One of the most common questions from new cage owners is: what should I charge per hour? Price too low and you leave money on the table. Price too high and the cage sits empty.
Here is how to find the number that maximizes your revenue without hurting your booking rate.
What Batting Cage Rentals Actually Charge Across the Country
Based on CageList listings and market data, private batting cage rentals typically fall in these ranges:
- Backyard / residential cages: $25–$55 per hour
- Small commercial facility, single lane: $40–$75 per hour
- Premium facility with pitching machine and lighting: $65–$125 per hour
- Multi-lane indoor complex, peak hours: $80–$150 per hour
These ranges shift significantly by market. A cage in suburban Dallas competes differently than one in coastal Southern California or a rural Midwest town.
The Three Factors That Drive Your Rate
1. Your Local Market
Search CageList for cages within 15 miles of your location. Note what comparable setups charge. If you have 3 nearby competitors charging $50–$65, your opening rate should be in that range unless you offer something they do not.
2. Your Amenity Stack
Every meaningful amenity you offer justifies a higher rate. Score your cage on these:
- Pitching machine (and what type — wheel machine vs. arm machine vs. Hack Attack)
- Covered or climate-controlled space
- Lighting quality for evening sessions
- Turf vs. dirt floor
- Ball return system
- Access to restrooms
- Parking convenience
A cage with a Hack Attack, turf, LED lighting, and easy parking can legitimately charge $80–$100 where a basic outdoor cage with a wheel machine tops out at $40–$50.
3. Demand Timing
Not all hours are equal. Peak demand for batting cages is:
- Weekday late afternoons (3–7 PM) — after school and work
- Saturday mornings (8 AM–12 PM) — family practice time
- Pre-season (January–March in northern states) — indoor prep demand surges
Off-peak times — weekday mornings, mid-afternoon, Sunday evenings — can be priced 15–20% lower to attract bookings that would otherwise go unfilled.
Pricing Strategies That Work
Start at Market Rate, Then Adjust
When you first list, price at the midpoint of your local market. After 30 days, review your booking rate. If you are filling more than 70% of available slots, you are priced too low — raise by $5–$10. If you are below 40%, lower by $5 or add an off-peak discount.
Multi-Hour Packages
Offer a discount for 2+ hour bookings. A 2-hour rate of $90 instead of $110 ($55 vs $60 per hour) encourages longer sessions, fewer turnovers, and more revenue per booking. Teams and travel ball coaches often want 2–3 hour blocks — make it easy for them to justify the booking.
Monthly Memberships
If you have regular customers — a travel ball team that comes every week — offer a monthly block rate. Guaranteed income, guaranteed customers. $250–$400/month for 4 reserved sessions per month is common in active markets.
CageList handles booking, payment, and scheduling — so you can focus on your cage, not the admin. List your cage today.
List your batting cageCommon Pricing Mistakes
- Setting and forgetting: Pricing is not a one-time decision. Review your rates quarterly and adjust based on booking data.
- Underpricing to build volume: Discount rates attract price-sensitive customers who disappear the moment a cheaper option appears. Price for value, not desperation.
- Ignoring seasonal demand: If you charge the same in January as July, you are leaving peak-season revenue on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I charge more on weekends?
Yes, if demand supports it. Weekend morning rates 10–15% above weekday rates are common and generally accepted by customers who understand peak pricing.
How do I handle last-minute cancellations?
Set a clear cancellation policy in your listing — typically 24 hours for a full refund, 50% refund within 24 hours, no refund within 2 hours. CageList enforces your policy automatically at booking.
Should I offer a first-session discount?
A one-time 10–15% new customer discount can drive trial bookings. Once someone books and loves the experience, they come back at full price. It is usually worth it.
