Mobile Axe Throwing:
Getting Started Blog

Mobile Axe Throwing Startup Costs

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So you’ve taken a look at the factors and decided that it’s a go. The first thing that you’re probably wondering: What is it going to cost me?
You can find a ton of information on steps and costs incurred starting a small business, so I’m going to focus on the specifics of starting a Mobile Axe Throw business as usual. One of the first decisions that’s going to play heavily into the costs is the type of Axe Throwing you want to offer.
 
Trailer Or Stand-Alone

This is really about the company identity. Personally, we knew that we wanted the industry-best experience with all of the bells and whistles, so Odyssey is a trailer-first company. We touch on this in much greater depth here.

We build our units onto the back of 18′ deckover trailers. It’s going to range depending on what you have available and what you’re looking to build however. The truth is that there’s relevant positives to both systems. 

Trailer Model
Odyssey retrofits our units from 7k-rated trailers around the $4,000 range (you’re going to have trouble pinning down an exact price from a branded trailer storefront as prices fluctuate- so look around!), and then construct the steel or wood frame on top of said trailer. Between steel, fencing, electronics, heating, lights, wood and more, that just scratches the surface.

. Stand-Alones, on the other hand, tend to range from $500-4000 which is dependant on materials and structure.

Don’t forget that you have to transport the Stand-Alone somehow. Whether you buy a cargo or utility trailer to haul, you don’t want to wind up erasing that advantage if you are leaning in that direction. Run the numbers on sizing for a stand-alone before assuming you can fit it all inside a trailer or truck. Then run them again!

A trailer, in whatever form, has to be titled and insured (prices vary by state and insurance company, but you’re safe assuming at least a few hundred dollars) in your state as well. Check with your local DMV or MVA regarding titling and pricing.

 
Framing & Targets
Whether you buy a trailer or build a stand-alone, you’re going to be constructing targets as well as a frame & cage. Prices here vary as well with whether you decide to build a completely enclosed, partially enclosed, or protective setup.
 
I’m going to put it bluntly- people appreciate the safety of more caging.
 
Event runners and property managers have a much easier time when you can tell them that you’re enclosed and those sharp axes can’t accidentally maim someone watching. I can name two event heads off of the top of my head with which anything less than a completely enclosed cage was a non-starter.
 
Even still, you may decide to go with another, more cost-effective version of fencing. To completely enclose your trailer like Odyssey, it’s going to run you $2,500-$5,000 for the steel and fencing depending on where you’re able to source your materials, what type of materials you wind up using, and whether you have a welder in-house.
 
It’s likely to save you $500-$2000 on the fencing if you go with one of the other options.
 
People ask all the time about the depth of our targets- They’re constructed of a 3/4″ composite wood base with 10×2 slats placed overtop. I’d suggest at least a 1/2″ piece of plywood from bottom to top. There’s a lot of discussion about types and quality of various boards, and you can look forward to post on that in the future.
 
Insurance
Insurance for a new, upstart industry (without sufficient statistics and whose main purpose is chucking axes at boards) is limited.
 
This is probably the question I get asked the most, and for good reason. Insurance is going to run you around $1,700-6,000 with most of the reputable vendors. Because it’s a new industry, relatively low volume, and has players throwing sharp objects around, there is a comparatively premium charge for it.
 
I’ll say this- read everything they provide you with regarding quotes and binding documents. Insurance is extremely important.
 
There are minor differences between policies which make a bigger difference in coverage. This is a great lead in to the next topic! More on this coming next time.
 
Next Up: Making Sense Of Mobile Axe Throwing Insurance 

2 thoughts on “Mobile Axe Throwing Startup Costs”

  1. Pingback: Getting Started: Mobile Axe Throwing Pt 2 - Buy A Mobile Axe Trailer

  2. Pingback: Choosing Your Trailer - Buy A Mobile Axe Trailer

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