Staffing inflatables! why you MUST charge £35 per hour or more!
Introduction
When it comes to staffing your inflatable hire business, it's essential to understand the level of responsibility that comes with manning the inflatables. As soon as you put staff in place to operate the inflatables, you become liable for any accidents that may occur. This is a crucially overlooked fact that many inflatable hire companies fail to recognize.
While the cost of staffing may seem excessive, it's important to remember that the safety and well-being of your customers are at stake. By hiring fully trained and experienced staff, you're not only providing a higher level of service to your customers but also ensuring that your business is operating with the highest level of safety standards.
Some may argue that the cost of £35 per hour for staffing is too high, but in reality, this cost is in line with the rates charged by other professionals in various industries. For example, backstreet mechanics charge upwards of £60 per hour for their services, and professional cleaners charge up to £20 per hour. When compared to these rates, the charge for hiring a fully trained and experienced events management professional to man your inflatables is wholly justified.
In fact, from a business perspective, hiring staff can be seen as an investment in the long-term success of your business. By ensuring that your customers are safe and satisfied with the level of service they receive, you're more likely to build a loyal customer base and see repeat business.
The Importance & Dangers of Hiring Staff
When you hire staff to man your inflatables, you're not only providing a higher level of service to your customers, but you're also taking on a significant amount of responsibility. As soon as you have staff on site, you become liable for the behavior and conduct of all of the guests and the liabilities that come with it. This means that if any accidents or incidents occur on your watch, you could be held accountable.
On the other hand, when you hire a castle to the client directly and leave, you are protected by the hire agreement, your terms and conditions, and the liability is transferred to the client, not yourself. However, when you decide to provide staff to man your inflatables, you are effectively assuming full responsibility for the safety of your clients and their guests.
This is why it's crucial to have fully trained and experienced staff who can handle any situation that may arise. Not only will this help prevent accidents, but it will also ensure that you're providing a high-quality service that meets the expectations of your clients.
Additionally, having staff on site can help to alleviate some of the stress and burden that comes with managing a rental business. Your staff can handle everything from setup and takedown to monitoring the safety of your guests, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your business.
Overall, hiring staff is an important aspect of running a successful inflatable rental business. However, it's important to recognize the significant responsibility that comes with providing this service and to ensure that you have the proper training, experience, and protocols in place to keep everyone safe.
The Cost of Hiring Staff
Some inflatable hire business owners may be hesitant to hire staff due to the perceived cost. However, it's important to remember that when you hire staff, you're hiring professionals who have a specific set of skills. In this case, you'll need events management professionals who are trained to manage inflatables and ensure that they are used safely.
The price of hiring staff can vary depending on the location and the level of experience required. For example, at Betterbounce Direct, we used to charge £35 per person per hour to man the inflatable, with a minimum of four hours. While this may seem excessive, it's a fair price for the level of expertise required.
Legal Requirements for Employing Staff in the UK: If you're considering hiring staff for your inflatable hire business, it's important to be aware of the legal requirements for employing staff in the UK. Here are some key points to consider:
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You must provide your employees with a written statement of employment within two months of their start date.
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You must have employers' liability insurance in place to protect your staff in case of accidents or injuries.
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You must register as an employer with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and provide details of your employees' earnings and deductions.
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You must pay your employees at least the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, depending on their age and experience.
Conclusion
Hiring staff for your inflatable hire business is a must if you want to provide a high level of service to your customers while also protecting your business from liability. While the cost of hiring staff may seem high, it's a fair price for the level of expertise required. When hiring staff, it's important to be aware of the legal requirements for employing staff in the UK, including providing a written statement of employment, having employers' liability insurance, registering as an employer with HMRC, and paying at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your business is both successful and legal.
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