What should I check before buying a golf simulator business?

A golf simulator studio is a small set of expensive machines in a rented room. Buyers typically ask what those machines and that room are used for now. Before you look at the profit, walk the space and list what is actually there. The questions below cover the assets and contracts. For the numbers side, see is a golf simulator business profitable.

Hardware, software and accounts

Ask for a list of every simulator, launch monitor, projector and computer, with make, model, purchase year and service history. Ask the owner to run each bay while you watch. Then look at the software: many studios pay a recurring subscription for the course library or the tracking, and the account may sit in the seller’s name. Ask the supplier, in writing, whether it will move to you and on what terms.

The room, the build-out and the lease

Ceiling height and bay width decide what equipment can run, so measure them yourself. Then ask who owns the walls, nets, flooring and fit-out when the lease ends. Read the lease for its remaining term, renewal rights and whether the landlord must consent to a new tenant. Your lawyer should review it, and what to check before buying a mini golf business shows how a similar venue is read.

Memberships, leagues and prepaid time

Ask for the list of active members, league teams and unused prepaid bay time or gift cards. Those balances are promises you may inherit, so ask how they will be handled at closing and have your accountant look at it. A busy winter league can be real strength, but find out whether it is tied to the current owner or the venue.

Bookings and the customer list

The booking system holds the history and the contact list. Check that you can take over the account, export the data and keep using it. Ask how customers were told their information would be used. Ask your lawyer whether privacy law, such as PIPEDA, affects your use of the list.