So You Want to Be a Christmas Lights Installer? Not So Fast!
The holiday season: a time of joy, family, and... massive potential for profit? That's right, installing Christmas lights can be a lucrative side hustle, especially if you're already comfortable working at heights. Think roofers, landscapers, tree trimmers - you get the idea. But before you dive headfirst into a van full of twinkling LEDs, there are a few crucial steps you need to take.
1. Your House is Your First Client
Don't even think about stringing up someone else's house until you've decked out your own. This is your training ground, your testing lab, your own personal Griswold experiment! Meticulously track everything:
- Materials: Note every bulb, clip, cord, mini lights string, and extension cord used.
- Cost: What did this festive masterpiece set you back?
- Time: From unboxing to the "oohs" and "ahhs," how long did it really take?
This hands-on experience will give you a realistic picture of the workload, potential challenges, and whether you actually enjoy this kind of work.
We offer years worth of tips, tricks, and advice in our blog. Look there to answer most of the basic questions that will come to mind.
2. Start Small, Sample Smart
Resist the urge to buy a warehouse full of lights before you even have a client. Instead, invest in a few basic supplies to use as samples when working with clients to design their displays.
- Short C9 and C7 cords: 25-foot cords in green and white will show customers 2 of their wiring color choices and are a good sample size.
- Small bags of bulbs: Purchase bags of 25 bulbs as samples. Consider starting with these popular colors: Warm white LED, pure white LED, multicolor LED, and red.
- Classic glass bulbs: A box of white C7s and C9s for the traditionalists.
Why? Because you need to show potential customers what they're getting! A short sample installation goes a long way in securing a satisfied customer. Remember, alternating red and white is a timeless classic, second only to the ever-popular solid white.
Safety and Legalities First
- Electrical Safety: Especially on your first job, have a master electrician inspect your work. This ensures your setup is safe and doesn't overload circuits. Aim to stay below 80% of the breaker's maximum load.
- Business Essentials: Research local licensing and insurance requirements. Obtain the necessary coverage and factor those costs into your pricing.
The Business Plan: Your Roadmap to Success
Think of a business plan as your Christmas lights installation playbook. It outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. It helps you:
- Define your target market: Who are your ideal customers?
- Set pricing: How much will you charge to make a profit?
- Secure funding: If needed, a business plan is essential for getting loans.
- Stay on track: It acts as a guide to measure your progress.
Money Matters
- Official Business: Register your company name, get a DBA, and open a dedicated business bank account. This simplifies accounting and ensures all business transactions are easily tracked.
- Pricing: Based on your practice run and research, calculate your material and labor costs. Determine a pricing structure that ensures profitability.
With careful planning, attention to detail, and a bit of holiday spirit, Christmas lights installation can be a rewarding and profitable venture. So, go forth and illuminate the night!