[greenieboy]

does anybody in here get into any type of commercial holiday lighting? if so where is the best place to get some start-up info?

[Will Pacala]

That was what I was going to post about. Anywho for info check out google and just type in what you need. I've always toyed around with the idea about that but never really ggot into it. I still might do it.

[Lawn Lad]

You might try contacting ALCA for information. There are obviously several franchise operations. At the very least you could contact them for their information packets and get copies of their marketing pieces. It would help you with the lingo. You could investigate the option of the franchise and learn as much as you can and not pull the trigger by buying into it. How much informaiton they share I don't know. But it would be a good start.

[Stonehenge]

I think that's some good advice.

While at a trade show a few years ago I spent some time talking with one of the franchise operations.... It was $15K to be a franchisee, which got you a big manual and the opportunity to buy lights from their lighting people. I'm sure there was more than that, but that's all it sounded like when I heard it.

[HRLand]

Check out www.holidaypresence.com
.
They'll sell you the training, marketing materials and all the lighting you need without having to shell out $15k.

I went to a free training seminar of thiers at a local irrigation supply last year and learned the basics of the business. We did about five jobs last year and this year I picked up a few more. Next year I plan on marketing the service alot earlier.

[Stonehenge]

HR - what were the general demographics of the clients you've had so far?

[Will Pacala]

Yes thanks, There are two or three great links inside one of the latest Landscape and Irrigation Magazines. I will post those links later.

[HRLand]

The type of clients I've sold lighting to ranges from a retired school teacher who lives in a small cape to a corporate executive in a $1.3 mil. colonial(at least his wife anyway). The jobs range from about $800.00 to $3000.00.

[Will Pacala]

That's some good money in a generally "off-time" for us. Not a whole lot of equipment needed either. I don't even think that it is that neccesary to sign on with a company to supply you with lights. Just go to a store and get them.


Also, Should you offer to put up whatever exterior holiday decorations that they have for a small added fee? Just wondering.

[HRLand]

I didn't sign up with a company, they just provided some basic training on installation techniques and showed off their products. We purchase lights from them to keep everything the same and the prices are better than what I've found in stores.

Most of the jobs we do involve lighting rooflines, peaks and sometimes walkways and windows. All of this is custom fit using the large C9 & C7 lights. The big jobs will be mostly the roofs, some lighted garland/wreaths and wrapping a couple trees with mini's. It seems the people in the big houses prefer this "clean" look. I'll post a picture later.

[Tim]

A contractor involved in one of these franchises told me they sell all their lights they install to their customers. Then they also install, remove, and store them for the client too. All at separate fees for each operation of course! The contractor stated this business perfectly covers their "down time" for his construction company's off season. Only minimal equipment is involved, and the season runs from Thanksgiving through until Easter!

I think it would be nice to be able to offer work to those who want it during their normal lay-off times due to weather. Our company never got involved in plowing. Tim

[Will Pacala]

I wonder if the fact that you actually store it for them really helps youy with the sale of your service. The thought of having extra room may be good to them (even myself).

[Will Pacala]

Oh do you think that you should get insurance considering that you now store peoples stuff.

What happens if a fire or flood for that matter ruins everything and all of their stuff is gone?? Is it a good idea to get insurance or coverage??

[HRLand]

My night time pictures aren't the greatest but here's one of the bigger jobs. Not a lot of lights but the installation takes a while.

[Will Pacala]

Looks very nice. Do you use ladders or just rent a small lift? I've used those lifts before for tree work, little stuff though. The tow behind kind.