I’ve been around pickleball clubs for a while, and I’ve seen a lot of new ones start up. Some do great, others struggle because of basic errors. One club I know went under fast because they didn’t have a plan. Don’t make the same slip-ups. Here’s a list of the top 10 mistakes I see, and some straightforward ways to avoid them. This way, you can get your club off to a solid start.
1. Skipping a Business Plan
Jumping in without a business plan for pickleball club is like playing blindfolded. You’ll miss the mark. Mistake: Not planning costs, revenue, or goals. Fix: Draft a solid plan. Estimate pickleball facility startup cost ($20,000–$50,000 per court, $5,000 for gear), set membership targets, and explore pickleball club funding ideas like loans or crowdfunding. Include legal stuff like LLC setup and permits.
2. Choosing a Bad Location
A lousy spot can kill your vibe. Mistake: Picking a hard-to-reach or hidden location. Fix: Choose a site within a 22-minute drive, with good visibility and parking (four spots per court). Choosing a location for pickleball club means checking noise rules. Pickleball’s “pop” can annoy neighbors.
3. Ignoring Court Design
Shoddy courts chase players away. Mistake: Skimping on pickleball court setup errors like poor surfaces or bad lighting. Fix: Follow pickleball court construction guide tips. Use cushioned concrete, permanent paint, and bright lights. Aim for 30×60 feet per court for space.
4. Underestimating Costs
Money missteps hurt. Mistake: Lowballing pickleball facility startup cost or ongoing expenses. Fix: Budget $20,000–$50,000 per court, $10,000 for marketing, and monthly costs like utilities. Plan revenue from pickleball club membership revenue and rentals to stay afloat.
5. Weak Marketing
No buzz, no players. Mistake: Skimping on pickleball club marketing mistakes leaves courts empty. Fix: Use pickleball club marketing strategies. Post on Instagram with #PickleballFun, partner with local cafés, and use SEO like “pickleball club near me.” Free trials hook newbies.
6. Poor Membership Models
Rigid plans scare off players. Mistake: Offering one-size-fits-all club membership mistakes pickleball. Fix: Create pickleball club membership models. Tiered plans, pay-per-play, or off-peak deals. Flexible options draw diverse crowds, boosting pickleball club revenue streams.
7. Manual Scheduling and using a Clunky Software
Spreadsheets and slow old booking platforms are a nightmare. Mistake: Pickleball scheduling mistakes like double bookings waste time. Fix: Use a pickleball club software platform like OpenCourt for one-tap bookings and player matchmaking. It cuts chaos and keeps courts full. Plus, it’s the hottest and fastest booking platform out there.
OpenCourt, the game-changing new court booking platform designed to fill courts fast.
8. Neglecting Community
No community, no loyalty. Mistake: Ignoring community engagement pickleball club hurts retention. Fix: Host social pickleball leagues, clinics, or themed nights like “Retro Pickleball Party.” Engage players with events to build a tight-knit crew.
9. Overlooking Technology
Tech’s your friend, not foe. Mistake: Pickleball club technology mistakes like skipping digital tools. Fix: Adopt a court reservation system for bookings and analytics to track usage. It streamlines operations and boosts player satisfaction.
10. Rushing Expansion
Growing too fast can flop. Mistake: Overexpanding leads to pickleball club revenue mistakes. Fix: Start small (maybe one or two courts) and grow based on demand. Track finances and player feedback to expand smartly, avoiding pickleball franchise vs independent club pitfalls.
Avoiding these rookie pickleball club mistakes sets your club up for success. From a solid business plan for pickleball club to smart pickleball club marketing strategies, these fixes keep your courts hopping and players happy. Take it one step at a time, and your club will be the talk of the town. Get out there and make it happen!