There's a fun business idea spreading throughout the nation faster than the dandelions in your neighbor's yard.
It combines surprise, celebration, and undercover operation.
But be forewarned. This opportunity isn't for just anyone. You must be willing to brave the dark of night and deceive unsuspecting victims.
Even more importantly, you must love a good practical joke.
So what is this unusual business idea?
It's greetings by the yard. Instead of delivering flowers, your company will deliver lawn ornaments, a “yard card business”.
Creative yard card businesses succeed with this business idea by putting their own unique twist on surprise celebrations, but the most popular greeting is the flock of pink flamingos.
Your customers surprise the birthday boy, the graduate, or the retiree with a lawn full of these funny-looking feathered friends.
A giant sign accompanies the pink flamingos announcing the special occasion to everyone.
You can begin this business idea practically overnight.
You'll also spend some money on business insurance and advertising, but your initial investment can be as little as $1,000.
You should be able to recoup this in no time and begin adding more creative greetings.
The more choices you have to offer, the better you'll do.
Getting the word out will be your biggest challenge.
A website and yellow pages ads will help customers who are looking for you already.
Get your fun ideas in front of even more people by printing eye-catching brochures. Perhaps a brochure cut in the shape of a pink flamingo to catch people’s eye?
Distribute them where people are preparing for celebrations.
Put them on the windshields of cars at bridal fairs. Pass them out at high schools and colleges as graduation nears.
Supply maternity shops with your business cards.
You might surprise your own acquaintances and then leave door hanger advertisements throughout the neighborhood.
And be sure to have your contact information on the giant sign that accompanies any yard cards you put in place.
Don't be afraid to charge a decent fee for this service.
Compare your cost to that of having a dozen roses delivered.
And then consider that your delivery required more thought and more manual labor, not to mention entertaining the neighbors and providing a great conversation topic for the rest of the day.
I'll never forget when the bride to be down the street was surprised to wake up on her wedding day with a giant flock of pink flamingos in her parents yard.
We all enjoyed driving by and getting a good laugh just as much as the bridal party did.
Charging an extra fee for mileage is sometimes a good idea.
Remember you have two round trips involved, because you will be collecting the ornaments for reuse after a couple of days.
Be sure to leave a small brochure for the recipient explaining that you will be back to collect the items after a few days so they aren't wondering what they are supposed to do with them after the novelty has worn off.
One great thing about the lawn greetings business is that it can be as small or large as you want to make it.
And this is one of those small business ideas that can be managed as a home based business, a side business or as a main source of income.
It also would be a great add on to any other type of party or event service you might supply such as
event and holiday decorating.
As word spreads and your business grows, you'll learn the lesson of yard card companies everywhere.
The best grass isn't always greener, but it probably is filled with pink flamingos!
