2021 is shaping up to be just as weird, if not weirder, than 2020. Where before we were lost in chaos, now we’re waiting in a confusing sort of purgatory. COVID-19 is still out there, showing no intentions of slowing down, while many people try to create a new normal or develop routines both safe and reliable. That leaves business owners (current and potential) stuck in a tricky spot. Is 2021 the right time to move forward with a new venture? 

If you’re interested in expanding your current Family Entertainment Center by adding a go-kart track, or starting a go-karting business for the first time, you’re probably weighing the pros and cons on a daily basis. 

Starting a new business of any kind is always a gamble, but there are certainly paths more likely to lead you to success. When it comes to go-karting, there are plenty of reasons why now is an excellent time to get in the game. Yet there’s much to consider in this fraught playing field and in the end, only you can know what’s best for your goals and vision. It’s more important than ever to examine every corner of what it would take to make your idea into reality. 

Let’s look at some of the most prominent factors influencing your decision. 

Red Light: Fearlessness 

Either you are or you aren’t and if you’re not fully committed to the endeavor, you should avoid it at all costs. 

Starting a business of any kind is always a massive undertaking. Even expanding an already established business can potentially throw everything off balance. It's a risk, no matter how you look at it, and it requires you to never falter. 

It turns out that oftentimes, acquiring necessary funds is the easy part. It’s the acumen to keep going, to adjust and problem solve, and to learn from any stumbles along the way that determine whether you’ll succeed. 

Here at Clubspeed, we know that tenacity and character are critical to the growth of not just the amazing Family Entertainment Centers we proudly serve, but our own company as well. We never shy away from feedback and see it for the valuable lesson it is. We also know that we’ll never grow or be able to provide our customers with exactly what they need, if we’re unable to adapt. Finally, if we weren’t dedicated to what we do...well, we wouldn’t be in this business in the first place. 

It is inevitable that problems will arise and unforeseen circumstances can place you in situations you never imagined or planned for. How you handle those trials will tell your investors and customers immediately if they can rely on and trust you. Without that security, your business will never get off the ground. The more committed you are to pushing through the struggles and doing the hard work involved, the more likely you are to achieve your goals. If you’re absolutely sure you can move forward with the drive necessary, take a deep breath and then take that first step. If running a go-karting facility is more of a fanciful idea or daydream, it’s best to leave it that way. 

Yellow Light: Pandemic 

Wait, the pandemic is a yellow light? Believe it or not, it absolutely is. 

Starting a go-karting business today requires a strategy owners are still trying to figure out as they go along. Why you should be slow and cautious is clear. People are staying home both to avoid getting sick or spreading germs and because finances are constrained. If no one can come to your go-kart facility because they could fall gravely ill or they can barely put food on the table, then what are you really offering your community at this time? 

Use these truths to inform your business plan. The safety and well-being of your guests is always priority #1. Design your new go-kart track with that at the forefront of your mind. The safer your guests feel, the more relaxed they’ll be, allowing them to have a great time.

Understanding what your guests need is critical no matter what. If you’re able to adapt to the current circumstances, you’ll be able to make an impact. With so many families desperate to leave their homes for an adventure or two, knowing they can do so safely at your go-karting establishment is a huge draw.  

Here are some ways you can make it happen:

• Sanitize everything. Every. Thing. All of it. Every spot. All the time. 
• If possible, build your go-karting track (or part of it) outside. 
• Helmets are everyone’s friends. 
• Establish strict guidelines that you’re willing to enforce, no exceptions. Don’t be afraid to turn away customers who refuse to follow the rules. 
• Develop an organization plan that regulates capacity and make your schedule accordingly.
• Invest in technology that allows guests to make reservations and purchase other activities or merchandise both no-contact and cashless. 
• Give back to your community. Host a food drive or fundraiser. Offer discounts to essential workers. Donate whatever you are able. 

The nature of go-karting gives it an advantage when it comes to social distancing and COVID restrictions. Everyone is in their own, individual car. There’s plenty of space. Helmets and masks make for a great protective pair. By proceeding with caution and thoughtfulness, you can start a new business that uplifts your community during difficult times.

Green Light: Affordable Technology, Tools, and Opportunity

Now is the best time to access everything you need to open a successful go-karting business. The significant advancements in go-karting and entertainment center technology makes the actual management of your business easier. Best of all, they’re largely designed to be no-contact and cashless. You won’t have to pay more for software platforms that can best serve your guests during a pandemic. Those options are already affordable. 

You can save even more time and money by choosing a platform that manages everything in your facility requiring oversight, all in one simple program. By doing so, you’re avoiding the extra dollars you’d spend on multiple platforms and the time needed to learn how the software works and train others. 

Excellent go-karting software will be reliable and engaging. You’ll obviously want a platform that won’t incur additional costs in maintenance. You’ll also have more flexibility to grow your business the way you want to with a platform that easily adapts to your needs and can be upgraded with specific tools that set your facility apart. Entertainment Center software with open API allows just that. If you have an idea and want it to be actionable, software developers working within the API can make that happen. No new equipment, teams, or investments needed. 

You’ll also benefit from a platform that offers unique opportunities to your guests. Perhaps you’d like to gamify the experience for guests, displaying a scoreboard with race results, rankings, and more. Or maybe you’d like to change the race by offering drivers fun and safe ways to slow down their opponents. You might even want a system that keeps track of the go-karts’ condition, reducing your maintenance costs. With the right platform, the opportunities are abundant and your new business will hit the ground running.    

Taking the First Step

Clubspeed’s management software for FECs worldwide provides everything we’ve discussed and then some. With one platform, you can manage every component of your business, saving time, money, and eliminating stress. Clubspeed’s API integration allows you to customize the platform to meet your needs and allow your go-karting facility to stand out as the best of the best. 

If you’re ready to take the leap into the go-karting business, contact Clubspeed today to learn more about the best places to start. We’ll make sure your race to success is a win.