thunderbolt85
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 11:07:06 AM
Morning Everyone,

I am getting back into the business next year, building a nice portable mini-golf to use for festivals in the state and around the region.

Built one about 15 years ago that was really nice with a white fence around it, tricks including a ten foot tower, did really well with it at festivals and the such. This type of thing doesn't usually do well against the big rides, but can make money on rentals and the festivals. I got slammed one year playing a spot (festival). Was sitting next to the show on the indy and did good all weekend, until they ran the POP, then it was a blank. I didn't say anything but show owner (World Wide) at the time was pretty nice, came by and offered to work out a deal if I wanted to take armbands but I told him not to worry about it.

Anyhow, I need some liablity for it, last time i put a million on it. Wanted to check to see if that's still a good number, or are festivals wanting more these days (2 million?), and any recommendations on companies that are good to work with.

Plan on adding more stuff as time goes on, maybe some food, maybe a couple of kiddie rides as I make some money, but thought I would go this route again to get started.

Thanks for any help.
Matt C.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 12:53:41 PM
Most festivals I have worked with ask for a $2 million aggregate these days. Best of luck to you!
Matt Cook
Matt's Carnival Warehouse / Matt's Web Design
http://www.carnivalwarehouse.com 
http://www.mwdwebdesign.com 
Pizzagod
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 1:18:38 PM
I ended up going through the phone book (hey, I'm old-) and got my liability last year for a little over $500. This year there was a big jump, almost to $700, but that's still a heck of a lot lower than most of the big boys are charging.

The only problems I've ever run into is when I'm not covered in certain states. Louisiana was a problem for a year or two.

Good luck.
For one dollar I'll guess your weight, your height, or your sex.
Matt C.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 1:36:31 PM
Originally Posted by: Pizzagod 

I ended up going through the phone book (hey, I'm old-) and got my liability last year for a little over $500. This year there was a big jump, almost to $700, but that's still a heck of a lot lower than most of the big boys are charging.

The only problems I've ever run into is when I'm not covered in certain states. Louisiana was a problem for a year or two.

Good luck.



I tried that a couple of years ago and most of the insurance companies told me they wouldnt cover me lol... care to share your insurance company's name?
Matt Cook
Matt's Carnival Warehouse / Matt's Web Design
http://www.carnivalwarehouse.com 
http://www.mwdwebdesign.com 
thunderbolt85
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 2:13:30 PM
Thanks guys, guess I will go with the 2 million to be safe.

Yeah the last time I had one I tried some local companies but most of them didn't want to cover it either.

Yeah, I am excited to get back in, i still get that itch each spring.
thunderbolt85
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 2:17:54 PM
Hoping to make a little cash and find a good used Jolly Caterpiller and/or a Bulgy the Whale. Some simple kiddies that I could use with rentals or book with shows that come around and maybe looking for something non conflicting to fill in.

Course the business is quite different these days, that one's for sure.
coasterkeener
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 2:38:17 PM
Matt, do you need liability insurance for web site development or do you do something else as well?
Matt C.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 3:10:46 PM
Originally Posted by: coasterkeener 

Matt, do you need liability insurance for web site development or do you do something else as well?



Glow novelties.
Matt Cook
Matt's Carnival Warehouse / Matt's Web Design
http://www.carnivalwarehouse.com 
http://www.mwdwebdesign.com 
Pizzagod
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:39:11 AM
I would, but I really don't know it offhand.

I'll look it up when I get off the road-I'm thinking it's Citizens or Nationwide, and it's a division that handles specialty stuff.

I just looked at a certificate, and I do have the 2 Mil aggregate.
For one dollar I'll guess your weight, your height, or your sex.