How to Start a Christmas Business from Home

Christmas is a busy time and many people are looking for help with their Christmas chores and responsibilities. If you have some extra time and basic skills you can help them out and make some money by starting a Christmas business.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a service to offer.
   
   Almost anything that people have to do at Christmas can be turned into a Christmas business. Ideas include:
   
   * a Christmas gift shopping service
   * Christmas gift wrapping service
   * home decorating service
   * Christmas light hanging service
   
   Make a list of all the possibilities and decide which are a match for your skills.

2. Acquire any necessary supplies.
   
   Do this as cheaply as possible in order to maximize profits in your Christmas business. You may need ladders and staple guns to hang lights, gift wrapping supplies to wrap presents, etc.

3. Market your servcies.
   
   Again, due to time and money constraints you'll want to do this as cheaply and quickly as possible. Word of mouth will be your best advertising. Consider grocery store flyers, neighborhood flyers, and online local message boards.

4. Consider expanding your offerings.
   
   It is best to start with one or two complimentary services. It can be overwhelming to offer too much right at first and it waters down your marketing message as well. But do consider expanding your offerings if your clients have a need. Complimentary services work best. Examples include:
   
   * gift shopping and wrapping
   * house cleaning and decorating

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a single service to keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed. It's easier to market a single service as well.
• Keep track of any mileage or other other expenses you incur to write off on your taxes. (Contact your tax preparer for details.)
• Check with your insurance agent about any additional insurance coverages you may need.