Read This Before You Buy a Mechanical Bull for Your Small Business

A mechanical bull can be a great addition to bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues, allowing you to stand out from the competition and give patrons an experience they won’t soon forget. However, buying a mechanical bull is a major investment that requires careful thought and planning beforehand. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.

Safety First

The thrill of the ride does come with real risks if you don’t prioritize safety. Be sure to work closely with the mechanical bull manufacturer or distributor to fully understand the safety features and protocols needed. This includes getting the right insurance, floor padding, setting age/height/weight restrictions, having patrons sign waivers, and prohibiting dangerous behavior like doubling up riders or riding while intoxicated. Appoint dedicated operators who are properly trained on overseeing rides and have established stop cues in case a patron starts to slip or fall.

Consider Your Audience

Who is your target audience and what atmosphere do you want to create? The vibe of a family restaurant catering to kids and parents will differ greatly from a late-night country bar. Make sure a mechanical bull aligns with your brand and customer base so that it enhances the experience you’re aiming for. An out-of-place mechanical bull that doesn’t resonate with patrons won’t get much use no matter how cool it seems.

Budget Accordingly

A new mechanical bull can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000+ depending on the size and features of the mechanical bull for sale. Be realistic about what you can afford and consider financing options if needed. On top of the upfront costs, you’ll also need to budget for long-term mechanical maintenance, replacing worn parts, insurance premium hikes, more robust cleaning protocols, and the dedicated staffing required to operate it properly. To offset costs, some venues charge a small per ride fee rather than just a venue cover charge. Have a plan to recoup expenses one way or another.

Allocate Enough Space

Mechanical bulls have large footprints, especially when factoring in required clearance zones and slide-off space. Additionally, the area underneath and around the bull needs special impact-absorbing floor padding. Make accurate measurements of the space you intend to put it in and get the manufacturer’s specs to ensure everything will fit. Trying to cram it into a tight spot increases safety issues.

Verify Zoning Regulations and Insurance

Before making any purchase, investigate relevant local regulations related to mechanical amusement rides and commercial activity permits. You’ll also need to notify your insurance provider as a mechanical bull could impact your coverage, liability limits, and premiums. It’s better to know if regulatory hurdles exist and get adjusted quotes beforehand rather than be caught unaware.

By being practical regarding expectations, budgets, space requirements, target audience appeal, safety protocols, laws, and insurance responsibilities upfront, you’ll be on solid footing if you decide to take the mechanical bull ride. With the right homework and planning, this unique entertainment option offers thrills that keep patrons coming back. Just don’t underestimate what’s required to do it right!