SPOTLIGHT ON AN INFLATABLE HIRE COMPANY.
YOUR NAME?
Darren Burchett. (Daz)
NAME OF YOUR INFLATABLE HIRE COMPANY?
Dazzlas Inflatables
www.dazzlasinflatables.co.uk
YOUR LOCATION?
Folkestone, Kent.
WHAT IS YOUR AGE?
36
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU STARTED HIRING OUT INFLATABLES?
I worked in the entertainment industry in the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Ibiza etc.)
I worked for a company that rented out Rodeo Bulls, Gladiator Duels, Sumo Suits, Gunge Tanks etc.
I also travelled the world for 11 years spending much time in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
WHAT MADE YOU START AN INFLATABLE HIRE BUSINESS?
I’m a single dad with a young daughter, and I wanted to run my own business which could work around my lifestyle and especially my daughter.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Rock climbing and scuba diving.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?
All the Die Hard movies starring Bruce Willis.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL?
Mexican Wraps – Vegetarian Style.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE UK HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
Hastings, Kent
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION ABROAD?
Majorca
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMME?
The Mentalist
YOUR FAVOURITE SONG?
Lost Highway by Bon Jovi
Hotel California by the Eagles
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT THE INFLATABLE HIRE BUSINESS?
Meeting lots of different people and all the silly questions that I get asked!!
IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?
I would remove all the “back-stabbing” that some bouncy castle hire companies seem to get involved in and instead focus on all hire companies working together to help everyone become more successful.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A HIRING FROM HELL? (Horror story or an unusual booking?)
Yes, I once delivered a large adult sized bouncy castle to a 21st Birthday party. Unfortunately, when I came to collect it, I discovered to my dismay that the bed of the castle had been used as a “public toilet” at the end of the party.
It took me over 6 hours to fully clean and disinfect the castle.
Fortunately, the parents who had organised the party were so disgusted with the party goers that they immediately paid my £156 cleaning bill.
DO YOU HAVE ANY USEFUL TIPS OR IDEAS THAT YOU COULD SHARE WITH THE OTHER BIHA MEMBERS.
Yes, 2 tips….
1) At the end of each hire I will clean the inflatable in front of the customer – this always creates a good impression with them, and I probably get more referrals as result.
2) When dealing with customers – be polite, friendly and professional – but at the same time know where the banter line is!!
HOW HAS THE BIHA HELPED YOU IN YOUR INFLATABLE HIRE BUSINESS?
The discussion forum at www.bouncycastleowner.com has been very helpful to me and has enabled me to resolve issues which I had with my hire business.