Author Topic: Escape Rooms  (Read 8782 times)

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Escape Rooms
« on: April 02, 2018, 02:18:14 PM »
This past weekend, my wife and I did an escape room for the first time with two other couple friends of ours.  We had a really great time!  Being my first ever, I really didn't know what to expect, it was a lot smaller of a room and the setup / theme seemed quite a bit less than I expected.  But it got 4.8 star ratings over 100+ reviews so I'm assuming what we experienced to be pretty above standard for an escape room.  Afterwards, the creator talked with us a bit about his inspiration and such and revealed that he was getting 50-60 groups per month through the room (6-10 people @ $22ea ea) which as far as I can guess must be about $9,500 or so gross per month (55 groups at an average of 8 per group).  As a Mustachian entrepreneur, I couldn't help but think it would be a pretty awesome stream of income and my background as a mechanical engineer could be pretty useful for creating & setting up my own.  The owner of the room we went to could not have spent more than $5,000 setting it up and the room was so small that I can't imagine his rent for the room could have been more than $1,000/mo.

Has anyone else thought of this, or has anyone actually done an escape room?  I am not sure if their popularity is still swinging upward or if it'll start trending downward in popularity.  What are your thoughts?

Miss Piggy

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1549
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2018, 03:40:22 PM »
I would have two concerns if I were thinking about this:

1. Escape rooms are a current trend. I don't anticipate them lasting long.

2. Given the "simplicity" of the one you experienced, I don't see them being a "repeat customer" kind of thing.

So those are two strikes against it, IMO: short-term, and pretty much only one-time customers. Risky.

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2018, 03:51:21 PM »
I would have two concerns if I were thinking about this:

1. Escape rooms are a current trend. I don't anticipate them lasting long.

2. Given the "simplicity" of the one you experienced, I don't see them being a "repeat customer" kind of thing.

So those are two strikes against it, IMO: short-term, and pretty much only one-time customers. Risky.

Regarding #2, yes it was simple (not in terms of complexity, but more in terms of size and decorations, etc.), but the group I went with had a ton of fun and we are excited to go to the other theme room that this same guy owned.  So I would say "yes" you would never go to the SAME escape room a 2nd time, but if you had multiple rooms or change the theme yearly, you would definitely get repeat customers.

Regarding #1, yes that would probably be the biggest concern.  Is it too late to get into the game?  Not sure, but google trends shows a solid uptrend with no signs of slowing.

AlanStache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3175
  • Age: 44
  • Location: South East Virginia
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2018, 03:53:33 PM »
This is a new thing for me.  Are they built in someones home or a strip mall or some random building?  Are they by appointment only or open like TacoBell? 

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2018, 03:56:50 PM »
This is a new thing for me.  Are they built in someones home or a strip mall or some random building?  Are they by appointment only or open like TacoBell?

You should try one to get the experience, I would definitely recommend it.  I have only been to one, so I can't speak for all, but this was in an old office building.  it was by appointment only, there were 3 times slots during the week and a few extra on the weekends.  You have an hour to solve the mystery.  I know some escape rooms are more like complexes with multiple rooms all with different themes you can choose from.

Telecaster

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3551
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2018, 04:10:01 PM »
I did one with a couple friends.  It was surprisingly fun! 

SC93

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 605
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2018, 05:57:31 PM »
Even if it doesn't stay popular for ever, it might still be worth it. Get in now....make a really cool one. Something that blows the others out of the water. And have 3+ more cool ideas of how to change it up in the future. But go as cheap as possible.

OkieM

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 48
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2018, 09:57:17 PM »
If you can keep the overhead low, you don’t have much to lose. The lowest overhead I saw was Laser Quest, the laser tag chain, turned a janitor closet all their locations had into a room. They used the staff they already had for checking in the laser tag people to set it up. The materials may have been $200. Still fun.

okits

  • CMTO 2023 Attendees
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *
  • Posts: 13017
  • Location: Canada
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2018, 11:02:25 PM »
I did one two years ago (multi room, multi floor in a historic building) and it was very fun.  Liked the actors and feeling like I was in a video game.  Did it as a private party (friend's birthday) so it was all friends or friends-of-a-friend.  Time and location were not very convenient for me but if it were easier to go back I would (they had several themes).

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2018, 09:15:32 AM »
It sounds like the video arcade and waterbed store of our times.

Even if it doesn't stay popular for ever, it might still be worth it. Get in now....make a really cool one. Something that blows the others out of the water. And have 3+ more cool ideas of how to change it up in the future. But go as cheap as possible.
ya, right...  blow others out of the water as cheap as possible.   You must be in bed because you're dreaming.


HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2018, 09:50:19 AM »
It sounds like the video arcade and waterbed store of our times.

Even if it doesn't stay popular for ever, it might still be worth it. Get in now....make a really cool one. Something that blows the others out of the water. And have 3+ more cool ideas of how to change it up in the future. But go as cheap as possible.
ya, right...  blow others out of the water as cheap as possible.   You must be in bed because you're dreaming.

Maybe a better comparison would be paintball or laser tag.  But even so, a lot of people made a lot of money in those markets.  Nice part about an Escape Room vs. Paintball or Laser Tag is that it takes much less for a startup and the liability is much lower.

SC93

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 605
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2018, 11:19:26 AM »
It sounds like the video arcade and waterbed store of our times.

Even if it doesn't stay popular for ever, it might still be worth it. Get in now....make a really cool one. Something that blows the others out of the water. And have 3+ more cool ideas of how to change it up in the future. But go as cheap as possible.
ya, right...  blow others out of the water as cheap as possible.   You must be in bed because you're dreaming.

It's called being smarter than others. Some are, and as we see, some aren't. Am I speaking with a savvy business person (doesn't sound like it) or someone who works low pay for someone else? A savvy business person should be able to do it. Just spending less than 24 hours I've already found a place for $500 per month rent. My buddy said he will do all of the carpenter work for free.... same guy that did all the work on my house for free. My other buddy can be talked in to doing all of the programming work for free or almost free. Do you know what the best part is? I've done all of that while laying in bed and I will be laying in bed while they do all the actual work..... IF I decide to go through with this. But as you see, the idea did go over well with me so it has a good chance of getting done. Now get this..... if I do this, I'm going to also rent the place next door and put in an adult themed escape room as well.

Oh, I just had an idea.... a child themed escape room. I haven't done any research to see if anyone else is doing any of this so if not, it might be a good thing to start in your area. Sports themed.... the possibilities are endless really.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2018, 11:23:34 AM by SC93 »

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2018, 12:42:43 PM »
It sounds like the video arcade and waterbed store of our times.

Even if it doesn't stay popular for ever, it might still be worth it. Get in now....make a really cool one. Something that blows the others out of the water. And have 3+ more cool ideas of how to change it up in the future. But go as cheap as possible.
ya, right...  blow others out of the water as cheap as possible.   You must be in bed because you're dreaming.

It's called being smarter than others. Some are, and as we see, some aren't. Am I speaking with a savvy business person (doesn't sound like it) or someone who works low pay for someone else? A savvy business person should be able to do it. Just spending less than 24 hours I've already found a place for $500 per month rent. My buddy said he will do all of the carpenter work for free.... same guy that did all the work on my house for free. My other buddy can be talked in to doing all of the programming work for free or almost free. Do you know what the best part is? I've done all of that while laying in bed and I will be laying in bed while they do all the actual work..... IF I decide to go through with this. But as you see, the idea did go over well with me so it has a good chance of getting done. Now get this..... if I do this, I'm going to also rent the place next door and put in an adult themed escape room as well.

Oh, I just had an idea.... a child themed escape room. I haven't done any research to see if anyone else is doing any of this so if not, it might be a good thing to start in your area. Sports themed.... the possibilities are endless really.

Are you thinking about starting one?  There is one locally that is more "kid friendly" but I'm not sure if it's meant specifically for kids.  I imagine that if someone could have a facility with 4 or so different rooms, one for kids, one scary one for Halloween time, and two others that are have interesting themes I bet you would have a really successful business.  For now I am considering seeing what it's like and just dipping my toe in with a single low-overhead room.

chuckster

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 114
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2018, 12:47:21 PM »
Has anyone else thought of this, or has anyone actually done an escape room?  I am not sure if their popularity is still swinging upward or if it'll start trending downward in popularity.  What are your thoughts?

I've actually been tempted to do something a little different, more like a co-operative Star Trek-like experience. It might cost a bit more to set up initially, but, it's easier to set up different scenarios for repeat customers. Every day could be a new adventure. I might keep it in my back pocket in case escape rooms trend down and some owner is looking to do something different.

AlanStache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3175
  • Age: 44
  • Location: South East Virginia
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #14 on: April 03, 2018, 02:42:03 PM »
Has anyone else thought of this, or has anyone actually done an escape room?  I am not sure if their popularity is still swinging upward or if it'll start trending downward in popularity.  What are your thoughts?

I've actually been tempted to do something a little different, more like a co-operative Star Trek-like experience. It might cost a bit more to set up initially, but, it's easier to set up different scenarios for repeat customers. Every day could be a new adventure. I might keep it in my back pocket in case escape rooms trend down and some owner is looking to do something different.

Years back there was an flight simulator-air combat and pizza parlor place near me.  Was sort of cool to go dog fight your friends in F-18's.  It was open maybe one year.  They had like 6 networked cockpits, several were down for maintenance when I was there.  We had to wait over an hour and then only flew for 20 minutes; just as you were getting comfortable in the cockpit the time was up.  The location was not good and I dont think they took reservations.  Maybe this could work now in our "experience economy" where people will pay to do things FB/IG worth - but I suspect it was expensive to set up and maintain with low margins. 


SC93

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 605
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #15 on: April 03, 2018, 07:51:42 PM »
It sounds like the video arcade and waterbed store of our times.

Even if it doesn't stay popular for ever, it might still be worth it. Get in now....make a really cool one. Something that blows the others out of the water. And have 3+ more cool ideas of how to change it up in the future. But go as cheap as possible.
ya, right...  blow others out of the water as cheap as possible.   You must be in bed because you're dreaming.

It's called being smarter than others. Some are, and as we see, some aren't. Am I speaking with a savvy business person (doesn't sound like it) or someone who works low pay for someone else? A savvy business person should be able to do it. Just spending less than 24 hours I've already found a place for $500 per month rent. My buddy said he will do all of the carpenter work for free.... same guy that did all the work on my house for free. My other buddy can be talked in to doing all of the programming work for free or almost free. Do you know what the best part is? I've done all of that while laying in bed and I will be laying in bed while they do all the actual work..... IF I decide to go through with this. But as you see, the idea did go over well with me so it has a good chance of getting done. Now get this..... if I do this, I'm going to also rent the place next door and put in an adult themed escape room as well.

Oh, I just had an idea.... a child themed escape room. I haven't done any research to see if anyone else is doing any of this so if not, it might be a good thing to start in your area. Sports themed.... the possibilities are endless really.

Are you thinking about starting one?  There is one locally that is more "kid friendly" but I'm not sure if it's meant specifically for kids.  I imagine that if someone could have a facility with 4 or so different rooms, one for kids, one scary one for Halloween time, and two others that are have interesting themes I bet you would have a really successful business.  For now I am considering seeing what it's like and just dipping my toe in with a single low-overhead room.

The thought had never crossed my mind until yesterday when you mentioned it. lol So I made a few texts.... came up with a cheap place to do it, cheap labor and cheap everything else. Use the people you know to do things the cheapest way possible. My one buddy went to school for video game design so he jumped at this just for fun!

frost7777

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 20
    • ModernNomads
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #16 on: April 04, 2018, 06:54:23 AM »
The owner of the room we went to could not have spent more than $5,000 setting it up and the room was so small that I can't imagine his rent for the room could have been more than $1,000/mo.

@v8rx7guy,
If you are thinking about a small room would it make sense to start off by converting a trailer?  No rent and portable, you could set up at special events/fairs/festivals and have your room booked all weekend.  Google image search provides a bunch of examples:  https://www.google.com/search?q=portable+escape+room+trailer&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSzs_W1KDaAhWo3YMKHSpLDrwQ_AUIDSgE&biw=1680&bih=959

« Last Edit: April 04, 2018, 07:38:27 AM by frost7777 »

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #17 on: April 04, 2018, 08:29:50 AM »
The owner of the room we went to could not have spent more than $5,000 setting it up and the room was so small that I can't imagine his rent for the room could have been more than $1,000/mo.

@v8rx7guy,
If you are thinking about a small room would it make sense to start off by converting a trailer?  No rent and portable, you could set up at special events/fairs/festivals and have your room booked all weekend.  Google image search provides a bunch of examples:  https://www.google.com/search?q=portable+escape+room+trailer&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSzs_W1KDaAhWo3YMKHSpLDrwQ_AUIDSgE&biw=1680&bih=959

Wow, that is pretty cool!  Much higher upfront cost though, with the trailer, a truck to pull it, etc.  But probably a higher potential to make money being able to move it to where the people are.  I like the concept but I am thinking if I did something, it would be more brick an mortar than mobile due to those high starting costs.

jpdx

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 760
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #18 on: April 19, 2018, 09:14:02 PM »
I had never heard of this but it sounds brilliant.

A passing trend? Perhaps, so build you business so it is easy to get in and get out.

Lack of repeat customers? Build multiple rooms, rotate themes, have seasonal/holiday/special event rooms.

These games also seem to be popular with tourists and younger people, so there might be a stronger market if you are near a university or your city is a tourist destination and you make your place easy accessible for out of towners.

kpetar

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 21
  • Location: Somewhere in the middle
  • Blogger at Dollar Sanity
    • Dollar Sanity
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #19 on: April 20, 2018, 04:19:08 AM »
Two years ago anyone with $10,000 could open the first escape room in their city get a free local media attention and make a profit. Today most cities have several escape rooms and increased competition has dramatically increased the barrier to entry. 

Despite it's not easy as it used to be there's still enormous room for growth in the industry, but not for long. Soon, larger outfits will emerge and force smaller outfits to close or operate in some sort of niche. So, if you have great unique niche idea, go for it.

kelvin

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 124
  • Location: Ottawa, ON
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #20 on: May 05, 2018, 11:27:11 AM »
I do an escape room about every two months with a group of friends. We generally tear the room apart in record time :) It's all the fun of video games, but you don't have to worry about everyone owning the same console.

Keep in mind your target audience. Some rooms are more child-friendly than others. The ones within walking distance of the local university dormitories do well. Some cater to suburban moms looking for a venue for a birthday party. Puzzles need to be intuitive for the general public, no specialized knowledge or experience required.

I would recommend asking your local college if there's a video game design course taught there - I'm sure a lot of the principles would overlap. You could hire a student to help you design the room, they could put it on their resume and you won't have to design 15 puzzles on your own.

Good luck!

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #21 on: May 11, 2018, 12:07:37 PM »
It would be cool if you incorporate VR headsets.

TheWifeHalf

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #22 on: May 11, 2018, 12:56:47 PM »
I have never heard of this, what is a person who goes in one, escaping from?

When I saw the title, I thought of  tornado safe rooms, after reading just a bit, I realized this must be something else!
Is this a 'city' thing?

I'm a red panda

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8186
  • Location: United States
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #23 on: May 11, 2018, 01:20:22 PM »
I have never heard of this, what is a person who goes in one, escaping from?

When I saw the title, I thought of  tornado safe rooms, after reading just a bit, I realized this must be something else!
Is this a 'city' thing?

The premise is that you are locked in a room and have to follow a series of clue to "unlock" the room and escape before time runs out.
The one I did (for work teambuilding) also involved a zombie chained to the wall, and if you did something wrong, it's chain got longer and it could roam the room, if it caught you, you were no longer allowed to help your group.

In reality, at least around here, nothing is actually locked, for fire safety. You could just open the door and walk out. (ETA: I've since read that some actually lock their doors. I think for me, I'd want one that doesn't really lock.)

An example: https://denverescaperoom.com/

I live in a small city (population 15,000). We have an escape room.
(Just to point out market saturation... a nearby town with population 2,000 also has one...)
« Last Edit: May 11, 2018, 01:30:15 PM by I'm a red panda »

TheWifeHalf

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #24 on: May 11, 2018, 06:18:43 PM »
Thanks for the explanation!

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #25 on: June 05, 2018, 09:52:05 AM »
Hey v8rx7guy;  I thought of you and this thread yesterday.
I took my car in for a small repair, and instead of sitting there watching soap operas and flipping thru 10 yr old magazines for a couple hours, I went for a walk. 
The repair shop is down a side road from the end of a major shopping area on a major road.  Pretty much on the edge of a some-what yuppy suburb.
While walking back to the shop, I found an Escape Room business.  It's on the side of another business, and doesn't have a sign that faces the road.   The sign said "Escape Room" the biggest. Under that was the Co. name "Catch 22" and a web address.

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2858
  • Age: 37
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #26 on: June 05, 2018, 10:34:45 AM »
Hey v8rx7guy;  I thought of you

Awwwwww :) J/k

That's nice that you found one.  I agree, they are often not well marked from a business front perspective.  Are you going to get some friends together and try it out?  I still can't get this idea off my mind, I feel like I could put together a really nice room for not a huge investment.  Wife says I can't start a new side gig though!

shelivesthedream

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 6744
  • Location: London, UK
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #27 on: June 09, 2018, 05:52:59 AM »
I have worked on the creation of an escape room. I have three tips:

1. Make sure everything is indestructible. People will try to destroy stuff searching for clues.
2. Make sure your puzzles aren't lame, and make sure they all require different skills so no one gets left out.
3. Make sure your story/theming is awesome. This is what the keenos will appreciate and will give you a good reputation.

Nick_Miller

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1655
  • Location: A sprawling estate with one of those cool circular driveways in the front!
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #28 on: June 14, 2018, 07:08:49 AM »
I have a little experience in game design.

I'd make sure that challenges are balanced. Balance is key. People have different types of intelligence...spatial, physical, linguistic, math, music, drawing/creative, etc., and groups of people might feature people with these different types. When someone finds a clue that helps the whole group move forward, they get really excited and feel like they contributed - doing this even one time might leave them with a positive feeling about the experience.

Example: One room I went to had this little statue that we needed to move from one location to another. It took forever for us to figure it out, but one of our members with strong spatial reasoning saved the day.

Johnez

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1102
  • Location: Southern California
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #29 on: June 15, 2018, 04:43:46 PM »
Had zero idea what the heck "Escape Rooms" were till near the end of the thread.  But damn, sounds like a pretty fun idea.  It also sounds extremely ripe for innovation being as new as it is.  And why limit it to a room?  I see a zillion possibilities here, can coordinate with local businesses to create a sort of adult scavenger hunt/puzzle game with clues strewn about.  How about a "reverse" escape room, have to find the place somebody is kept trapped? 

chuckster

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 114
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #30 on: June 19, 2018, 03:55:06 PM »
A new trend here in a similar vein is the "Pop-Up Experience". Usually they run for four to six months then move cities. They are small art installations that mostly serve to provide backgrounds for people to take selfies to post on instagram and facebook.

Museum of Ice Cream
2001
Saved by the Bell
Candytopia
Museum of Illusions
Seinfeld
Netflix

At $30+ per ticket, they're making pretty good money for just painting up some rooms and fabricating some props. Obviously the Seinfeld/Netflix style ones need rights and permissions and stuff, but, ones like the ice cream, museum of illusions, and candytopia are just artsy backgrounds that anyone with a good idea and some social media marketing could do.

bluewater

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 27
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #31 on: July 30, 2018, 12:42:00 PM »
I realize this is a bit of an old thread but if anyone is still following it I thought this listing would provide a peek into the financials.  I came across this on a business broker website in South Florida.  Perhaps this trend has run its course?  Pretty new business to be selling so soon. 

Asking Price: $75,000
Cash Flow: $58,935
Gross Revenue: $149,167
EBITDA: N/A
FF&E: $3,500
Inventory: N/A
Lease Rate: N/A /SF
Established: 2016
Escape Room

Escape Rooms are the hottest entertainment venue! Three unique rooms in place. Popular with businesses and groups for team-building. Overhead consists of front counter person and facilities expenses - simple proven business with generous net income. This opportunity won't last!

Detailed Information
Real Estate:LeasedBuilding SF:N/ALease Expiration:N/AEmployees:1 PTFurniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E):Included in asking priceFacilities:Lease/Month: $2,093. Square Footage: 1,307. Building Type: Strip Plaza. Expiration Date: 10/31/2019. Lease hold: $10,000Support & Training:Seller will train buyer for four weeks at no cost to buyerReason for Selling:Ask Seller

katesilvergirl

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 45
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #32 on: August 13, 2018, 05:46:25 AM »
We own an escape room in the Midwest. We've been open for 10 months (of course working on it much longer than that), with two rooms in a cheap place in the downtown area of our town (80,000 people). We are covering our expenses but not making much a profit yet, although this is what we projected. It's a crap-ton of work if you want to do it well (nice website, strong social media and community connections, well-built rooms) and do it mostly from scratch (as we did as good mustachians), and the success of an escape room depends A LOT on your location and market.

If you are interested in getting into the industry I would recommend building a pop-up escape room for a few weeks or looking into mobile escape rooms. Also, spend a lot of time reading industry blogs and Facebook groups.

Interestingly, we got started in the industry the same way you did. We went to our first escape room, loved it, realized it was super low cost and we could totally do it ourselves, went to a few more escape rooms, then jumped in. The problem is, that all escape rooms are fun if you've never been to one before, but it turns out that the first one we did was kind of terrible (puzzles were good, props sucked). Making a good escape room is exponentially more work than making a below average escape room. That's what we didn't realize.

Honestly, I think the money in the industry now is in making props for other people's escape rooms. With a mechanical background you could start helping out area escape rooms with all kind of things.

nara

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 203
Re: Escape Rooms
« Reply #33 on: August 29, 2018, 09:32:11 AM »
I don't think it's a wise business venture...

Our area is pretty saturated with Escape Rooms (they pop up as often as Cross Fits). A lot of them close down and almost all of them post deals on Groupon which makes me think they are not very high in demand.

It is an entertainment trend that may not have good longevity. Plus with a market down-turn, entertainment is the first thing to be cut from a budget.

Is Escape Room a brand? Do you have to actually buy a franchise to own one? Because franchises definitly cut into profits too.




 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!