Most mini golf operators focus on bringing in more guests—but what if you could make more from the ones you already have? Instead of relying solely on increasing foot traffic, smart operators can use data-driven strategies to boost spend per guest. Whether it’s through upselling, personalized promotions, or optimizing concessions, you can make every visit more profitable without significant extra effort.
In this article, we explore five key tactics for maximizing revenue from each guest and ensuring the success of your mini golf venue.
1. Upselling and bundling for maximum revenue per guest
Upselling and bundling create opportunities for guests to spend more without feeling pressured. People love deals, and smart packaging encourages them to purchase additional experiences they might not have considered.
Example: Offer a "Night Out" package that includes mini golf, food, and arcade credits at a discount. Not only does this boost overall spending, but it also encourages longer stays.
- Train staff to suggest add-ons at check-in or during online bookings. A simple “Would you like to add a souvenir golf ball for just $3?” can significantly boost impulse purchases.
- Use past purchase data to highlight best-selling items and create limited-time bundles, like a “Family Fun Pack” that includes two adult rounds, two kids' rounds, and a pizza.
An idea to get you started:
If your venue notices that guests frequently purchase a drink after their round, you could introduce a "Sip & Swing" package, bundling a premium beverage with a mini golf pass for a slight discount.
Bundling your popular items into packages and making them easy to access from your online checkout can help you increase spend per guest. Many ROLLER venues see a 30% increase in online revenue through similar strategies!
Read this next: Cost Guide: Unmissable Mini Golf Attraction Ideas
2. Leveraging customer data for personalized promotions
Data is the cornerstone of successful marketing. By using data, mini golf venues can send targeted promotions based on customer history, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits.
- Use guest history to send tailored offers with a small discount relevant to their interests.
- Implement email and SMS campaigns segmented by visit frequency or spending habits. Frequent guests might get a “VIP Perks” email offering early access to special events, while first-time visitors could receive a “Thanks for visiting!” message with a discount on their next round.
- A/B test different offers and analyze response rates. A “Buy One, Get One Free” offer may work better for families, while a “15% off your next visit” deal might be more effective for younger guests.
An idea to get you started:
Using your data, target guests who booked a birthday party this time last year and send a “Your birthday month is here! Celebrate with 10% off your next party” email. This simple, automated campaign could boost party bookings with minimal effort.
To optimize your party booking experience, you should use party booking software that makes organizing group activities easier for your guests and staff alike.
3. Improving operational efficiency to maximize guest spend
Operational efficiency ensures guests have an enjoyable experience, leading to higher spending and repeat visits. Long wait times or slow service can deter guests from purchasing extras.
- Use historical booking data to anticipate busy hours and adjust staffing accordingly. This prevents overcrowding and improves guest satisfaction.
- Offer staggered booking times to optimize guest flow and distribute foot traffic more evenly.
- Monitor guest flow to identify bottlenecks. If check-ins are slow, consider investing in self-service kiosks or online waivers to speed up the process.
An idea to get you started:
If Saturdays at 3 PM always sell out, introduce staggered tee times every 10 minutes and promote an early-bird discount for guests booking before noon. This helps spread demand more evenly throughout the day, increasing overall revenue and improving the guest experience.
To make this easier to do, be sure to use booking software that allows you to set session times and monitor capacity management.
Read this next: Putting for Profits: Strategies for Mini Golf Course Business Growth
4. Enhancing concessions and merchandise sales to increase per-guest value
The opportunity to sell to your guests doesn’t finish once they’ve paid for their round of mini golf. Concessions and merchandise provide a huge opportunity to drive additional revenue.
- Track sales trends to adjust pricing and placement of high-margin items. If a certain snack sells best at night, promote it accordingly.
- Introduce limited-time offers based on buying behavior. If ice cream sales spike in summer, offer a “Summer Sweet Deal” where guests who buy ice cream get a discount on their next round.
- Bundle high-margin items with experiences. Offer a “Golfer’s Combo” that includes a snack, drink, and souvenir ball for a slightly lower price than purchasing them separately.
An idea to get you started:
If combo meal sales peak in the evenings, update your menu board to feature this bundle prominently after 5 PM. You could also introduce a “Putt & Pizza” deal, bundling a mini golf session with high-margin combo meals.
To further optimize your food and beverage offering, you can implement mobile F&B ordering technology. This allows guests to order their items conveniently through their smartphones and frees up your staff from taking orders.
5. Analyzing guest feedback and reviews for revenue opportunities
Guest feedback is a goldmine of revenue-boosting opportunities. If guests frequently mention an issue, fixing it can increase spending and satisfaction.
- Monitor reviews for recurring complaints and address them to increase satisfaction.
- Use surveys to test new offerings. Thinking about adding seasonal mini golf themes or a new food item? Ask guests what they’d like to see!
- Address operational pain points that may be limiting spending. If guests say, “We wish there were more snack options,” expanding your menu could be a simple way to increase per-guest revenue.
An idea to get you started:
If your reviews frequently mention slow check-ins. You can invest in an online booking system that allows guests to pre-register and fill out any paperwork ahead of their arrival. This reduces admin for your staff and enables guests to spend more time making memories and less time waiting in line!
Monitoring guest feedback can be automated through guest survey technology. This allows you to capture valuable insights as part of the booking journey without overcomplicating things through multiple software subscriptions.
Final thoughts – Actioning your new mini golf business strategy
By leveraging these actionable strategies, mini golf operators can maximize revenue from every guest without increasing marketing spend. From upselling and personalized promotions to operational improvements, these tactics ensure your venue extracts more value from each visit.
Want to see how ROLLER can help mini golf venues maximize their data to unlock business growth? Book a free demo today.
