Please close your eyes and imagine it in your head: a sunny day, a warm breeze, and the smell of food filling the air. Now, picture being the person behind those things, running your own picnic business and making unforgettable memories for your customers.
It sounds fantastic, right? Creating a business built around outdoor dining has been proven time and time again as an easy way to make money. This guide will walk you through how to start a picnic business like a pro. From setting up perfectly decorated spaces to how to start a picnic business to attracting those first clients.
1. How to Start
1.1. Finding Your Niche
Before doing anything in this industry, you must figure out what sets you apart. What can you do that no one else is doing? Will you focus on romantic date setups or fun family picnics?
Every decision moving forward will be much more accessible by figuring this out now. It’ll also allow you to tailor specifics about your offerings so they meet the unique needs of people in specific niches.
Overall, you are setting yourself up for success.
1.2 Creating The Perfect Picnic Setup
We all know what separates a good picnic from a bad one, right? Of course, we do. The location, of course! But what if I told you there’s something more important than where it is — how it looks?
Yup! It’s true! You could have a picnic at someone’s funeral, but if the setup were cool enough — people would still love it!
Start by curating a collection of high-quality tools- blankets, pillows, table runners and decorative accents — with aesthetically pleasing yet durable items to withstand nature itself.
Pro Tip: Consider investing in versatile pieces that can be easily customized to suit different themes and occasions
1.3 Building Your Inventory
This might be the most essential part of all. When building your inventory, please remember that high quality is the priority.
Look for suppliers that offer a wide selection of picnic essentials, from classic wicker baskets to modern picnic tables and chairs. If you want to impress people — consider buying some fancy eco-friendly stuff.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stock up on essential extras like sunscreen, insect repellent, and portable speakers
1.4 Marketing Your Business
Once you’ve created this excellent setup, tell the world about it! After all — you can’t make money if no one knows about you!
Leverage the power of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your stunning picnic setups and engage with potential clients. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process and client testimonials, and even offer special deals and promotions to build buzz and generate excitement around your brand.
Highlight Aesthetics and Collaborate with Influencers
“In today’s digital landscape, picnic businesses can leverage social media platforms to showcase their offerings and connect with potential clients effectively.
By prioritizing high-quality visual content, these businesses can use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to highlight the aesthetics and experiences they provide.
Vibrant photographs and engaging videos of picturesque picnic setups, gourmet baskets, and scenic locations can captivate the audience’s imagination.
Utilizing dynamic features such as Instagram Stories or Reels adds a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and execution of picnics, making the content more relatable and engaging.
Furthermore, engaging with the community through user-generated content, where customers share their picnic experiences, can serve as authentic testimonials, enhancing credibility and building a sense of community around the brand.
To amplify their reach and engagement, picnic businesses should consider collaborating with influencers who share their brand values and are genuinely interested in their offerings.
This approach can introduce the business to a wider audience in a way that feels personal and trustworthy.
Additionally, creating interactive content like polls and quizzes, and using question stickers, can significantly boost engagement and provide valuable insights into customer preferences.
Promoting special deals, seasonal offerings, or events through social media channels drives bookings and increases the business’s visibility.
By implementing these strategies, picnic businesses can create an online presence that mirrors the delightful and communal nature of their real-world experiences, encouraging more people to step away from their screens and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Vaibhav Kakkar, CEO, Digital Web Solutions
1.5 Pricing
When starting their own luxury picnic business, the most challenging part for many people is figuring out how much they should charge. We get it! Determining the right pricing strategy for your picnic business can be tricky, but don’t worry too much.
A simple rule of thumb is to ensure you balance profitability with affordability. I know how complex our brains can be — so balance might seem complicated, but we know you’ll find a way!
Look at other businesses in the area that do similar things to what you plan on doing, then come up with a basic package and an average price point based on those ideas.
Pro Tip: Be bold and adjust your pricing based on demand, seasonality, and client feedback. Stay flexible and responsive to market trends to maximize your earning potential and keep your business thriving.
1.6. Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
In the competitive world of picnic businesses, exceptional customer service can set you apart and keep your clients returning for more.
Focus on delivering personalized experiences that exceed your client’s expectations, from customizing their picnic setup to accommodating special requests and preferences. Pay attention to the little details that make a big difference, such as timely communication, prompt setup and cleanup, and thoughtful touches like handwritten notes or complimentary treats.
Pro Tip: Encourage feedback from your clients and use it as an opportunity to improve and refine your offerings continuously. Actively listen to their suggestions and concerns and take proactive steps to address any issues or challenges that arise to ensure their satisfaction and loyalty.
Tell Stories and Use Geo-Targeted Campaigns
“From my extensive experience as the founder and president of Raincross, I’ve learned that social media is a critical tool for businesses looking to engage with their audience, particularly for niche markets like picnic businesses.
One effective strategy I’ve seen work is creating immersive, experience-driven content that tells a story.
For example, showcasing the setup process of a picnic in a breathtaking location through a time-lapse video can capture the imagination of potential clients, illustrating not just a service, but an experience they can visualize themselves in.
Incorporating user-generated content (UGC) is another powerful approach to authenticate your brand and connect with potential clients on a personal level.
Encouraging customers to share their own picnic experiences and tagging your business can broaden your reach and provide social proof to prospective clients.
This strategy has doubled engagement rates for some campaigns we’ve managed at Raincross, as it builds a community around your brand and leverages the trust and credibility that comes from real-life testimonials.
Finally, leveraging the tools and features available on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, such as geofencing and targeted ads, can help picnic businesses reach local audiences effectively.
By creating geo-targeted campaigns, we’ve been able to increase foot traffic for local events and promotions by as much as 30% for some of our clients.
Combining this with engaging content and UGC creates a holistic strategy that not only showcases the offerings of the picnic business but also deeply engages with potential clients, making them more likely to convert.”
Kevin Watts, President and Founder, Raincross
1.7. Expanding Your Business
As your picnic business grows and evolves, don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities for expansion and diversification. To capitalize on emerging trends and market demands, consider branching into small businesses with additional services, such as picnic catering, event planning, or corporate team-building activities.
Invest in professional development and training to hone your skills, stay ahead of the curve, and be open to collaboration and partnership opportunities that can help take your business to the next level.
Pro Tip: Stay true to your brand identity and core values as you expand your business, and remain focused on delivering exceptional quality and customer service at every touchpoint. By staying true to your passion and vision, you can build a thriving, successful picnic business that brings joy and delight to clients for years to come.
Incorporate Impromptu Interviews and Targeted Ads
“I suggest integrating impromptu interview videos into social media strategies. These videos, featuring real customers enjoying their picnics or staff members sharing behind-the-scenes insights, can create authentic and engaging content.
This approach not only humanizes the brand but also leverages the spontaneity of social interactions, making the content more relatable and share-worthy among potential clients.
Moreover, utilizing social media platforms for targeted advertising can also be beneficial for picnic businesses.
With advanced targeting options available on various platforms, businesses can reach potential clients with specific interests and demographics who are more likely to engage and convert.
Tristan Harris, Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
2. What To Keep In Mind For First-Time Business Owners
Starting a picnic business can be an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities. Still, it’s essential to approach it with careful consideration and foresight, especially if you’re a first-time business owner. Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you embark on your entrepreneurial adventure:
2.1 Start Small, Dream Big
While it’s tempting to dive headfirst into your business with grandiose plans and ambitious goals, starting small and building a solid foundation before expanding is crucial. Focus on perfecting your picnic setups, refining your offerings, and establishing a loyal customer base before taking on too much too soon. By starting small and gradually scaling up, you can minimize risk and maximize your chances of long-term success.
2.2 Do Your Research
Before launching your picnic business, conduct thorough market research to gain insights into your target audience, competitors & industry trends. Identify gaps in the market & opportunities for differentiation & use this information to tailor your offerings & marketing strategies accordingly.
Understanding the needs & preferences of your target market is critical to crafting compelling picnic experiences that resonate with your clients & set you apart from the competition.
Analyze Location and Promote Sustainability
“From my perspective, evaluating the location and logistical aspects should be at the forefront of market research for a picnic business.
This includes analyzing popular and accessible picnic spots, understanding any permits or regulations required, and assessing the environmental impact of picnic activities.
An entrepreneur can utilize this research to design services that not only appeal to the target market’s preferences for picturesque and convenient locations but also promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices, which can be a significant differentiator in today’s environmentally conscious market.
Moreover, exploring partnerships with local parks, environmental organizations, and suppliers can enhance the business’s offerings and reputation.
By actively engaging with the community and contributing to the preservation of local natural sites, entrepreneurs can create a positive brand image that aligns with the values of their potential customers.
Utilizing social media platforms to highlight these efforts and the unique locations available for picnics can further attract clients who value sustainability and community involvement.
This strategic approach to market research ensures that the picnic business not only meets customer demands but also contributes positively to the local community and environment.”
Hardy Desai, Founder, Supple Digital
2.3 Plan and Prepare
Success in the picnic business only happens by chance. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, objectives, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan and financial projections.
Set realistic milestones and timelines for achieving your business objectives & be prepared to adapt and pivot as needed based on market feedback and evolving trends. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail, so invest the time & effort upfront to lay a solid foundation for your business’s growth and success.
2.4 Embrace The Learning Curve:
As a first-time business owner, you’re bound to encounter challenges, setbacks & obstacles along the way. Embrace the learning curve as an opportunity for growth and development & don’t be afraid to seek guidance, mentorship & support from experienced entrepreneurs, industry professionals & business advisors.
Surround yourself with a network of mentors and peers who can offer valuable insights, advice, and encouragement to help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence and resilience.
2.5 Prioritize Customer Satisfaction:
In the world of picnic businesses, you’ll need to go above and beyond to meet and exceed your customer’s expectations and exceed them. Treat every conversation like a chance to gain the trust, loyalty, and repeat business you seek. This means ensuring your customers are happy with everything, from when they call to when they see you cleaning up your equipment.
If someone has a complaint about something? Fix it for them as soon as possible! A quick fix shows that you know what you’re doing and can provide anything they need at any given moment. Quick fixes are easy to do, too.
By listening to their concerns and addressing those problems promptly and professionally, people will leave feeling amazing because everything was so personalized for them.
These happy clients won’t just be coming back later on but will also be recommending their friends, family, and social media followers take picnics with you, too! These word-of-mouth recommendations will help bring new customers in without costing a penny.
Segment Customers and Analyze Competitors
“As the Chief Marketing Officer at FireRock Marketing, I’ve collaborated with diverse businesses to hone their marketing strategies, including niche sectors such as picnic businesses.
Through my experience, I’ve identified customer segmentation and competitive analysis as pivotal aspects of conducting effective market research in this unique field.
Understanding your target audience is critical. For instance, conducting surveys and leveraging analytics can reveal that families prefer themed picnics with engaging activities for children, while young adults may seek gourmet picnic experiences.
This actionable data allows entrepreneurs to tailor their offerings to cater to specific segments, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
An example of this in practice was when we helped a client segment their market based on lifestyle preferences, leading to a 20% increase in bookings for their custom picnic experiences.
Competitive analysis cannot be overlooked. It provides insights into what others in the picnic business are offering, helping you identify gaps in the market. For instance, if competitors lack options for corporate team-building picnics, there’s an opportunity to fill this niche.
We applied this strategy for a client by analyzing their competitors’ online presence and customer reviews, which unveiled a demand for eco-friendly picnic services.
By incorporating sustainable practices and marketing this unique selling point, the client saw a significant uptick in interest from environmentally conscious consumers.
Effective use of this information means not just understanding the ‘what’ but also the ‘why’ behind demand trends and consumer preferences.
This entails ongoing engagement with your target audience through feedback loops and social media interaction, ensuring your picnic business remains aligned with customer needs and stays ahead of the competition.
Adapting based on customer feedback and market changes is key to thriving in the dynamic picnic business landscape.”
Ryan Esco, Chief Marketing Officer, FireRock Marketing
Closing Thoughts
Starting this type of business is rewarding but can be equally challenging if not done correctly. One good thing is that there’s never been a better time than now to turn this passion into a full-fledged money-making operation. By following all the advice we’ve given today, nothing should hold you back from success!
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar