What qualifications do I need to run a fireworks stand?
The good news is that this business doesn’t require lots of training, education, or prior experience, but there are a few economic barriers to entry. This article will cover the three most important factors you should handle before starting a fireworks business.
What Qualifications Do I Need? These are The Big Three
The three most crucial elements to running a fireworks business are: 1) Help, 2) Capital, and 3) Time. These are the building blocks that will determine whether your business lasts beyond your initial launch.
Help – Top Qualification
Before going over all the details of licensing, insurance, and merchandise, there’s one thing everyone needs to be successful: help. It’s almost impossible to enjoy success in this business operating totally solo. Just like you wouldn’t run a family restaurant by yourself, you can’t sell fireworks at a physical location (the most common way to do it) without proper staffing.
It’s smart to get family members and anybody else you can trust to help you run your fireworks stand around the busy 4th of July sales time. Without it, you won’t be able to handle customer traffic. Therefore, reliable help is the number one qualification for entering the fireworks business.
Capital is Essential
Then you need capital. How much is enough? While we can’t say for sure without knowing your location and other factors, most new sellers should start with about $30,000 to $50,000.
This doesn’t mean you’re going to use all of it, but more is better than less. You don’t want to borrow and beg for money all the time. Those first two years as a fireworks salesman are tough enough without constantly worrying about running out of cash.
Budget Enough Time
You will also need plenty of time. This is at least a full-time job for about 14 days during the busy season. It’s possible to do this with another job, but that’s assuming you have sufficient help from your staff (remember the first qualification).
We see many fireworks sellers take a vacation for 4th of July to focus on their business when it’s crunch time. Also, don’t forget that the best way to approach the busy season is to start early. Veteran fireworks sellers know the value of getting everything ready at the beginning of the year to avoid running around as much when dozens of people are at your store.
What Other Qualifications Do I Need?
There are some other licensing requirements to sell fireworks, most of which depend on your state of residence. The most common one, in any jurisdiction, is that you’ll need to be at least 18 or 21 years old to obtain a license.
Again, this isn’t a business that requires a doctorate or lots of training, but you have to have all your ducks in a row. It’s important, for example, to know where in your town it’s lawful to set up a fireworks tent since there are many local ordinances governing this activity.
After Meeting Basic Qualifications: Learn All About the Business
Once you’ve met these fundamental qualifications, the next step is to become a fireworks expert. Although it’s true that you don’t have to know everything about fireworks, it obviously helps to understand the business, and know as much as possible about the merchandise itself.
Fortunately, you can use our website to learn all about the business and fill in any knowledge gaps. This involves familiarizing yourself with the distinction between a 200g and 500g aerial item, how to store everything properly, and having a working knowledge of the many novelty items available. It’s important to know about the products because it will make you better at helping customers who visit your fireworks tent, many of whom are new to the hobby.
Black Cat Fireworks: America’s Top Fireworks Brand
Black Cat Fireworks has store locations all across America, making us one of the most well-known brands. Our company began selling fireworks all the way back in the 1940s. Since then, we’ve amassed an enormous supply of the latest and greatest fireworks that are “the best you can get” for both backyard and large-scale displays.
Contact us anytime for reliable help determining “what qualifications do I need” to begin a career as a fireworks seller.
