Know-How Exchange : Strategy

As far as what to charge, that can vary by area. My best advice is to secret shop others and get a feel for what others are charging.

Planners have mulitiple revenue streams. Spend time building relationships with suppliers. That is one of the things a person pays a planner for-- the book of contacts to create a unique event. They can shop themselves on Craig's LIst for Buffo the Clown. But if you know an ex well known professional that can really entertain, you are creating value the ordinary person can't do themselves.

And for booking these entertainers, cake makers, etc, they should be paying you a referral fee. Establish as many wholesale vendors as you can, if you can order decorations wholesale and resell, you could be netting yourself 50% of product sale.

You can refer to the industry price. However, it would also be best to check the cost of your operation. This is to make sure that you breakeven. Considering your cost will also enable you to adjust your charges. If possible, you can lower your price compared to your competitors.

I agree with the others. Look at the prices for competitors to get a fee for what you could charge. Also look at your costs to make sure you are charging enough to cover your costs.

On what events to start with, I would promote myself for some specific events that you have experience in, but be willing to accept business for events in all areas that you think you could do. And see if the family and friends who you have done events for in the past would be willing to be references for you and make sure they know of your new business so they can refer people they hear that are looking to set up events to you.