How to Start a Gift Wrapping Service and How to Set the Prices
Poorly wrapped gifts are such a commonplace fear that it is a common image in sitcoms and movie comedies. People truly have a vested interest in the gift they so carefully choose and want it presented to the recipient in beautiful gift wrapping. The wrapping also creates a sense of fun, mystery or mischief that is a great part of any occasion or holiday. That's where you come in with your new business, a stellar gift wrapping service.
Preparing a business plan is the first step before launching any business. Don't just think about what you need to do, write down your ideas on paper. This helps you decide the direction to take your gift-wrapping service business. Brainstorm ideas for a catchy name and register it with your local municipality. Work out a budget and decide how you are going to finance your business, whether from your own savings or borrowed funds. Itemize the materials you need and their cost. How do you plan on finding customers? How and where will you market and advertise your gift-wrapping service? Will you operate your gift-wrapping service business out of your home or rent a workspace? Do as much research as you can to become acquainted with every angle of the gift-wrapping service business and the costs of running your business.
Researching other gift wrapping services in your area will help you set competitive prices for your service. Figure out your materials cost including shipping to your location. A few essentials for a gift wrapping service business are ribbons, scissors, bows, gift boxes and bags of various sizes, tissue paper and wrapping paper. The wrapping paper is typically categorized into themes, colors and styles. Consider that some professional gift wrapping services charge by the item and some charge by the hour. Pricing is also based on your location, which is why researching your immediate area, as well as the gift wrapping prices set by major shipping retailers such as Amazon is an important component when developing the pricing structure for your business.
Professional gift wrapping services need to keep an eye on trends. For example, is there a science fiction movie that is wildly popular for the theme of parties and holidays? You might want to invest in gift wrapping paper or decorative additions to your service that are based on this theme. If unicorns are a hot trend, then gearing offerings towards horned mythological beasts is something to think about adding to your gift-wrap offerings. Your creative gift-wrapping handiwork with your signature touches will help you stand out from the competition.
People want their gifts to be a reflection of how they feel about the recipient. A professional gift wrapping service offers gift-givers the opportunity to present their gifts in a beautiful package. As long as there are people, there will be the exchanging of gifts and the need for professional gift-wrapping services.