One-Day Consultations for Location-Based Entertainment Centers

Some of our clients prefer to work with us in phases, starting with a one-day consultation. One-day consultations are also appropriate where the type of project and its location need initial analysis before proceeding to a formal market and economic feasibility study. During the one-day consultation we conduct a preliminary evaluation of

  • Whether the market area will support development of a project
  • Direct and indirect competition in the market area
  • What type and size project will be the most feasible
  • Potential sites

Randy White, CEO of White Hutchinson, will meet with you to review and discuss your plans, inspect your prospective site(s) and inspect the surrounding market area and any competition. In order for a formal market study to proceed, a site (or sites in close proximity) needs to be selected. A small difference in site location can have a significant impact on center attendance and revenue (see Which comes first, the site or the market & economic feasibility study). Often, during one-day consultations, Randy is able to help clients clarify the type and mix for their center and zero in on a good site.

Prior to the trip:

  • We develop a preliminary set of demographic data based on an estimate of the geographic market area using computer drivetime modeling.
  • Develop a list and map of potential competition in and near the market area

During the trip, Randy will inspect your prospective site(s), evaluate it/them on issues of physical size and characteristics, visibility, access, parking, etc. or help you select a suitable location, subject to formal market study validation. Randy will inspect the competition and the market area. He will discuss with you what mix of attractions appears to be a best fit for the market and many aspects of the business including capital entry costs and operational considerations, all to assure that a location-based entertainment center or FEC is the right business for you and that the center will be a success. Our objective is to assist you as our client to make the best possible decisions. We would prefer to advise you not to proceed with your project with its current proposed mix, or if a location-based entertainment business does not seem like the right business for you, or the market is too small or your site is not suitable (or not to proceed until a suitable market and site is located) versus proceeding at a less than ideal site or a center concept that does not appear that it will be successful long term.

A one-day consultation is not a substitute for a formal market feasibility study, but provides a good preliminary evaluation for whether the market appears to have sufficient size and characteristics to support development of a project and therefore warrants investment in more detailed formal market and economic feasibility studies.

We also conduct center audits and consultations for existing projects for their enhancement, expansion, renovation or other issues on a one-day or longer consultation basis.

The cost of a one-day consultation in North America is USD 3,000 plus travel expenses. (*) This includes preparation and review of any advance information before the trip, the preliminary market evaluation and demographic report, travel time and the one-day consultation. Fees for initial consultations for international projects are quoted upon request, as they require longer time for travel and visit  at the location.

* Fee is current as of September 1, 2011 and subject to change. Travel expenses include a 5% administrative fee.