Home-based birthday party planner

Busy parents, people turning a milestone age and families who want a good party without the stress of organising it.

A flat planning fee per party or a percentage of the party budget, sometimes with a small mark-up on supplies you arrange, agreed with the client upfront.

• Organised and calm under pressure
• Good with budgets and suppliers
• Friendly, clear communication

• You will need an ABN, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers you at venues and private homes
• Check with your local council whether running a business from home needs approval
• Working with children may need a Working with Children Check in your state or territory, check requirements if you run activities or supervise kids
• Put deposits and cancellation terms in writing so you are not left paying suppliers yourself

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your branding, planning tools and any insurance or sample materials you choose. Working from home by phone, email and messages keeps costs low.

Check that you have an ABN and when GST registration applies. Also check public liability insurance and whether it covers venues and private homes, council approval for home businesses, and Working with Children Check rules if you supervise kids. Put deposits and cancellations in writing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many parties you plan and what you charge. Many planners start at around 6 hours a week and build up through local word of mouth.