OK, I've heard the mantra that good locations are very hard to come by, and our unsuccessful efforts to secure a site for our first year "for profit" haunt thus far have rang true to that rule.
We have called on just about every vacant commercial warehouse and retail center in our area and have yet to find anyone willing to consider leasing their space to us for a "fall seasonal attraction" (code word for Haunted House). Most of these buildings have been vacant for years, but these agents and managers just won't consider a temporary lease, much less a lease to a haunted house. We have proposals to send them for consideration, but we just seem to get shot down before we even have a chance to get that far.
So that leads me here to ask for some practical advice and help in hopes to leverage the wisdom and experience of the Hauntworld pro community - how did you do it? What's your secret to landing a great location for your attraction? In this vain, I have some specific questions. If these questions are too intrusive, please forgive my ignorance, as I am new to this pro side of the fence.
How have you successfully approached a leasing agent/manager/building owner to acquire their space? For profit haunt, not charity, although we plan to host some charitable drives.
Are you paying full market rent for your space - $10,000- $30,000 or more per month of occupancy, or are you able to secure below market rates, and how?
Anyone secure space on a barter basis, ie low or free rent in exchange for free publicity and driving traffic to their site for the property owner's vacant building - or other similar strategy?
Is there anything you recommend to stay away from in your approach or any type of property or owner you suggest to stay away from for lack of willingness to lease space?
Any particular types of properties or owners you've found success with?
I know it's late, but we're still trying. Our backs are against the wall on this. If we can't secure a location asap, we're done for a start-up this year. Please share any insights of wisdom you have to offer that we could implement into our strategy. It would be much appreciated! Thanks!
We have called on just about every vacant commercial warehouse and retail center in our area and have yet to find anyone willing to consider leasing their space to us for a "fall seasonal attraction" (code word for Haunted House). Most of these buildings have been vacant for years, but these agents and managers just won't consider a temporary lease, much less a lease to a haunted house. We have proposals to send them for consideration, but we just seem to get shot down before we even have a chance to get that far.
So that leads me here to ask for some practical advice and help in hopes to leverage the wisdom and experience of the Hauntworld pro community - how did you do it? What's your secret to landing a great location for your attraction? In this vain, I have some specific questions. If these questions are too intrusive, please forgive my ignorance, as I am new to this pro side of the fence.
How have you successfully approached a leasing agent/manager/building owner to acquire their space? For profit haunt, not charity, although we plan to host some charitable drives.
Are you paying full market rent for your space - $10,000- $30,000 or more per month of occupancy, or are you able to secure below market rates, and how?
Anyone secure space on a barter basis, ie low or free rent in exchange for free publicity and driving traffic to their site for the property owner's vacant building - or other similar strategy?
Is there anything you recommend to stay away from in your approach or any type of property or owner you suggest to stay away from for lack of willingness to lease space?
Any particular types of properties or owners you've found success with?
I know it's late, but we're still trying. Our backs are against the wall on this. If we can't secure a location asap, we're done for a start-up this year. Please share any insights of wisdom you have to offer that we could implement into our strategy. It would be much appreciated! Thanks!
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