How to Start a Part-Time Gift Wrapping Services

Believe it or not, many people simply don’t have the time, patience, or expertise to wrap presents.

So that presents an excellent opportunity to make some extra money offering part-time gift-wrapping services to your neighbors and local businesses.

Even if you’re not superb at wrapping presents, you can still make the business work. You might need a little training or a helper, but a current lack of skill never stopped anyone that was determined.

Wrapping is a unique skill that requires some expertise, but as most skills, it can be learned. Take the time to hone your skills.

There are several good ways to learn how to wrap like a pro:

• This is perhaps the best way to learn. You’ll get immediate feedback and expert assistance. Search around for classes in your area.
• Purchase DVDs. There are a few DVDs available that will provide instruction.
• Free Online Videos. YouTube and a variety of other websites are full of instructional videos that will help you to perfect your gift-wrapping skills.
• Ask a friend. Everyone seems to have that one friend that can wrap presents like a professional. Ask for a lesson and consider asking them to help with your income-boosting activity.

It’s important to learn to wrap well. Pay special attention to those oddly shaped gifts that can be challenging to wrap in an attractive manner.

Now is the time to start lining up clients. Many people might think they don’t need gift-wrapping services but will change their mind closer to the holidays when time is at a premium. Anyone you know is a good prospect.

Consider these marketing strategies:

• Social media: It seems like every body and their grand-parents are on social media these days. So, head over there and you can find you some customers, sometimes without spending a dime. Create accounts for your gift-wrapping service and post regular updates.
• Craigslist: Nearly everyone searches on Craigslist when looking for something unique. Someone is sure to search for your services, and your ad will be waiting.
• Contact local stores: While stores that already offer gift-wrapping services won’t be interested, most stores don’t have these services. Drop off a pile of business cards. You might even want to offer a commission on each customer the store sends your way.
• Contact local businesses: Many businesses give holiday gifts to their employees and clients. Those might be the perfect clients. All the gifts are likely to be the same and require the same wrapping paper. You could get a lot of business from one client.

Word of mouth and a little marketing can be enough to keep you busy this holiday season. Start letting people know of your new service. Put together a simple marketing plan and work your plan.

You can’t wrap presents with duct tape and trash bags and expect to get paid. You’ll need the right supplies to do the job correctly and professionally. Many of the necessary items can be found locally. You might have to order others online.

Stock up on supplies:

Wrapping paper. You’ll need a wide variety of styles to accommodate all of your customers. A present for a 6-year old requires different paper than a gift from a corporate attorney to a client.

• Stock up on cartoon-themed paper or other designs suitable for children. Some children like reindeer and others like snowmen. A variety of children’s paper will make your parent customers happy.
• You’ll also require wrapping paper more suitable for adults. Try to get a variety of plain and patterned paper. Your customers will enjoy having options.
• It’s possible that you might be asked to wrap presents for weddings, birthdays, work gatherings, or New Year’s Eve parties. It might be worthwhile to have a few options for these types of events, too.
• Look online for wholesalers. Nice wrapping paper can be quite expensive for a small quantity. You’ll earn more if your supplies cost less.

Tape, scissors, ribbons, bows, and name cards. Stick to the basics. Instead of carrying every color of ribbon and bow, stick to neutral colors or colors that complement many of your styles of wrapping paper. You’ll save a lot of time and money. A variety of “to-from” tags will ensure that you have something suitable for everyone.

A place to work. The living room floor might work if you don’t have pets or kids. A large table in a spare room is ideal. A dining room table can work well, too. Be creative and you’re sure to find the right space.

• If you’re really serious, you can rent out space in a retail area. For a first effort, it might be better to keep things at home.
• Some gift-wrappers will travel to the customer’s home and wrap there when requested. Charging an additional fee would be appropriate.
• Perhaps a friend has a spare room you can use. You might even get a helper out of the deal.
• The basement and garage are also viable options.

 Fortunately, with a gift-wrapping service, you’ll need little more than a place to work, a few inexpensive supplies, and a telephone. There are few businesses that require less to get started.

A gift-wrapping service fits in perfectly with the holidays and can generate a decent cash flow for the amount of time invested. Everyone has presents to wrap over the holidays and many people don’t have the time, skill, or interest to do it themselves.

Even if you’re all thumbs, you can still learn to wrap well enough to charge others for your services. Start practicing now!

Develop your client base. Let everyone know about your business before the holidays. Many people will be too busy to take notice later.