BUYING A USED BOUNCY HOUSE!

Here’s what you need to know before purchasing a used inflatable!  Whether it’s for personal use or a business venture, here’s some things to ask and to think about!

WHO MADE IT? 

The first thing you should ask is who made it.  You should look at the safety label on the front of the unit & ask for copies of the manufacturer’s manuals.  This will give you all the information you need operate the inflatable, including number and size of blowers needed, how to stake it down and other safety features of the bouncy house.  If the seller doesn’t know this information, this is a huge RED FLAG.

CAN I SEE A PROOF OF PURCHASE.

Unfortunately, theft of bouncy houses and inflatables happens often as they are used outside.  Purchasing a stolen inflatable may lead to charges & could leave your bouncy house-less. Make sure to do your diligence and ask the seller to show you proof of purchase.

WHAT DOES IT COME WITH?

While not all bouncy houses come with blowers, you should make sure that all the safety items included in the original sale are provided.  This includes all the pieces of the unit & the stakes that the manufacturer wants you to use and the manual.

HAS THIS UNIT BEEN LEFT OUTSIDE WHEN NOT IN USE?

Units that are left outside for extended periods of time, including in the rain, can have major damage to them.  Rodents are drawn to vinyl and can gnaw holes in the inflatable, even if they are rolled up tightly.  Bouncy houses exposed to the rain while inflated (or not) can easily mold on the inside and be VERY hard to clean thoroughly once the mold is inside the unit. 

ARE THERE ANY PATCHES OR HAVE YOU ALTERED THE UNIT IN ANY WAY?

Used units may have minor repairs done to them.  Check out the conditions of the repairs and search for bigger repairs or items missing from the original unit.  Repairs on netting or altering the original design of the unit should be a RED FLAG and should only done with the approval of the manufacturer. 

HOW MUCH DOES THIS UNIT WEIGHT? 

Always ask the size of the unit and how much it weighs.  This will give you a good idea on if you will be able to manage rolling it up and storing it at your home.

CAN WE USE THIS UNIT IN THE HOT SUN?

Here’s what no one talks about.  The vinyl on these bouncy houses gets HOT & can burn guests.  Make sure the inflatable you purchase has a roof or sun coverage for the bounce area & slide.  This will protect your kids against it getting burning hot. Keep in mind, the darker & thicker the vinyl, the hotter it will get.