Party supplies are all the things you need to throw a memorable celebration or event. These can range from decorations like balloons and streamers to tableware, party favors and costumes. Whether it's for a birthday, wedding or holiday event, these supplies help create a festive atmosphere.
If you're looking to sell party supplies online, there are a number of factors to consider before starting a business focused on parties and events. We'll explore the main ones associated with this type of a business in order to set you on your way as an entrepreneur.
Is selling party supplies profitable?
Starting an online party supplies business can be a profitable business idea. With the right approach, you can tap into a market that enjoys celebrating life's milestones. People are always looking for unique and convenient ways to improve their parties, which means there's a consistent demand for party supplies. However, demand aside, the profitability of your business will depend on how well you setup, run and market your online business.
6 tips for selling party supplies online
01. Research market demand and conduct competitive analysis
When you're considering entering the party supplies market, it's important to analyze both the demand for your products and the competition you'll face.
When it comes to researching demand, look into current trends in celebrations and events. What themes or products are popular? Are there any gaps in the market that you could fill?
For your competitive analysis research other online party supply stores. What are they offering? How do they price their products? Understanding your competition will help you find ways to differentiate your business.
Once you've done this it's important that you create a business plan to lay out everything you'll need to decide on before starting your venture. This can include your executive summary, financial plans, planned marketing effort and details on how you'll run your business.
02. Register and license your business
Register your business according to your local laws, then obtain the necessary permits or licenses and set up your tax information.
Here are the necessary steps to register and license a party supplies business in the US:
Choose a business structure or entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation)
Select and register your business name, check its availability with state's Secretary of State, you must register a DBA if you're using a name different from legal business name
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
Register with your state's revenue office for tax purposes
Apply for a general business license from your city/county
Obtain a sales tax permit from your state
Check for any industry-specific licenses or permits: Usually not required for party supplies but verify local regulations first
Register for unemployment and workers' compensation insurance if hiring employees
Obtain any necessary health permits if selling food items
Remember, requirements can vary by state and locality. It's advisable to consult with a local business attorney or your local Small Business Administration office for specific guidance.
03. Source your party supply products
Start by finding reliable suppliers for wholesale party supplies or consider manufacturing your own unique products if you have the capability.
Finding the right products at the right price is crucial for the success of your online party supply store. In order to source the right inventory you'll need to:
Research wholesalers: Look for reputable suppliers who offer a wide range of party supplies at competitive prices. Check that they have positive reviews and a good track record when it comes to quality and reliability.
Compare prices and quality: Evaluate different wholesalers to find the best balance between cost and product quality. Check also minimum order qualities and the variety of supplies they have.
Order samples: Make sure to check quality yourself before selling anything to your customers.
Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate terms, suppliers are often willing to offer discounts for bulk purchases or repeat business.
Inventory management: Keep track of stock levels, bestsellers, and slow-moving items to optimize your inventory.
Storage solutions: Consider your storage options, whether it's a home office, rented space, or dropshipping which eliminates the need for physical storage.
Some popular party supplies to consider sourcing include:
Balloons (various colors, shapes, and sizes)
Party decorations (banners, streamers, confetti)
Party favor bags and boxes
Cake toppers and candles
Piñatas and fillers
Themed party kits (birthday, wedding, baby shower)
Photo booth props
Temporary tattoos and face paint
Party games and activities
Costume accessories (masks, hats, wigs)
Glow sticks and light-up accessories
Custom printed items (banners, invitations)
Helium tanks and balloon inflators
Eco-friendly and biodegradable party supplies
04. Decide how and where to sell your party supplies online
One of the best ways to sell party supplies online is by starting an online store, or creating an ecommerce website.
First you'll need to choose an ecommerce platform, like Wix — go for one that includes enterprise-grade security and reliability.
The benefits of using Wix to sell online include:
User-friendly: Wix offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes setting up your store simple.
Customizable website templates: Choose from a variety of templates that can be customized to match your brand identity.
Scalability: As your business grows, Wix can accommodate an increasing number of products without compromising performance.
You can begin your web design with an online store template, then you can focus on customizing it to match your brand and vision. Don't forget to add high-quality images and descriptions of your party supplies.
Then, integrate a secure payment gateway and shipping solutions. You'll also need to make sure you can use your website to efficiently handle customer enquiries and support — by creating forms or using a chatbot.
Having your own e-commerce website means you have complete control over the customer experience, branding, and product presentation. You can build a direct relationship with your customers without intermediary fees or competition from other sellers on the same platform.
You can also decide to promote and sell your party supplies on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to engage with customers through posts, stories and ads.
They also offer powerful tools for targeted advertising based on user demographics, interests and behaviors. This is how you can get your business and website in front of more potential buyers.
Learn more:
You can also decide to sell on online marketplaces, sites like Etsy, Amazon and eBay provide access to a vast audience of potential buyers. These platforms often come with built-in tools for inventory management, payment processing and customer communication.
Let's look at selling on Etsy in more detail. Etsy is a popular online marketplace that caters to unique, handmade or vintage items, which can include party supplies. Here's what you need to know to get started selling;
Familiarize yourself with how Etsy works, its fee structure, and its community guidelines.
Set up an Etsy store with a memorable name and branding that aligns with your business identity.
Post listings with attractive photos and detailed descriptions to attract buyers looking for party supplies.
There are plenty pros and cons when it comes to selling via your own online store versus online marketplaces. With your own online store you get full control over your branding and the customer experience as well as direct communication (and sales) with customers without intermediary fees. Online marketplaces provide instant access to a vast customer base, ease of use and a quick setup.
Ultimately your choice will depend on how much control you want over your brand and customer relationships, as well as how much effort you're willing to put into marketing.
05. Build pricing strategies
Setting the right prices for your party supplies is essential to attract customers and build profitability. Here are some strategies to help you price your products competitively:
Calculate your expenses: Determine the cost of goods sold (COGS), including manufacturing, shipping and packaging costs.
Consider your overheads: Factor in overhead expenses such as website maintenance, marketing and any other operational costs.
Market research: Look at what similar products are selling for on various platforms to gauge market expectations.
Value proposition: If your products offer something unique, such as higher quality or exclusivity, you may be able to justify a higher price point.
Keystone pricing: This traditional retail pricing strategy suggests doubling the wholesale cost to determine the retail price.
Discounts and promotions: Plan periodic sales or discounts to attract price-sensitive customers and encourage bulk purchases.
Sales analysis: Regularly review your sales data to understand which products are performing well and which may need a pricing adjustment.
Customer feedback: Listen to customer feedback regarding pricing and value perception to make informed decisions.
By carefully considering these factors, you can set prices that appeal to your customers while maintaining a healthy profit margin.
06. Effectively showcase your party supplies online
The presentation of your party supplies online can make a significant difference in attracting and converting potential customers. Here's how to effectively showcase your products:
Professional photos: Use clear, high-resolution images that show your products in the best light and from multiple angles.
Lifestyle shots: Include photos of your supplies in use, such as decorations at a party, to help customers envision them at their own events.
Informative content: Provide thorough descriptions that include dimensions, materials, and any other relevant details.
Storytelling: Use storytelling to connect emotionally with buyers, explaining how the product can enhance their celebration.
Easy navigation: Organize your products into clear categories so customers can easily find what they're looking for.
Search functionality: Implement a search bar with filters to help shoppers quickly locate specific items or themes.
Businesses selling party supplies online: Wix examples
Party Supplies
This party supplies online store offers a wide variety of decorations for celebrations, including birthday parties. This includes plates, cups and straws as well as an assortment of fun and colorful party favors.
Mad Hatter Party Box
The Mad Hatter Party Box sells unique and handcrafted party supplies, which helps to set them apart from much of their competition. They help create themed parties, including the decorations and favors.