Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Semi pro haunted house budget question

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Semi pro haunted house budget question

    Hello. New to this site and I have been building extravagant home haunts for some time now. I want to consider taking on a semi pro haunt. What I would love to get my hands on is a budget or business plan of someones professional haunt. I am not so much worried about the actual costs at this point (although that would be great data to have) but more interested in things I may not be thinking about that I would need to do. I.e. insurance, waiver forms guests sign before entering, etc etc.
    I want to make sure that if I pursue this plan, I am fully prepared and so I am requesting information/advice from the experts.

    I thank you all in advance and I hope to be able to contribute to this site more in the future!
    ~Weathernut

  • #2
    Can you define "semi-pro"? I have a couple I can send over to you, one being mine and the other I used as a reference. What's your email address?
    Mike Quill
    Fear Town Haunted House

    Comment


    • #3
      Sure!

      Shoot me an email! Bobbyarel@gmail.com

      Welcome aboard and best of luck! Would be glad to help!

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by mikeq91 View Post
        Can you define "semi-pro"? I have a couple I can send over to you, one being mine and the other I used as a reference. What's your email address?
        Well, by pro, my idea is pretty elaborate with a huge budget. Let's say spending a couple grand on a prop is more your flavor.
        Semi pro, in my mind is more than an elaborate house haunt, and more the speed of a Haunt that one might do to raise money for a volunteer fire fighters. Or where you charge admission and NEED a budget! LOL

        So far I have only done elaborate house haunts that the public sees for free.

        I hope that clarifies this up a bit. My apologies for not stating that right off hand.
        My e mail address is here:
        E-Mail

        Comment


        • #5
          You CAN'T go wrong with Kelly Allen's book if you don't have it already!! Business plan example and a bunch of forms. I've read over and over. >> http://www.hauntbook.com/entrepreneur.html
          O'Shawn McClendon
          Creative Chair -- Operator: Cayce-West Columbia Hall of Horrors

          One mans junk is another mans kick-ass new prop...

          http://www.hallofhorrors.com

          http://twitter.com/hallofhorrors

          http://cwchallofhorrors.blogspot.com

          http://www.youtube.com/hallofhorrors

          http://www.myspace.com/cwcjc_hallofhorrors

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by freak 'n' stein View Post
            You CAN'T go wrong with Kelly Allen's book if you don't have it already!! Business plan example and a bunch of forms. I've read over and over. >> http://www.hauntbook.com/entrepreneur.html


            Agreed!

            The only thing better would be my revised version of Kelly's book!

            Our first year into pro haunt territory cost us about $23 per square foot (which included EVERY overhead cost), minus any rents- as we own our own building. You mileage will vary as we built 90% of everything ourselves including plumbing and electrical and spent a year hawking Goodwill stores, Restore depots and yard sales with an army of minions. Yes, I have a contractors license.

            Without all of that it would easily have been double that or more.

            And lets not forget The Invaluable Mr. Hopps!

            Good Luck!
            How can a man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers and the temple of his gods.

            What you put into your mind- you put into your life.


            www.zombietoxin.com

            Comment


            • #7
              Hello, I too am looking to go professional, hopefully this year! I've been doing a large home haunt (an actual buildout) and and after this last year have out grown my space as well as the city starting to give a hard time. I have been attended trade shows for the last 3 years and try to gain as much knowledge as I can. I saw this post and actually just ordered the book that was suggested. I am in the process of trying to put together a business plan but am not exactly sure about it. So if you guys have any info that would help it would be greatly appreciated.


              Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

              Comment


              • #8
                I am not sure If this book it out there anymore but I love this book:

                It is called Shock Therapy: Planaphobic by G. N. Strumberger

                it used to be on a site called Cyber Shock University

                Comment


                • #9
                  I also am putting together a business plan to start within the next two seasons. I have reached out to local haunts in my area but so far have not heard from any of them at all. Shock Therapy: Planaphobic by G. N. Strumberger is still available on Amazon. I have read Kelly's book and I have ordered Shock Therapy to read and compare between the two. If anyone would be so kind to send over what they have as a Current working plan it would be much appreciated as the books are starting to be a bit dated in their numbers.
                  Tim Moore
                  info at ominoushaunt.com
                  www.ominoushaunt.com
                  www.facebook.com/OminousHaunt
                  www.twitter.com/OminousHaunt

                  Comment

                  Working...
                  X