construction and products.
Once you get home the real work begins: We'll help you set up your advertising in the Yellow Pages phone book to ensure you start off with the most appropriate advertising. You may also have a home show to prepare for to advertise your services. Whether you have an installation question or need advice on advertising opportunities, we'll be happy to help you get established.
Like most new businesses, it takes a bit of time to get the word out about your new products and services. Many of our new dealers find it takes 90 days or more to get up to speed. The length of time it takes for your business to really get going and attract a steady clientele can vary quite widely. There are simply so many variables affecting start up, including your own skills at speedily setting up a new enterprise and learning the unique skills to game court construction.
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Q. How much does it cost to start up?
Start up costs can vary widely depending upon what you may already own and what you choose to spend for recommended capital equipment. You can expect these costs to range from $21,000 to $52,000. For example, if you already own a good laptop computer and peripherals, you can cross off that cost from your start up list. Here’s a basic overview. All the prices below are averages and can vary from location to location:
| Laptop computer and peripherals | $1,500 |
| Design Software | FREE! |
| Installation Tools | $2,000* |
| Flex Court Training Classes | FREE! |
| Truck, Van or Trailer | $10,000* |
| One Year: Business License, Insurance, Registration… | $2,000 |
| 1st Year Advertising Recommended Budget (incl. yellow pages, print ads, home shows, website, etc.) Advertising rates vary by region. | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Inventory Purchase | TBD ** |
| Working Capital | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| TOTAL START UP COST: | Est. $20,700 - $51,200 |
** Of course you will need to purchase products to install for your customers. However, there is no requirement to purchase products. Many new dealers do not buy our product until they have actually sold their first jobs. And then they place their first order so that they can maintain a bare minimum inventory -- a good business practice – only ordering as needed.
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Q. Why is this game court business so much less expensive to start than other national franchises?
A. We are not a franchise. Flex Court International is offering a more cost effective dealership opportunity to market and install our products in combination with your existing business.
Flex Court wanted to make it reasonably-priced for a smart business person to get into the custom game court business. You don't have to manufacture the finished product from raw goods with us. We provide finished product from which you may customize the components for each and every design and client.
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Q. What kind of profit can I make?
A. We make no promises about our custom game court business being a ‘get rich quick’ opportunity. Our existing dealers have gone into this business because they like the products and services; and their profit goals are tied to establishing long-term, successful businesses where they can be their own bosses or added to an existing business to improve their bottom line.
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Q. Can I do this business by myself?
The majority of our Flex Court dealers in the custom game court business are sole operators. They run all the appointments from the sales calls and estimates, and then they come back to install the product for their customers. Some dealers have set aside specific days of the week that are sales days and others that are installation-only days. Other dealers keep more flexible schedules. A second person is not a requirement to run this business. However, we will let you know that at a certain point you may wish to add a part-time or full-time helper in installation or sales. But it is entirely your choice.
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Q. Is the product difficult to install? Do I need to be an experienced contractor to do this well?
A. No. Like most small construction work our products require good, common sense skills to install them. Many of our new dealers have limited or no construction experience when they begin. We teach assembly and installation of all products step-by-step and provide an installation manual with instructions and illustrations. The key to good quality installations is demanding the best quality work from yourself or an installer of the product. Take the time to do a job well. Speed and increased skill will come with some time and practice.
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Q. How do I know if I need a contractor’s license?
A. Every jurisdiction has different requirements regarding licensing for game court businesses. You need to contact your local government building department to ask about these requirements. In most cases, building construction is overseen and regulated at the state level. And while most of us think of game courts as minor construction work many state building departments have a different perspective. Contact your local authorities to see how this may apply to you.
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Q. Is the training webinar mandatory?
A. Although it isn't a legal requirement for you to attend training, we can't imagine that you wouldn't want to take advantage of free training classes and learn from our years of expertise in this industry.
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Q. How can I compete with internet sales of multi-game court products?
A. First, you should know that the customer who buys game court products on the internet isn't interested in your services. The Do-It-Yourselfer isn't interested in paying for your personalized service. On the other hand, your Do-It-For-Me client wouldn't dream of building their own custom multi-game court or custom garage floor. Your customers want it handled by a professional - you! They want you to custom design their game court to
match their needs. They want it professionally installed. YOUR customer is NOT the same as an internet customer.
The similar-looking products manufactured and sold on the internet are NOT the same products that our dealers sell. They may look similar, but they aren't. In fact, we go into great detail at FC University explaining the technical specification differences of these products. We also discuss at length how you respond to your customers' inquiries about the product similarities if you're asked.
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Q. Do you grant exclusive territories?
A. No, not in the United States.
We remind you however, it isn’t good business for either of us if your neighborhood has too many dealers, so we make every effort to ensure new dealers aren’t entering an already saturated market.
Think of it this way: If you develop your business and serve your market very well, why would we want to mess up a winning strategy? If you are successful. We are successful. When your customers are happy with the product and your services, they have respect for Flex Court as well.
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