Why not just buy decorations and have the employees decorate?
Workers are expected to do more for less pay. By contracting out the decorations, they keep payroll expenses down. Contracting this service is a complete write-off and companies are grateful to have a fixed rate.
What about our slowing economy and increasing gas prices?
Everyone is worried about how to make our dollars stretch. The one good thing about Christmas is that everyone spends at Christmas no matter what else is going on with the economy. Corporations and retailers will be counting on this more now than ever before. They pull out all the stops for advertising and decorating to bring customers into their stores to spend. Car sales are down during the holidays and outdoor commercial decorations sell more cars. If a hotel does not have beautifully decorations their high-ticket holiday banquets will book somewhere else. If a retirement home doesn't do a beautiful Christmas display, families who have traveled to visit will be disappointed. The holidays are a powerful time of year and companies must do something to provide a festive atmosphere for clients and workers.
Is there any competition?
There might be a few others dabbing at this creative and profitable business; check your local yellow pages. Many tell us they thought of this idea years ago but never followed through. We took this business seriously from our first signed contact and still do. We generated over half a million dollars is Christmas Rentals per season. This can be really big money if you work hard and plan your season in advance!
Can I really work this business around my full time job?
You sure can! The peak of our season is the week before and after Thanksgiving. By December 5th the season is all over. Jobs can be done early, late or weekends around your other jobs.
Do you really give us a FREE website?
We sure do. After all these years we know a little about beautiful websites so creating one for you was easy. It would cost you several thousand dollars to create even close to what we give you. There is a slight charge for customization, and you will pay for domain and host each month but those costs are minimal compared to the yellow pages, which are almost dead by the way. Clients will search for you on the Internet and there you are with a polished professional website.
When is the best time to join?
Christmas begins in June so prepare to be ready to go soon after. If you are considering this business in October let us show you how to introduce yourself to every potential client now. Many would have wished they had found you earlier and will consider a contract for next year now! By getting signed contracts this year for next years installation gives you time to plan your vacation time and buy early to prepare for the fastest cash you have ever made.
What about joining both Green & Christmas Concepts?
Plant contracts are signed from January till about October of each year. Then most clients decide to focus on Christmas until January, making both programs work together amazingly well. Making friends over hot chocolate by their Christmas tree during the holidays insures you a very good position to offer plants the rest of the year. "The Plants gives you monthly income and the Christmas gives you that big extra cash."
What is "Seasonal Residual Income"?
Once a company "Rented Christmas" they will never want to do it again themselves. If employees do the work their payroll is quite a bit higher than just hourly rates so having a fixed price is a dream come true for any company. During the season they will be open to signing multiple year contracts too. They are delighted with your work and now fear you will be too busy for them next year.
How did you come up with the idea of "Renting" Christmas Decorations?
Our plant company was constantly being asked to provide decorations, and our business concepts offered rentals only, so we tried Renting Christmas. When the CEO crunched the numbers and realized it was just good business to Rent for $5000.00 than buy it for $6000.00. 35 years later here we are with 800 members worldwide.
How much profit will I make on each job?
The first year plan on around 30% net profits. The real profits come the second year and thereafter. Clients want the same decorations back so the second years profits are 100%. Maybe some fresh ribbons & lights but that's about it. It still amazes us that they don't want something new. They like what you did last year and want the same thing all over again.
What does an average Christmas client pay?
It varies around the world, depends on the economy of that country, but basically $2500.00 to $5000.00 per job is a realistic average. Many pay quite a bit more, and some a little less.
What will my start up costs be after I join?
Plan on around $500.00 for business license; fax machine, and a few website incidentals. Each client signs they pay you a large amount up front. That amount covers the wholesale cost for decorations. You will put very little cash, if any, out of pocket for each project with this method.
How do I find Christmas accounts?
Your Personal Customer Service rep will work with you step by step. They will be with you from your business license to calling potential clients. You are never alone and we will work with you until you don't need us anymore. You will be shocked how easy customers are to find. We will teach you exactly how to target the highest paying clients in town.
Do I get an exclusive territory?
Yes, you get 2 full years. You are not restricted in any way, and you can do your business anywhere you want, we simply restrict ourselves, so we don't create any competition for you.
Can I name my business anything I want?
Sure, but we suggest our trademarked branded name & logo "Guaranteed Christmas". This name has national recognition with an excellent reputation, however you are free to name your business anything you want.
What if I am not good at sales?
Clients prefer to have some one who simply returns calls and shows up on time. Easy going and professional is best. Within a few phone calls you will be chatting with the decision makers, then you will fax a prepared cover letter and established references introducing your services to them. We find it is easier to let the written word do the selling. When you call back they are excited to meet with you and grateful you even called. After a few calls and practice role-playing with your customer service rep it will come easily.
Do you know you can offer Christmas services to your city?
In years past, the city never really had a budget, now they do. The era of overtime and time and a half, with guys standing around watching one guy work are scrutinized more carefully now. As you become more confident, consider offering the city the same services they now require their workers to do at double time. They will be delighted to contract this out and once you get in, they will never let you go!
Did you know you could decorate shopping malls without any experience or providing any decorations?
Malls purchase a pre-made Christmas package. All the trees and wreaths are fully lit and decorated. These malls also purchase a service package from that provider who will come back each year and install everything at an exorbitant price, because they can. Since no one else offers any competition they make tons of money on this same client. You can easily get this contract with our help! All their decorations are stored on site somewhere in an un-leased space in the mall. Over the years the installation process becomes very easy, with simple to follow blue print instructions. Malls & shopping centers would be thrilled to contract these services out locally. The profits are huge and you only provide labor, no products to purchase, and all the profits are yours. This might seem intimidating right now, but once you see how easy it is, you will find it a viable option with huge profits each year. Many of our members only offer Christmas to the city now. The city will pays in advance and sign multiple year contracts.
What if I am not a decorator type?
Imagine for a minute a woman getting ready for a wedding: she buys the dress from one store, the shoes from another, the jewelry from another and the list goes on and on. Now imagine a Christmas tree or wreath, the balls and stars are from one wholesaler, the pre-made bows from another, the lights from another. It's like make up; it's just a simple process of "layering" until the design is perfect. And while we are on this subject, please do not let the photos in our gallery or website scare you; they are much easier than they look! Call us and let your personal customer service rep walk you thru the gallery and explain how easy they were to create, you will be very surprised.
Will I need a truck or van?
The first few years we recommend keeping your expenses as low as possible. Consider renting a van for the day as needed. As your profits soar, your options increase.
Do I buy the decorations from Christmas Concepts?
No. We have over 50 great wholesalers we have worked with for 35 years with amazing prices. With 800+ members so we do have clout. We have NO financial affiliations with any of them to eliminate conflicts of interest. Each wholesale has a specialty and offers different products. We want you to use the best products we can find at the best prices. The exclusive members area will keep you updated on new finds each month.
What if I don't have any sales ability?
A desire to have your own business supersedes sales ability every time. Clients aren't looking for a polished sales person; they are looking for someone they can trust who will deliver what they say they will. Today just finding someone who will keep his or her word and then show up for a meeting is noticed, that's all your client wants. You will learn exactly what to say, even what to wear. Once you read the books, watch the training tapes, we will ask you to schedule some time with customer service to "role play" over the phone. Practicing what you will say a few times will definitely make your first calls easier. You will be so confident they will be able to feel it over the phone and are drawn to you like bees to honey!
What if I have a full time job?
Most members never quit their full time jobs, they're only looking for supplemental income, and they work nights and weekends for a month and are very happy with the added income. Others want to quit their jobs and eventually downsizing out of that job. This is idea for the work at home mom or dad. Our President will work with you personally, so that you have a solid and realistic exit plan.
Will I need to hire employees?
Your first year ask family and friends to help. You want the client to take you seriously and have time to take on several clients too. We have many suggestions to help you with workers. We found a niche of workers for the month of November that will make this process easy and simple no matter where you live. Call us for details.
How will I store decorations?
Most of your artificial decorations will be shrink-wrapped with all the decor and lights left on. A spare room, garage, storage closet or shed, perhaps a family members extra space. Try to keep this cost down the first few years while your building your business. It will pay off in the long run. As your inventory increases so will your income.
What are your experiences with Small Business Loans?
A few years ago funding for small businesses or for franchise business opportunities was offered more frequently than it is today's economy. Banks do not consider start up business loans, but do consider home improvement loads. Small business loans and grants for women might be an option however the process is quite time consuming. Funding for your small businesses might need to come from family support if you are really ready now. Small businesses for women are growing very quickly. From the supplemental jobs for moms and dads to a family that wants to build a business together
"If you love holidays decorations your enthusiasm will be the biggest asset you bring to your new business. Clients get excited when you get excited and just want to be a part of the experience you offer." (888) 782-0020
