Frequently asked questions

How much does a second-hand jumping castle cost in South Africa?

In decent condition, expect to pay roughly 40–60% of the new price. A medium standard castle that costs about R14 040 new typically resells for R5 620 – R8 420. Very old or damaged units go for less — but budget for repairs.

How much does a new jumping castle cost?

New SA-made standard castles cost about R11 970 (3m) to R16 330 (4.5m), castles with slides from R13 000, obstacle courses from R19 760, slip-n-slides from R10 840 and giant commercial slides from R44 770 (Chameleon Inflatables list prices from 1 September 2026). Whatever you buy, new or used, check the material weight, the seams and what warranty applies. See the full price guide →

Can I advertise a brand-new jumping castle on CastleTrader.co.za?

No. CastleTrader.co.za is exclusively for pre-owned jumping castles, water slides and related commercial inflatables. New stock from manufacturers, dealers, importers and resellers may not be advertised. A privately owned unit that is being resold may still qualify even if it has had very little use or has never been used, provided it is genuinely a resale rather than commercial new stock.

Is it free to list my jumping castle for sale here?

Yes — completely free, no commission. Fill in the Sell form with photos, we review it (usually within a day), and it stays live for 60 days. Buyers phone, WhatsApp or email you directly.

How do I contact a seller?

Every live listing has a button that shows the seller's phone number and WhatsApp, plus an enquiry form that emails them directly. You deal with the seller — we're not part of the transaction.

What should I check before buying a used jumping castle?

The big five: (1) see it fully inflated, (2) check seams and stitching for splits or re-sewn sections, (3) check the vinyl for UV fading and brittleness, (4) test the blower — a new replacement costs roughly R3 565–R4 945, and (5) look for mould from wet storage. Our inspection guide covers the full checklist. Read the pre-purchase checklist →

Is a used castle safe? What safety standard applies?

South Africa uses SANS 54960 (the SA adoption of EN 14960) for inflatable play equipment — it covers wall heights, anchorage, blower safety and supervision. A used castle can be perfectly safe if the structure, anchor points and blower are sound; our safety guide explains what to look for.

How do I avoid scams when buying second-hand?

See the castle inflated, in person, before you pay — and never pay a deposit or "courier fee" for something you haven't seen. Talk to the seller on the phone, and pay on collection. Read how to avoid scams →

How much can I charge to rent out a jumping castle?

Smart operators price off the replacement cost: charge 5–7% of the unit's new price per rental day. For a R14 040 castle that's R700–R980 per day. Market rates in SA run roughly R250–R700/day depending on area — pricing off a percentage keeps you profitable rather than just busy.

How many rentals a month can a rental business expect?

Plan on one rental per week — mostly weekends. Anything above that is a bonus, not something to build your budget on. At that conservative rate a castle still typically pays for itself within a year; use our calculator to run your own numbers.

Do jumping castle sellers deliver?

That's between you and the seller — many will deliver locally for a fee.

Why is my listing not showing on the site?

Listings appear after a quick manual review (usually within a day). If it's been longer, check the email address you gave for a message from us — we may have had a question about the listing.

How long does a listing stay up?

60 days from approval. In the last week you can renew it free from your private listing link, and when it sells you can mark it sold there. Sold listings stay online clearly marked SOLD, without your name or contact details.

Should I buy new or second-hand?

It depends on the unit and what you need. A sound used castle is often the smart buy for home use, a tight budget, a backup unit or testing demand. New tends to make more sense when the right used unit isn't available, the used price is close to new, or you need a particular size, design or warranty. Read the full new vs second-hand comparison →