How do you start a bounce house rental business in 2027?

Honest 5/10 take. The model: deliver inflatables to birthdays, schools, churches, corporate picnics. Startup costs: $5K-$25K to launch. Commercial-grade bounce house $1.5K-$3K, combo unit with slide $2.5K-$5K, water slide $3K-$6K. Plan blower, stakes, sandbags, tarps, generator ($600-$1500), van or trailer ($3K-$15K used). Storage 200-400 sqft. Licenses/zoning: business license, sales tax permit, liability insurance is mandatory ($1.5K-$4K/year, many states require $1M-$2M). Some states (PA, NJ, FL) require state inflatable inspections and operator certification. Park permits often required for public-park setups. Customer acquisition: Google Local + LSAs dominate (high intent), Facebook for parents, school/church direct outreach for repeat bulk bookings. Reviews win. Revenue model: $150-$350 per 4-6 hour rental. 60-150 rentals per unit per year typical. Add-ons (concessions, tables/chairs) bump ticket. Net margin 35-55% after delivery, repair, insurance. Year 1: weekends bunch tight - May-Oct is 80% of revenue. Solo operator can run 3-4 units; past that need helpers. Net $15K-$45K year 1.