New Revenue - Create a Rental Program

This week we'll take a break from our "Meet Predator Games" series and focus on a key new stream of revenue for your paintball or laser tag business. Many fields are already using this money making machine known as a rental program. Hundreds of rental only stores such as True Value Rental, Taylor Rental, Grand Rental Station have been renting the systems with success for a while now. In addition, you have your party rental centers doing the same thing. It's time for you to cash in on this option. If you are trying to reach that audience that no longer wants to do a bounce house or is a teenager needing something "less boring," this is your best bet.

It doesn't matter if you are a paintball field, mobile laser tag business, or an in-house laser tag operator. Setting aside some units (or purchasing more) for rental will allow you to get business out to those who might be on a budget or do not want to come to you. They might want to just play in their backyard at the party or do some corporate team building at their place of work. Put together a package (usually 6 or 12 guns - the Barracuda) and store them in an easy rolling box or plastic container (from Walmart or Menards). You do not need a CCM. Renters only want to pick up the guns and start playing. Contact your Tippmann rep for a simple 3-step instruction sheet to include with this box that will get people up and running. You can supply batteries or have them buy their own.

When it comes to pricing and time allowed, stick close to the traditional rental center methods. A set of 6 laser tag guns usually rents between $150-$350 per day. The most common is about $250 per day. It is a premium rental option for those carrying bounce houses and other party options, so they charge slightly more for the laser tag. You can also charge per hour or time block, for insurance or deposit, and for delivery and live tutorial if the customer requests that. The units will get a lot of use. While Predator units are very durable, hundreds of careless kids over a few months will begin to wear the equipment. You should set aside $100 per year for any repair charges and you probably won't even have to touch that.

The benefits for you are plenty! Not only will you be taking in more money for this new audience, you will be getting your name out there on location. It's free publicity to all the neighbors and people taking notice. You're also giving current customers another option if they wish to play in their own yard. Our research shows that most businesses with a laser tag rental program make their money back in three months, and that's without doing anything else.

Round 5: Programming Pro - Meet Brandon Mijokovic of Predator Games

Cutting edge technology companies require cutting edge software engineers and programmers. That's where Brandon Mijokovic comes in. Brandon is the newest member of the Predator Games team, starting work in March 2012. His valuable skill set and software knowledge can only add to the success of Predator Games current and future products.

Brandon's main job responsibilities include working on the next generation CCM software, product software, and future projects not yet disclosed. He is focused on finding bugs and adding features to the software in order to make the experience better for end-users. His innovative style and efficiency will help bring all Predator products to market faster.

"My favorite part of the job is working with the cool products and developing cool software for lasertag and gaming devices," explains Brandon.

Prior to coming to work for Predator Games Brandon worked for Johnson Controls in Milwaukee in a project improving the efficiency of their systems. He graduated from UW-Platteville in 2008 with a degree in software engineering.

Round 4: Importing Excellence - Meet Ocie Mathenia of Predator Games

Ocie Mathenia came to work for Predator Games in August 2011, as the company saw continued growth. Ocie is a Product Manager for Predator Games and irTactical and helps keeps the products moving out the door. His job focuses on business development and sales for irTactical but also handles customer service and other day-to-day tasks. His input is valuable when considering the direction of product heading to market. While he often works on Predator Games products and services, he focuses on irTactical due to his diverse background. If you've ever called with a question or concern, you may have spoken to Ocie. His lively personality keeps things interesting and is part of the reason why Predator Games' customer service achieves a level of excellence rarely seen elsewhere.

"For me, coming from a military and security background, team work is very important. I've been extremely lucky to fall into an organization that values team work as much as I do," explains Ocie. "Sometimes it feels like I am developing a laser tag gun, but then I realize that this product is going to save lives. Train to fight, fight to win."

Prior to coming on board with Predator Games, Ocie served in the military for many years and lived abroad in both the UK and Spain. After serving, he spent years in the private security and surveillance business around the world. He recently married and was forced to return to the US and reside in good ole' Wisconsin, which has worked out great so far. In his free time, Ocie can be found sailing the waves of the world's seas.

Round 3: PG on Fire - Eric Kopier of Predator Games

Predator Games laser tag units are able to stand up to even the harshest types of abuse due to their durable construction and superior quality. These features are put into place and rigorously checked by Predator's newest employee, Quality Assurance Manager Eric Kopier.

Eric has worked for Predator Games' parent company, Universal Electronics Inc for just over 2 years before joining Predator in January of 2012. Prior to becoming the QA Manager for Predator, Eric worked as the shipping manager for the facility, handling all outbound movement of products to the world. Eric oversees the day-to-day manufacturing tasks associated with the products. From incoming inspection to final testing, Eric does it all. He manages the floor staff to produce products that meet certain quality goals and due dates. He also handles customer service and repair services for all products. The reason why your products make money is in large part thanks to Eric.

Eric's favorite part of working for Predator Games are the people. The Predator team is very tight knit and able to get things done very quickly. He is also excited to be involved with the products in the pipeline, which will continue to keep Predator Games in the front of people's minds.

The next time you call Predator Games, chances are you will end up talking to Eric. He is always down for a chat and can help you with just about every issue.