How to Start a Picnic Business

A picnic business is a company or entrepreneurial venture that specializes in organizing and providing picnic experiences to customers.

It involves creating and delivering customized picnic setups in outdoor locations, often accompanied by food, beverages, and other amenities. Please note that picnic businesses that focus on organizing and executing picnics for special events, such as weddings, corporate gatherings, or social gatherings, can be categorized within the hospitality and event planning industry.

If the picnic business operates in popular outdoor recreational areas or tourist destinations, it can be considered part of the outdoor recreation and tourism industry. This industry encompasses businesses that provide outdoor experiences and activities for leisure and tourism purposes.

Steps on How to Start a Picnic Business

1. Conduct Market Research

Conducting market research is an important step in establishing and growing a picnic business. It helps you understand your target market, assess competition, identify customer needs, and make informed business decisions.

Start by clearly outlining your research objectives. Determine what specific information you want to gather and the goals you want to achieve through your market research. For example, you might want to understand the target market’s preferences, identify competitors, or assess the demand for picnic products.

Define your target market based on demographics, interests, and purchasing power. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, income level, and hobbies. Knowing your target market will help you focus your research efforts and tailor your picnic services and marketing strategies accordingly.

Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather insights and preferences. Ask questions about their interest in picnics, preferred picnic locations, desired amenities, pricing expectations, and any other relevant factors. This feedback will help you tailor your services to meet customer needs.

Identify your main competitors in the picnic industry. Research their offerings, pricing, marketing strategies, and target market. Understanding your competitors will provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to differentiate your business and develop competitive advantages.

Finally, use the insights gained from your market research to make informed decisions about your business strategy, marketing plan, pricing, service offerings, and customer targeting. Regularly update your research to adapt to changing market conditions and customer preferences.

a. Who is the Target Market for Picnic Business?

• Families, including parents with young children or extended family members
• Couples, including dating couples or married partners
• Urban Professionals and Busy Individuals
• Event planners, wedding planners, and corporate clients organizing events or team-building activities
• Tourists and Travelers
• Individuals who prioritize health, wellness, and outdoor activities
• Individuals or groups celebrating special occasions such as anniversaries, engagements, bridal showers, or graduations.

b. Is Picnic Business a Profitable Business?

A picnic business has the potential to be profitable, but success and profitability depend on various factors, including market demand, competition, pricing strategy, operational efficiency, and effective marketing.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Yes, there are existing niches when it comes to the picnic business and some of them are:

• Eco-Friendly Picnics
• Adventure Picnics
• Pet-Friendly Picnics
• Themed Picnics
• Picnic Workshops or Classes
• Health and Wellness Picnics
• Cultural Picnics
• Picnics for Special Needs or Disabilities.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

• Picnic ‘N’ Chicken
• The Picnic Basket
• Picnic Provisions
• Picnic Table Catering
• Picnic on the Green
• Picnic by the Park
• Picnic Perfect
• Picnic in the Park
• Picnic Party Rentals
• PicnicPro
• Picnic Social
• Picnic Time
• Picnic Warehouse
• PicnicWorks
• Simply Picnic
• Table 22
• The Picnic Spot
• The Picnic Table Co.
• The Picnic Truck
• The Picnic People.

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Picnic Businesses?

Regulations and zoning laws for a picnic business can vary from county to county and state to state within the United States. The specific regulations and requirements will depend on the location and the nature of the business operations.

Most jurisdictions require businesses to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally. This typically includes a general business license and may also include specific permits related to food handling, outdoor events, alcohol service (if applicable), and health and safety regulations.

It’s important to check with the local county or state government agencies or departments responsible for licensing and permitting to ensure compliance.

If your picnic business involves the preparation, handling, and serving of food, you will likely be subject to health and food safety regulations. These regulations typically require businesses to adhere to proper food handling practices, maintain sanitary conditions and may involve regular inspections by health departments.

Familiarize yourself with the local health codes and regulations to ensure compliance. If you plan to organize picnics in public parks, beaches, or other outdoor spaces, there may be specific regulations governing the use of those areas for events.

This can include obtaining permits for event setup, adherence to noise restrictions, waste management, and cleanup requirements. Contact the appropriate local authorities, such as parks and recreation departments or event permitting offices, to understand the specific regulations and obtain the necessary permits.

f. Is There a Franchise for Picnic Business?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for picnic business and some of them are:

• Picnic Time
• Picnic in the Park
• The Picnic Basket
• Picnic Perfect
• The Picnic Truck
• Picnic Provisions
• Picnic by the Park
• Picnic Social
• Picnic Warehouse
• The Picnic Table Co.

g. What Do You Need to Start Picnic Business?

• A Feasibility Report
• Business and Marketing Plans
• Business Licenses and Permits
• A Good Office facility
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number.
• A Corporate Bank Account
• Equipment and Supplies
• Employees
• Startup Capital

2. Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable. Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a picnic business are;

Creative Picnic Business Name ideas

• Sunny Side® Picnic Company, LLC
• Happy Hour® Picnic Company, LLC
• Benita Miles© Picnic Company, Inc.
• Fun Time® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Sharon McLauren® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Green Field™ Picnic Company, LLC
• Goerge Town© Picnic Company, LLC
• Sonita Martins® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Jacinta Garfield® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Dinah Philips™ Picnic Company, Inc.
• Purple Group™ Picnic Company, LLC
• Red Rose© Picnic Company, Inc.
• Sherly Dollars® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Tonia Allen™ Picnic Company, LLC
• Zina Adolphus© Picnic Company, Inc.
• Bella Bennie™ Picnic Company, LLC
• Felicia Michael® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Joe Jayden™ Picnic Company, LLC
• Blue Riverside® Picnic Company, Inc.
• Alice Evergreen© Picnic Company, Inc.

3. Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Picnic Business?

The ideal business structure for a picnic company is determined by a variety of factors, including the size of the company, the number of owners, the level of personal liability the owners are ready to accept, and the tax consequences of the various business structures.

However, we normally recommend a limited liability company structure. This is so because an LLC is a hybrid corporate form that provides the flexibility of a partnership while also providing its owners with limited liability protection.

An LLC can have one or more owners, and the owners are not personally accountable for the debts or liabilities of the business. This business form is frequently used for small to medium-sized organizations.

b. Steps to Form an LLC

• Choose a Name for Your LLC.
• File Articles of Organization.
• Choose a registered agent.
• Decide on member vs. manager management.
• Create an LLC operating agreement.
• Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
• File annual reports.

c. What Type of License is Needed to Start Picnic Business?

• General Business License
• Zonal Permits
• Signage Permit
• Sales tax permit
• Environmental permits.

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Start Picnic Business?

You don’t need any special certifications to start a picnic business.

e. What Documents are Needed to Start Picnic Business?

These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run a picnic business in the United States of America;

• DBA
• EIN
• Business and liability insurance
• Federal Tax Payer’s ID
• State Permit and Building Approval
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business License
• Business Plan
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Insurance Policy
• Sales tax permit
• Environmental permits
• Online Terms of Use
• Online Privacy Policy Document
• Contract Document
• Company Bylaws
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

Intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents, can be relevant for certain aspects of a picnic business.

A trademark protects brand names, logos, slogans, or other identifiers that distinguish your picnic business from others in the market. Registering a trademark can provide exclusive rights to use and protect your business’s unique branding elements.

While not mandatory, registering a trademark can offer legal protection and prevent others from using similar marks that may cause confusion among consumers.

Copyright protection applies to original creative works, such as written content, photographs, artwork, or designs used in your picnic business. It automatically grants you certain rights over your original creations, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and display them.

While copyright protection arises automatically upon creation, registering your copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office can provide additional legal benefits and enforcement options in case of infringement.

4. Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start Picnic Business?

The cost required to start a picnic business may vary significantly. But on average, you can budget as low as $5,000 to as much as over $450,000 to start your picnic business.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Picnic Business

• Business Registration Fees – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,300.
• Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $2,000.
• Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
• Insurance – $1,400.
• Rent or lease – $80,000
• Other start-up expenses include commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
• Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $45,000
• Equipment and start-up inventory – $65,000
• Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $1,750
• Website: $850
• Opening party: $3,000
• Miscellaneous: $3,000

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Starting a Picnic Business?

• The size and type of the picnic business
• The choice of locations
• The required licenses and permits
• The type of additional services offerings
• The cost of hiring and paying a business consultant and attorney
• The cost of branding, promotion, and marketing of the picnic business
• The cost of furnishing and equipping the picnic facility
• The cost of the insurance policy covers
• The cost of registering the business
• Cost of recruiting and training your staff
• The cost of the purchase and customizing of uniforms
• The cost for the grand opening of the picnic business

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

No, it is not compulsory to build new facilities for your picnic business, you just need a budget-friendly office to start the business. This is because you can actually operate a picnic business from your home or from a rented office or shop facility as long as you have picnic facilities you can rent when you need to host picnics for your clients.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of the Picnic Business?

• Payroll and labor costs
• Equipment and supplies
• Insurance
• Vehicle expenses
• Marketing and advertising
• Rent or mortgage
• Licensing and permits
• Training and certifications
• Professional services
• Miscellaneous expenses.

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner) – $65,000 per year
• Project Manager – $45,000 per year
• Event Planner – $42,000 per year
• Administrative Staff – $35,000 per year
• Support Personnel- $30,000 per year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start Picnic Business?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.

5. Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Blue Riverside™ Picnic Company, Inc. a picnic business based in Miami, Florida, is poised to offer unique and memorable outdoor dining experiences to individuals, families, and groups in the United States. With a focus on exceptional service, high-quality food, and attention to detail, we aim to become the go-to provider for customized and hassle-free picnics.

Our business model revolves around providing convenient and enjoyable picnic experiences tailored to our customer’s preferences and needs. We offer a range of services, including picnic setups, gourmet food options, themed decor, and additional amenities such as entertainment or photography services.

By combining our expertise in event planning and outdoor dining, we create unforgettable moments for our clients. Blue Riverside™ Picnic Company, Inc. is well-positioned to tap into the growing demand for outdoor dining experiences by offering customized and convenient picnics.

With a focus on exceptional service, high-quality food, and attention to detail, we are poised to create memorable moments for our customers and establish ourselves as a leading provider in the picnic industry.

b. Products and Service

• Assisting customers in designing and planning their ideal picnic experience, taking into account factors such as location, theme, decor, and activities.
• Providing all the necessary equipment and supplies for a picnic, including picnic blankets, pillows, chairs, tables, umbrellas, and decorations.
• Offering a selection of food and beverage options for customers to choose from. This can range from pre-packaged picnic baskets or boxes to gourmet meals prepared on-site.
• Recommending and arranging picturesque outdoor locations suitable for picnics, such as parks, gardens, beaches, or private estates.
• Offering additional services to enhance the picnic experience, such as live music, entertainment, games, photography, or transportation.

c. Mission Statement

At Blue Riverside™ Picnic Company, Inc., our mission is to create unforgettable outdoor dining experiences that bring joy, connection, and relaxation to our customers. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, curated menus, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every picnic becomes a cherished memory for our clients.

Through our passion for outdoor dining, we strive to enhance the appreciation of nature, foster meaningful connections, and create moments of pure enjoyment for individuals, families, and groups.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to be the premier provider of customized picnic experiences, setting the standard for excellence in the picnic industry. We aspire to be known for our creativity, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the picnic business are to provide customers with a hassle-free and enjoyable outdoor dining experience. It appeals to individuals or groups who want to celebrate special occasions, has a romantic outing, enjoys family time, or simply relax and unwind in a beautiful natural setting without the need for extensive planning and preparation.

e. Organizational Structure

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Project Manager
• Event Planners
• Administrative Staff
• Support Personnel.

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis

Strength:

• Offering customized picnic experiences and themed setups.
• Focusing on delivering outstanding service and creating memorable moments for customers.
• Sourcing fresh and locally-sourced ingredients to provide gourmet picnic menus.
• Meticulous planning and execution of picnic setups, ensuring a high-quality experience.
• Establishing relationships with local suppliers, event planners, and tourism agencies for collaboration and referrals.

Weakness:

• Picnics may be more popular during favorable weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in demand during off-peak seasons.
• Challenges in scaling operations while maintaining quality and consistency.
• The niche nature of the business may limit the overall reach and appeal to a specific segment of customers.
• Dependence on access to suitable outdoor locations for picnics, which may be subject to availability and restrictions.

Opportunities:

• The increasing trend of people seeking safe and enjoyable outdoor activities presents an opportunity for the picnic business.
• Partnering with event planners and wedding coordinators to offer unique picnic options for their clients.
• Targeting corporate clients for team-building events, retreats, and employee appreciation activities.
• Offering add-on services such as picnic workshops, picnic equipment rentals, or picnic catering for broader revenue streams.

Threat:

• The presence of existing picnic businesses or alternative outdoor dining options may pose a threat to market share.
• Adapting to evolving health and safety regulations, permits, and zoning laws for outdoor events.
• A downturn in the economy could impact consumer spending on discretionary activities like picnics.
• Unfavorable or unpredictable weather patterns can impact the feasibility and demand for outdoor picnics.

b. How Do Picnic Companies Make Money?

Picnic companies generate revenue through various channels and business models. Here are some common ways picnic companies make money:

• Assisting customers in designing and planning their ideal picnic experience, taking into account factors such as location, theme, decor, and activities.
• Providing all the necessary equipment and supplies for a picnic, including picnic blankets, pillows, chairs, tables, umbrellas, and decorations.
• Offering a selection of food and beverage options for customers to choose from. This can range from pre-packaged picnic baskets or boxes to gourmet meals prepared on-site.
• Recommending and arranging picturesque outdoor locations suitable for picnics, such as parks, gardens, beaches, or private estates.
• Offering additional services to enhance the picnic experience, such as live music, entertainment, games, photography, or transportation.

c. Payment Options

• Credit and debit cards
• PayPal
• Apple Pay and Google Wallet
• Gift cards and store credit
• Installment payments
• Cash on delivery of services.

d. Sales & Advertising Strategies

• Utilize digital advertising platforms like Google Ads or social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) to reach your target audience. Develop targeted campaigns based on demographics, interests, and location to maximize the effectiveness of your advertising budget.
• Implement referral programs to encourage satisfied customers to refer their friends, family, or colleagues to your picnic business. Offer incentives such as discounts or free upgrades to both the referrer and the referred.
• Forge partnerships with local businesses, event planners, wedding coordinators, or tourist attractions to tap into their existing customer base.
• Sponsor or participate in local community events, festivals, or charity initiatives. This allows you to showcase your picnic business and engage with potential customers in a relevant and meaningful way.

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for Your Product/Service?

The amount a picnic business charge depends on the services and the number of guests they want to cater to.

b. How Much Profit Do Picnic Business Owners Make a Year?

It is difficult to provide an exact figure for the profit that picnic business owners can make in a year due to the wide range of factors involved. Profitability can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and the effectiveness of the business’s strategies.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?

• The capacity of the picnic business
• The types of additional services offered
• The locations of the picnic business
• The management style of the picnic business
• The business approach of the picnic business
• The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the picnic business.
• The number of years the picnic business is in business

d. What is the Profit Margin of a Picnic Business Product/Service?

On average, picnic businesses aim for a profit margin between 20% to 40%. However, it’s important to note that this is a rough estimate, and individual businesses may have profit margins that fall outside of this range.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast for a picnic business. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $330,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $440,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $550,000

6. Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Picnic Business?

• The demography of the location
• Accessibility of the location
• The number of picnic companies and picnic facilities in the location
• The local laws and regulations in the community/state
• Traffic, parking, and security et al

b. What State and City is Best to Start a Picnic Business?

• Portland, Oregon
• San Francisco, California
• Austin, Texas
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Boulder, Colorado
• Savannah, Georgia
• Seattle, Washington
• New York City, New York
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Minneapolis, Minnesota.

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Picnic Business?

• Picnic Tables and Seating
• Picnic Blankets and Mats
• Shade Structures such as umbrellas, canopies, or tents
• Food Preparation and Serving Equipment (portable grills, chafing dishes, coolers, food warmers, and serving utensils)
• Tableware and Utensils (disposable or reusable plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, and serving dishes).
• Beverage Dispensers and Ice Bins
• Decor and Ambiance Elements such as tablecloths, centerpieces, cushions, fairy lights, or lanterns.
• Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies including garbage bins, trash bags, cleaning solutions, hand sanitizers, and paper towels.
• Picnic Accessories and Entertainment such as picnic games, blankets, cushions, portable speakers, and outdoor activities like frisbees or badminton sets.

7. Hire Employees

If you are looking to start a standard picnic company, then it is very important to make sure you hire at least a handful of employees that can man different key positions in the organization. You should also make provisions to hire contract staff whenever you have a big picnic event that you and your staff members may not be able to handle.

8. Launch the Business Proper

You may decide to start a picnic business without organizing any special launch party. However, if you want to create hype around the business, and announce your name in a big way in the industry, then it is advisable to organize a launch party to officially open your picnic business.

a. What Makes a Picnic Business Successful?

• Choose good locations to launch the business
• Make sure your partner with key stakeholders and offer a wide range of services and support (give your customers options)
• Throw an open house grand party before officially starting the picnic business
• Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
• Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your picnic business
• Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your picnic business

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Picnic Business?

• The business is open for the day
• Preparation and Setup
• Food Preparation and Packaging
• Customer Interaction and Service
• Picnic Experience Management
• Picnic Cleanup and Packing
• Administrative Tasks
• Business Development
• The office is administratively closed for the day.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Picnic Business?

• Excellent event planning and organizing skills
• Excellent customer services skills
• Interpersonal skill
• Accounting and bookkeeping skills
• Business management skills
• Project management skill
• Work experience in the picnic services industry
• Experience in managing people
• Experience in business administration
• Experience in handling different types of picnic equipment and tools.