Between strength, flexibility and skill, climbing attracts more and more people. And if originally, the sport was practiced mainly outside on the side of mountains, it is now possible to do indoor climbing.
So if you want to take advantage of this opportunity then you need to know how to open a climbing gym. We explain all the steps in this article.
What are the conditions for opening a climbing gym?
As with building any business, opening a climbing gym requires meeting certain prerequisites:
- Device: In the absence of a rock, you will need to be well equipped to open an indoor climbing route. This includes blocks, holds, building materials, mattresses and all safety equipment.
- place : It is not a question of choosing a suitable place to practice this sport, but also of attracting potential customers.
- Excitement : Climbing is above all a sport for enthusiasts. If you’re less interested in the game, it’s better to find another business idea. And for good reason, if you want to retain athletes (experts or trainee climbers), you have to pursue your passion.
- Grant : Whether for equipment or for renting premises, you must have sufficient capital. Although it is possible to apply for a loan from a bank, you will not receive all the financing you need to open a climbing gym. In general, an intake of 25% is recommended. So if you don’t have the funds yet, start saving before embarking on a project like this.
The price of the climbing room depends on the project (the size of the room, additional services, location, etc.). In fact, you will find rooms for 100,000 € and another 5 million euros.
What is the legal status of opening a climbing gym?
To open your own climbing gym, you need to choose a legal status. At this point, you’re spoiled for choice: Auto-Enterprise, SAS, SARL, SASU, EURL, etc.
However, we do not recommend opting for the Auto-Entrepreneur plan. And for good reason, if it’s the simplest in terms of administrative management, you won’t be able to deduct your expenses. However, it costs a lot to open a climbing gym.
Therefore it is better to consult an accountant to select the most suitable legal position for your project.
What are the rules for opening a climbing gym?
Indoor climbing is open to everyone, from beginners to professionals. However, if you want to make it your job and open a climbing gym, you’ll need to meet certain conditions:
- Prefect’s opening statement: It is a question of listing all the equipment in the room. This will allow you to obtain authorization to perform this activity.
- Upgrade: The room must comply with the rules in terms of cleanliness, safety and fire applicable to all establishments open to the public. For example, with the provision of a first aid kit.
- Professional Card: It is he who will give you the right to exercise this profession.
As far as training is concerned, climbing room creators are not required to hold a diploma in law. On the other hand, if you want to give lessons, you will need to pass the Higher State Diploma in Youth, Popular Education and Specialization Certificate in Sports, climbing activity or higher level training for higher level training. This applies to all supervisors, including employees.
5 Important Steps to Opening a Climbing Gym
do market study
This is the essential first step for any business. Market research allows you to analyze the situation and assess the economic potential of your project. Thus, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- How popular are climbing gyms?
- Are there many competitors?
- how do they work?
- Where are they located?
- What is their turnover?
- What is the profile of their typical customers?
All of these questions will then allow you to refine your strategy for opening your own climbing gym.
choose between suffrage and liberty
Opening a climbing gym can be done through a franchise or independently.
Each solution has its own strengths and weaknesses. So it is up to you what you find most beneficial.
As a franchisee, you get the benefit of full support to open a climbing gym, whether for equipment, lessons, legal advice, or financing. On the other hand, you must respect the rules of the sign, especially with regard to brand image and prices.
As far as freedom is concerned, you are free to manage the opening of your climbing room as you see fit. On the other hand, you do not get any benefit from the support of the franchise. However, in terms of marketing, regulations, and especially financing, this support is often necessary. As a proof, if you have the backing of a franchise, it will be easier for you to get a bank loan.
choose a strategic location
Opening a climbing gym is a passion, but it is also a business. So it should be profitable.
So location is paramount. You really should choose a location that appeals to your target. At this point, market research is essential to know the competition in your city. The idea is to go where there aren’t a lot of competitors.
Beyond this aspect, you have to choose between the city and the outskirts.
In the center of the city, you have every chance to attract people. However, you will often need to plan for smaller rooms because of the higher rental costs. On the outskirts of the city, you target people who don’t live in the center and who want to relax after a day’s work. While outskirts are a good option, be sure to avoid shopping areas that are too far away. If your gym can only be reached by car, it will be more difficult to bring in customers.
define a concept
Wherever you set up your climbing gym, there is likely to be competition. But with a unique concept it is possible to stand out from the crowd.
- Whether at the target level: beginners, experts or people with disabilities.
- Type of training: both, group lessons, individual lessons, at a sports competition, on the weekend or at leisure after work.
- or room type: just a climbing area or an ultra-full room (sports equipment to build muscle, a sauna to relax, or even to promote exchanges between club members) for once).
set up a communication strategy
Don’t just rely on a good location to attract customers. If you want a large crowd in your climbing room, you must rely on a good communication plan.
At this point, you’ll need to be present on social networks, develop your professional website, attend local events to make yourself known, distribute flyers, etc.
There are different ways to improve your visibility, so don’t overlook this part (especially when you open your climbing gym).
What are the other requirements to open a climbing gym?
open a professional account
Like any professional, you need to open an account dedicated to your activity with a professional bank. This will allow you to receive all payments for subscriptions or one-time sessions. But also to pay all your employees, your taxes, your taxes, your suppliers, etc.
In fact, it is necessary to separate your professional account from your personal account for customized management of your gym.
Subscribe to Good Insurance
Even though many safety limits limit accidents, climbing remains a risky sport. In this case, it is important to have good insurance. Therefore you will need to take out professional liability insurance or professional multi-risk insurance. This allows you (and your employees) to be covered in the event of an accident.
In addition, we also recommend you to opt for operating insurance which allows you to be compensated in the event of an event affecting your activity and your business.
Equip yourself with the right tools
A climbing gym is a significant investment considering the amount of equipment needed. You really have to provide:
- Changing rooms with locker, toilet and shower.
- Reception including counter, reception desk, telephone, cash register software, payment terminal, etc.
- Walls and holds needed for climbing.
- Safety equipment including mattresses, fire doors, first aid kits, etc.
- Additional equipment like machines, vending machines, bars etc.
questions to ask
Who can open a climbing gym?
Anyone can open a climbing gym. However, it is better to be passionate about this discipline.
Can we open climbing gym without contribution?
Banks usually do not lend all the money needed to open a climbing gym. Therefore it is necessary to rely on an initial capital of about 25%.
How to finance opening a climbing gym?
Often, financing is done with a bank. But if you are a franchisee then taking a loan is easy.