The Holiday Lighting and Decorating Industry has experienced an 800% GROWTH over the last 6 years!

Also according to industry sources, residential homeowners and commercial and professional business owners spend over $200 Million each holiday season for this service.

And, with the holiday lighting and decorating industry being in it's infancy, this may be the perfect "Add-on" service to your existing business or a stand alone business that earns you enough in 3 months to take the rest of the year off.

Generally, the lighting season begins in late october, when you'll begin to generate sales and start decorating, and finishes up in mid January when you've finished taking down all the lights and decorations from your customers propery.

This industry is the perfect add-on for many seasonal business like, window cleaners, landscapers, painters, roofers, pool services, construction companies, fencing companies and florists. Plus, it's a lower risk starting this type of business venture because, you can utilize your current customer base from which to create sales and retain your employees during this season.

The average Christmas light installation company earns over $1000 per day per work crew during the 6 - 8 week season. It is also not uncommon for installers to earn upwards of $3000 in a single day when installing larger residential and commercial jobs.

A small scale holiday light installation operation can easily expect to earn upwards of $20,000 in their first season of business providing they have a solid and sound business strategy. Many midsize Christmas light installation companies rake in earnings in the low to mid 6 figures. I also know of at least one company called "The Perfect Light" that generates over a million dollars in sales in less than three months. So there is plenty of money to be made in this budding, high growth industry.

The holiday lighting business, also known as the Christmas light installation business is a highly profitable and easy to operate business. Despite the growth of the industry and that it is one of the most solid opportunities an entrepreneur could find, the fact remains that there is very little quality information avail be to the public regarding this unique service.

Therefore this article will answer six of the most frequently asked questions relating to this industry:

1. How would you describe the holiday lighting business?

You will provide your customers with a professional Christmas light installation service that typically includes design, installation, and takedown. The price you charge will include all of the mentioned aspects.

2. Since this is a seasonal business how long does it run?

How long of a decorating season will depend on where you live and your goals as an installer. The absolute earliest you will be able to install lights would be October 1st, however these will be mostly large commercial jobs, your regular installs will begin after Halloween. The season usually runs for about 60 to 70 days and ends in mid January when you've taken down all the lights.

3. Is it easy to get customers to buy your Christmas light installation service?

Yes, in fact Christmas light installation is such a high demand service during the holidays that most installers find themselves turning away extra customers because they already have more than they can handle.

4. Do I need any special skills to operate this business?

No special skills or expensive degrees are required to start a light installation business. In fact, with the skills you have right now, you can probably make some very good money hanging lights. However to get you up to speed quicker, there are several courses available on the net that can teach you all you need to know in a matter of days.

5. What are the start up costs associated with a holiday lighting business?

You can have your business up and running for less that $2,500. In fact you can even start it for less and then add inventory as your company grows. This price includes business start up costs, equipment and material purchase. You probably already have some of the equipment you need sitting in your garage.

6. How much can I earn hanging Christmas lights?

Well like any business the sky is the limit depending on how well you run and grow your company, but the industry average is that a first year installer will make between $52,000 and $110,000 during the 65 day average season.

As mentioned above these are the most commonly asked questions pertaining to the holiday lighting industry and hopefully the answers to these questions have helped you form a more complete understanding of the Christmas light business.

1. Take advantage of your existing customer base.

Start talking about Christmas lights and decorative lighting right now (don't wait for November). Aside from the fact that time always passes more quickly than you'd expect, people use Christmas lights for much more than just the typical holiday decorations. Lighting can take a baby shower from plain to spectacular with very little effort. There are trees and bushes that can be wrapped in lights for a summer party, neighborhood barbecue or just a romantic dinner. Gazebo, decking or other outside structures that can become fabulous accented pieces for weddings or special events. Christmas lights are an easy way to make every party more fun - so let your existing customer base know that this is a service that you offer.

2. Surf the web to stay on top of the latest trends in lighting.

As a professional lighting installer, you'll want to be aware of the different styles and types of lights available so you can speak like a professional when you begin your seasonal adventure. C7 and C9 Christmas light bulbs are a traditional favorite that you really should know about. These glass bulbs with filaments are the brightest of the Christmas lights and, depending on your region of the country, are the most used for decorating purposes outside. This type of lighting is best purchased by the professional by the case of 1000 bulbs and in 1000' lengths for the wire (you have to cut the spools not to exceed 1000 Watts of bulbs on a single run). Purchase a separate spool of blank wire (stringer) so that you can customize the sets to your customer's vision. Clear and multi bulbs are generally the favorite but don't be afraid to experiment with a specific color theme. An all red light accented Memorial Day event could help elevate the party a notch or two from the normal outdoor grilling get-together. The theme could be continued with red flowers (geraniums, tulips, roses, etc.) to expand the all-red theme.

Miniature or mini lights are incredibly versatile and come in a huge array of wiring and bulb colors. Match the color of the wire of the lights to the color of the object you are lighting if you can. Most mini lights can only be run in sets of three but some commercial varieties do allow you to run up to six sets in a series (keeping in mind that you don't exceed any breaker limits).

Commercial LED Christmas lights have been on the scene for about four years and make installation easy and are energy efficient. Their incredibly low power consumption means that you can connect up to 125 sets of lights together in a single run. They use a single power adapter at the beginning of each run. Twelve, 20, and 50 foot jumpers are available to connect or "jump" between trees, eaves, doors and windows.

3. Use a good quality commercial clip or stake.

The last thing you want to do is revisit an installation because some clips broke in a storm or face an homeowners extreme disappointment because you installed their lights with a power stapler. Some clips and attachments can be permanently installed - especially on stucco and vertical surfaces. Be sure to review these options with your client. Commercial stakes are less likely to break and some styles are sturdy enough to hammer into cold hard winter soil.

4. Order some lights right away to see what they look like in real life and to show your customers.

Think of yourself as a lighting designer. Show your customers lighting samples. You just cannot underestimate the value of this step. For every person who loves the ethereal glow of LED lighting there will be a neighbor who requires the super nova quality glow of a run of C9 transparent bulbs.

5. Install the lights on your own home.

Not only can you have your customers drive by (you can coordinate turning them on so all your neighbors won't start turning you into your homeowner's association!) but you can practice and make any mistakes on your own home.

Note the time it takes you and how close your preliminary measurements for length of lights required matches reality.

6. Have most of your orders lined up by October 1.

All over the country, Christmas light importers and distributors start receiving their Christmas light products August. Light sets and lighting products with 12-inch spacing have been known to run out by the beginning of November. Don't even think that you are going to find heavy duty extension cords on November 1. They will most likely be gone. And the ones you find won't be cheap.

Folks are installing their Christmas lights earlier every year.

7. Give your first few customers a discount if they'll let you display a yard sign.

Word of mouth and drive by advertising beats every other kind of marketing - ask any real estate agent about the power of curb appeal. Be ready to answer your phone and change your phone message to reflect your new sideline business. You'll be surprised to see your business grow.

8. Consult a Master Electrician and your Insurance Agent.

This is important - especially important if you are installing traditional C7 and C9 Christmas lights. Everyone seems to have a brother-in-law or someone they know who is an electrician. Play it safe and have him or her show you how to do things the correct and safe way.

Talk to your insurance agent about liability/business insurance coverage and any other appropriate insurance for your area.

9. Try to build your business to continue year 'round and be innovative in your marketing

As I mentioned before, there is always a demand for decorative lighting. Call on nurseries to wrap their display trees - a great idea for drawing in customers. Experiment with patio lighting. Medium-base cords and bulbs are great for this type of application. Call all the local wedding planners and let them know the services you can provide.

Setting up your own sideline Christmas lights business can be profitable all year long. You are only limited by what you want to do and how much time you want to give to it.