Opening a venue is exciting, but those last few months often feel like a blur of adrenaline and exhaustion. You’re juggling paint colors, payroll, and Point of Sale (POS) system decisions at the same time, which is enough to make anyone feel stretched thin.
That’s exactly why it helps to pause and look at the big picture. These are the top three pre-opening mistakes we see operators run into, and keeping them in mind can save you from that nagging “What am I forgetting?” feeling right before you open.
Mistake #1: Waiting too long to set up your tech
You know that feeling when you plug in a new device and think it’ll take ten minutes, then you realize you have to update it, create an account, connect five things, and learn a whole new dashboard? Now imagine that same scramble but spread across your entire venue setup, from ticketing and waivers to POS, and all the other moving parts your guests depend on.
Your venue’s tech setup deserves more attention than being left at the bottom of your to-do list. It’s not just a one-and-done task; your tech setup is operational readiness for your entire venue. Without time to train staff or test guest flows, even the best-laid plans and months of hard work can start to unravel.
To ensure a smooth opening day, prioritize training staff on the POS, running simulated bookings, testing integrations, and troubleshooting any hiccups, all before your doors open.
We know that sounds like a lot, and the last thing you need is another item on an endless list. That’s why ROLLER’s onboarding process helps venues launch smoothly and confidently, so you can focus on welcoming your first guests.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the importance of staff training and readiness
Even the smartest system can’t save an unprepared team. This part sneaks up on a lot of operators because hiring already feels like a full-time job, and suddenly you’re expected to train everyone, too. Too often, training gets squeezed into a couple of rushed sessions at the last minute, or worse, managers assume staff will “learn it on the job.”
Training takes time, and the more your team practices, the smoother the opening week will feel. Confident staff put first-time guests at ease, and someone who can handle a membership upgrade or refund without additional support keeps everything moving. It all adds up to momentum that makes those first days feel a lot less chaotic.
One trick that works really well is running a “practice day.” Invite friends or family to act like guests. Have them book online, check in, buy snacks, ask questions, and even throw in small problems you know will arise, like lost emails or confused bookings. It gives staff a safe space to build muscle memory before everything really counts.
ROLLER supports this stage with structured training tools and real-time guidance that enable your launch. When staff know exactly how to process bookings, handle refunds, and manage memberships, every guest interaction flows smoothly, and your opening week feels much more under control.
Mistake #3: Overlooking the pre-opening guest experience
It’s easy to get buried in logistics and forget the simple question: what will a guest actually experience before they even step inside? People form opinions quickly, and those first impressions often happen online on your website, social media pages, or through any advertising you’ve put out. Confusing ticket pricing, a clunky checkout process, or a lack of pre-opening buzz can slow early sales and leave you feeling discouraged during those first critical weeks.
This is where intentionality makes all the difference. Taking the time to map out your entire guest experience from start to finish, along with testing ticketing strategies such as multiple ticket options, memberships, and pre-launch discounts, sets the stage for early success.
Many operators hold off on pre-opening marketing while waiting for everything to be perfect. The reality is that communicating early and consistently builds trust with guests and sets the stage for a strong launch.
ROLLER’s online ticketing system takes the stress out of this stage. Flexible pricing tools, intuitive online flows, and early visibility let you shape the guest journey into a memorable experience
Count on a smooth opening day
Venues that launch successfully have one thing in common: They treat their tech systems, staff training, and guest experience as core operational priorities, not afterthoughts. They give themselves the time to test, practice, and refine everything before the pressure of real operations begins.
With the right preparation and tools, opening week can be exciting instead of overwhelming.
Ready to set your venue up for success? Chat with our team to see how ROLLER helps new venues open with confidence. You can also download our Pre-Launch Tech Checklist to ensure your opening day goes smoothly.
