If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

I know from personal experience that when it comes to planning a party it can sometimes be overwhelming. More often than not local party supply stores only carry this item or that item, not everything that I need to pull a party off. And today where in many families both parents work, it is hard to find the time to pull it all together. This is when a party planner comes in handy - and you could fit the bill!
Think about building your party planning business so that you offer your customers the ease of only having to shop from you because you provide everything from wrapping paper, gift bags, cards, party favors, streamers, cards, invitations, right on down to little gag gift items – everything that a great party would need!

What skills are helpful?

Knowing how to throw a good party is key! Having an eye for detail and a fun personality also helps. Good organizational skills are helpful for any small business or home based business owner. Keeping invoices, orders, customer information and even your inventory organized is a must for your business to succeed.

What tools are needed?

First you need to have a source to buy everything you need wholesale. The internet is a great place to look for vendors. If you have a party supply warehouse nearby, they may come in handy as well. Then you need to develop your rolodex of other vendors to work with, like caterers, musicians, etc.

If you choose to keep inventory on hand, make sure that you have storage space available.

A great marketing tool as well as a space saver is to start a book of party plans and fill it with details and photographs as you develop your ideas.

How do you get started?

Starting a party planning business takes a little time and research. Some people like to start out with a business plan which can be beneficial but isn’t always necessary. The best way to get a foothold in your area is to offer to plan parties for your friends and just ask them to cover the costs of materials. Gather their glowing testimonials and use them on your website and in your brochures.

Advertise your services in the local paper and in any niche publications that you can find such as bridal circulars that go around in the spring and kids and family publications. Sponsor the lunch menu for the local schools, Moms will be reading that every day all school year.

You can have a successful party supply business it just takes time to market yourself and to prove your credibility. Be patient and your hard work will eventually pay off.