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Proper Staking &
Anchoring
by, Tammie Mason
One of the most
important parts of setting up an inflatable is proper anchoring. A large
number of accidents involving inflatables can be at least partially
contributed to improper anchoring. Many factors including wind speed,
surface type, and the size/type of inflatable help determine the proper
anchoring methods.
When choosing the
proper anchors for your inflatables you should start with the owners
manual provided by your manufacturer. If you did not receive an owners
manual call your manufacturer and request one. In the absence of an
owners manual you should follow the CPSC recommendations for anchorage.
In the Amusement
Ride Safety Bulletin issued in 2001, the CPSC recommends the use of
ground weights (sand bags) of at least 75 pounds for bounce type rides
up to 500 pounds for slide type rides at EACH anchor point. If you
choose to use straight stakes the CPSC recommends lengths ranging from
30"-42" depending on the ground surface, with at least 75% of the stake
in the ground.
The ASTM F-2374-07A
standard addresses the design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance
of inflatables. Manufacturers should specify the number and strengths of
anchorage points as well as the types of anchorage to use. The standard
also states that anchoring systems should be stationary fixed objects
and should not pose a tripping hazard. Finally the standard states that
operators should always follow the manufacturer’s specifications and
recommendations when anchoring inflatables.
Many states have
specific regulations pertaining to proper anchorage of inflatables. New
Jersey for instance requires the use of 40" stakes for slide 15 feet or
higher. Be sure to check with your state inspector to find out any
specific requirements in your state.
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| Member
Spotlight |
Hop-Skip-N-Jump
by, Kyle HanleyThis Newsletters Member Spot Light
is Jim and Jennifer of Hop Skip ’N’ Jump out of
Florida. Jim and Jennifer roaring in there 30’s are
a family of 5. Wife Jennifer and Husband Jim along
with their 3 children bought the business from a
couple in June of 2006. The Couple was moving way up
north and didn't want to take the business with
them. Their actual first rental was July 1, 2006.
The Children enjoy sometimes helping out with our
business by cleaning, delivery and pickup
Hop Skip ‘N’ Jumps inventory was 3 units and an
open trailer from the previous owner. Since then
they have expanded to 9 units, an enclosed trailer
and concessions, with the waterslides being the best
renter out of there entire inventory. They offer,
the best customer service, prompt delivery,
Moonwalk, combo, slide and concession rentals. But
they have goals to take HOP SKIP 'N' JUMP! To the
next level where we have more units and everything
under the tent you need. They are working to get more
events in 2008.
Jim and Jennifer attended IAAPA Orlando 07 and
they said,
”IAAPA was a lot better this year because we knew
what to look for and what to avoid. We went to our
first one in Atlanta and were overwhelmed being new
to the business. One of the best things about this
year was all of the forum members that we met and
became friends with.” There preferred companies to
purchase from are Moonwalker Sales and Ninja Jump
(They bought Ninja Units from bouncehouses.com)
Hop Skip ‘N’ Jump offers an incentive program for
the renters where you can receive a $50 off coupon
for one of the rentals. There are stipulations to
this and you must rent and/or send us customers. It
has worked out really good for repeat and new
business.
Hop Skip ‘N’ Jump has a website at
http://www.hopskipnjump.net/
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Business & Marketing Advice |
EASY TO IMPLEMENT
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION TIP
by, Sharon Patten
Do you have a
web site? Is it working for
you? Can your customers find
you? Are you using the correct
keywords?
When using
keywords you shouldn't be
thinking about a single word,
but keyword phrases. When a
person enters a search into a
search engine they generally end
up entering a few words to
describe what they are looking
for.
There is a SEO
tool on the Internet that
can let you know what your
customers are searching for, and
it's free to use. It is called
Overture Keyword Selection Tool
and It can be found at
http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=2156041
You type in a couple
of keywords that you think are
relevant to your site and
the site will tell you how many
times those keywords have been
searched for recently within
search engines. The higher the
number that overture presents,
means that the set of keywords
you have chosen have been
searched for more.
So check it out,
what is searched for more?
Moonbounce rental, bounce house
rental, jumper rental, or
moonwalk rental? Think of what
else you offer that individuals
search for such as specific
games or concession machines.
When
you discover what individuals
search for most, then work it
into the text of your web site
and start getting found! (Tip:
Don't forget to put the cities
you service on your web site!)
NOTE:
Remember not one thing makes a
difference in Search Engine
Optimization, many things have
to work together to make a
difference, that what search
engine optimization is all
about.
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| Equipment Care |
Trailer Care
by, Matthew MarkFor a lot of us, its almost that time of year! Time to pull out the
trailer and get it ready for the season. But even if you have a year
round business you still need to perform basic services on your
trailers to keep them safe and in good shape.
1. Cleanliness is a must inside and out, and throw a coat of wax on
it unless you have a wrap or graphics.
2. Check the tread on the
tires for wear and make sure they do not need to be replaced.
3. There should be no dry rot on your tires or any other rubber
seals or components. Use a good rubber cleaner and then some armor
all to condition them.
4. Check your wheel bearings and make sure they are properly packed
and not leaking. If one seizes up you are in big trouble. If you do
not have bearing buddies, buy some. Worth the peace of mind.
5. Brakes, if you have surge or electric, should be clean and pads
in good shape as well. Make sure all connections and wiring are snug
and there is no fraying.
6. The tongue jack should be well greased so it raises and lowers
easily.
7. Oil all hinges and work the doors back and forth to get the oil
worked in. Make sure all doors close properly and seal.
8. Clean out any vents. Birds and small animals, spiders and insects
like to build nests in them.
9. Check for roof leaks. Do not look for water spots, actually spray
the roof with water and have someone check for drips.
10. Check all rivets and bolts to make sure they are tight.
11. Interior E track should be tight and not rusting, along with any
tie downs.
12. make sure the floor is still in good shape and does not seem
soft, or has any major breaks.
You paid a lot for that trailer, take care of it! |
| Product Review |
World
Sport Games
If you didn't make it to IAAPA or by the Ninja Jump
display then you missed the World Sport Games unit which towered over
the Ninja Jump Display. This sports themed inflatable attracted
folks due to its sheer size alone. This unit that stands a whopping 21
feet tall and contains a football toss, soccer kick challenge,
basketball challenge, t-ball game, frisbee toss and dart throw. 6
Games in one unit, and a masterful piece at that. Well constructed
as we would expect coming from Ninja. A centerpiece that demands
attention and the ability to provide you customers with 6 different
games in one unit from one blower. The graphics were colorful and the unit overall was very appealing. Looks like a good buy for medium
to large event providers. Check it out at
http://ninjajump.com/product.php?productid=1114 for more info.
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| Sponsor Highlights |
B-Air blowers has taken the industry by storm with their line of
inflatable blowers. One of the most highly used blowers out
there. Great designs, higher powered blowers
drawing less electricity and providing more CFM. This line of
blowers provides solutions for practically any inflatable from small
advertising units to the massive slides we see today. With UL
listings and great accessories like an hour meter, the SuperDeflator
and more you can't go
wrong. Award winning company with award winning blowers, they
even offer blowers for different industries so visit
them at www.b-air.com
Ninja Jump continues to be a leader in the industry with new product
releases, continued levels of quality, commitment to their
customers, large in-stock inventory and a whole lot more. I
doubt there's anyone in the industry who hasn't heard of ninja jump.
A huge variety of inflatables and North America's exclusive provider
of merchandise from The Inflatable Store. Visit them today at
www.ninjajump.com
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|
Contact Us |
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