The market size of the strip club industry in the US is $7 billion, so it's no secret that Americans love going to these establishments. Not only is it a place to kick back and relax, but it's also somewhere to view beautiful ladies while they put on a show.
Considering their popularity, why not start a strip club of your own? It could be lucrative after all, but only if you do things right. Otherwise, it'll be a huge energy and money sink.
If you want to know how to open a strip club that'll be a hit, then keep reading. Here are the secrets to having a gentlemen's club that'll be a hit.
Do Research First
Considering that strip clubs are a risque type of business, local laws and regulations will be different depending on where you live. It may be that adult entertainment is completely not allowed in your area, so it's best to find this out at the beginning rather than later on when you've invested your time and effort into starting a strip club.
In addition, check what the zoning restrictions are, as well as the licensing requirements and any other specific rules applicable to your area.
Another important thing to do is perform market research. A strip club can sound like a good idea in theory, but there may not be much demand, so you'll waste your money. For example, if the area's saturated, it might not be wise to start another strip club, unless you have a fantastic idea that'll blow the others out of the water.
Finally, as you're doing research, develop a comprehensive business plan that includes your:
- Target audience
- Marketing strategies
- Financial projects
- Operational details
The more thorough you are with your research, the better chances of success. Plus, it'll be less likely that you'll run into obstacles.
Get Funding
Chances are, you aren't able to open a strip club all on your own. This is where your business plan will come in handy, as it'll show potential investors that you've done your homework and that you have a viable business.
First though, find out approximately what the financial requirements are of your new business, including the costs of leasing or owning a property, renovating the space, purchasing equipment, hiring staff, and marketing. Most importantly, don't forget to factor in the initial operating expenses.
Once you have all this information, explore your funding options. Not only can you use your personal savings, but you can take out bank loans too, or you can find investors or partnerships.
Sort Out the Legal Side of Things
When you've secured funding, then you can get started.
The first thing you need to do is register the strip club with the appropriate government authorities. There are pros and cons to the various legal structures available, so it's a smart move to speak with a lawyer first. They can explain the differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs), and help you determine which is best for your personal situation.
Then, apply for all the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications. They can include (but aren't limited to):
- Business licenses
- Liquor licenses
- Adult entertainment licenses
- Health permits
Find a Suitable Location
In your initial research, you might've found an ideal location for your strip club. If you didn't, then it's time to search for a place that follows zoning regulations and is within easy access of your target audience. It should also be visible from roads to attract more clientele, and have plenty of parking so people don't get frustrated and leave when they drive over and try to park.
Whether you're leasing or purchasing property, tour potential ones before making a final decision. There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing a more expensive place that's ready to go vs one that's cheaper but needs some work. Weigh these up to make the smartest financial decision.
Regardless, before you open up your strip club's doors, you'll require stages, seating, lighting, sound systems, private areas, etc. So your work's cut out for you.
Hire Staff
In addition to exotic dancers, you'll need security, management staff, waitstaff, bartenders, and DJs too. Carefully write out job postings that clearly list what you need from candidates so no one will waste their time.
You should also have an employment agreement that's clear on compensation and working hours. You might want to include dress codes and conduct guidelines too, which can help you maintain a good reputation.
Perform Operational Setup
This part isn't so fun, but it must be done to ensure your strip club runs smoothly.
Get a robust point-of-sale system to handle transactions and manage inventory. Choose a merchant services business that allows payments for high-risk businesses.
Plus, develop policies and procedures for safety protocols, age verification, dress code, customer interactions, and private dances.
Market Your Strip Club
You need to create a buzz around your strip club, and this should be done well before you open for business.
Your marketing strategy should include online advertising, social media marketing, and influencer collaborations. Offline marketing methods work too, such as radio spots, print media, and promotional events.
Know How to Open a Strip Club Successfully
Now that you know how to open a strip club, it's time to put all these tips into action.
You might've realized that it's not all fun and games, and it'll require some blood, sweat, and tears. However, once you get your business up and running, you can run a strip club with ease, and as a result, you'll be a passionate business owner.
