Startup cost
$1.5k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Holiday Decorator Business
Decision Snapshot
Holiday Decorator
Idea Score
63
Profit margin
14%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–8 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Seasonal
Part 1 - How to start a Holiday Decorator business - Background
A holiday decorator business is one that allows you to go to homes, stores, and buildings to decorate the inside and outside for the holidays. This business allows you to bring a festive feeling to a specific location. This is a seasonal business, and while you can decorate for any holiday, you may find the most business around Christmas. You can also decorate for special events like weddings and birthdays. Continue reading to learn how to start your own holiday decorator business and find out if it is right for you.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Holiday Decorator business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a Holiday Decorator Business?
The initial costs for a holiday decorating business are fairly low. On the low end, your costs may be around $1,500. On the high end, your costs could be over $30,000, but events this expensive tend to be rare. You can start this business out of your home, and all you need is decorations, tools, and some advertising.
What are the ongoing expenses for a Holiday Decorator Business?
You will have ongoing costs associated with a holiday decorator business, such as storage space. You will need storage for all of the decorations and tools you need for decorating. You also have the cost of your employees and any equipment that you might need. Additionally, you need to pay for business insurance.
Who is the target market?
Your target market is going to include a wide range of people. First, of course, you are going to get residential customers, but do not forget about businesses. Businesses are often in a position to spend more money than an individual on decorations.
How does a Holiday Decorator Business make money?
You make money with holiday decorating by charging for your decorating services. You create a menu of options that you provide and charge for those services. For example, you can charge for individual items and then offer packages.
How much can you charge customers?
It is possible for you to charge around $1,000 depending on the type of job you are performing. For example, if you are doing extensive decorating, you may end up charging more than $10,000.
How much profit can a Holiday Decorator Business make?
Depending on how many employees you have on your team and how many spaces you decorate, you can be highly profitable in a short period of time. It really is possible for you to earn anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000 depending on how big the decorating jobs are that you are completing.
How can you make your business more profitable?
One of the key ways to make your holiday decorator business more profitable is to expand to every possible holiday for decorations. Christmas is the first one that comes to mind, but Halloween is another key holiday for decorations. You should consider ways to expand to other holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Easter. In addition, you can expand to other events, such as weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a Holiday Decorator Business?
A typical day for a holiday decorator involves organizing the work you have for the day. You must know your jobs in advance and make sure you have the proper decorations and tools. You should organize all the items you need for each job and then go decorate. You also may need to handle the administrative side by making sure you are paid for the work you do.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Holiday Decorator Business?
While you do not need specialized training to be a holiday decorator, you do need creativity. Unfortunately, there is no official training, but having experience decorating is a plus.
What is the growth potential for a Holiday Decorator Business?
There is a good amount of growth potential for a holiday decorator. You can choose how much you want your business to grow. However, you will likely grow fastest by word of mouth.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a Holiday Decorator Business?
The competition can be fierce for this type of business, so it is advisable that you understand the market and know where the demand is. This will help you start off on the right foot.
How and when to build a team
You may only have a few weeks to put up holiday decorations, so you probably want a set of employees to help decorate. Due to the seasonal work, you want to do as much work as you can in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is a good idea to build a team as soon as possible.
Part 2 - Is a Holiday Decorator business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Holiday Decorator business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Holiday Decorator Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Holiday Decorator business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.