Are you looking to get out of the corporate world and end up in a job that you love? We know a business that is exactly what you’re looking for. Paint and sip combines a low-pressure work environment with a party atmosphere to create the job of your dreams.
If you’re unfamiliar with how paint and sip studios operate, here’s your guide!
What is Paint and Sip?
Paint and sip classes get people to learn how to paint in a friendly laid-back setting. They spend some quality time, bring home a beautiful drawing, and of course, have a drink or two.
The first paint and sip businesses launched in the 2000s and the number of new openings has been increasing ever since. The trend is booming across the nation because more and more people are looking for unique experiences rather than material items.
These classes are just perfect for all kinds of events and thus a prosperous business to invest in.
Below we share some top tips with those of you looking to make a start in this exciting, relatively new field. Get ready to create your checklist for success!
Legal Considerations
Launching a new physical business always begins with obtaining the required licenses. In the case of paint and sip, they are quite a few.
First of all, you will need a premises license for carrying out activities in the venue. A license to sell alcohol in your painting studio is also required. You can always go for the BYOB model and avoid that cost in the early stages of your launch.
If you are planning to use CCTV equipment, public surveillance license will be necessary. Also, consider things like music, noise, and general disturbances of the area – they are often related to another set of required licenses!
Remember to check the local regulations in place for registering a new business. They are extremely important to help you prepare and avoid unexpected scenarios. Make sure to put together a food and beverage policy that specifies what is allowed and what’s not.
The Business Model
Most paint and sip studios in Europe are independent as startup costs vary. They often take a couple of months to start booming. So those of you who want to fit into their budget should write a business plan and cash flow. They will help you stick to more secure decisions and manage your finances cleverly.
Still many paint and sip businesses are franchise-based. According to Franchise Chatter, the best paint and sip franchises for 2020 are:
- Painting with a Twist
- Pinot’s Palette
- Wine & Design
- Bottle & Bottega
Opening a franchise studio will often cost you over €100,000 but it is proven to be a path to faster ROI.
Location Requirements
Once you have chosen a business model to follow, it is time to start looking for a good venue to host your paint and sip classes. Ideally, it will be located in an area with plenty of foot traffic and links to public transport.
You need to make sure the building has enough space and light to create an appropriate atmosphere. It should, of course, meet the necessary construction standards to accommodate mass gatherings, parties, and noise.
To save a bit of money, you can get creative and use a suitable outdoor area or a tailored rooftop. A roomy open-plan venue is recommended, yet if you are planning to teach small groups, you can always compromise on space.
Studio Interior and Equipment
After finding the right venue, you need to get it ready for the paint and sip classes. Studios should have a counter or table for food, bottles, plates, and personal belongings.
Although most businesses stick to a BYOB model, a separate area for bar and retail is important if you are planning to sell beverages.
Since customers don’t need to bring anything, you have to provide all the necessary materials and equipment. This includes canvas, painting supplies, tripods, protective wear, wine glasses, as well as cleaning and storing supplies. Invest in quality materials and tools to create an extraordinary experience for your customers.
What Happens During the Class?
Classes are usually led by professional artists or art students who talk attendants through drawing techniques and tools. They will explain everything from brush strokes and mixing colors to the step by step process.
You can hire an artist or perhaps teach the classes yourself if you have the necessary skills and experience. Employing a student is another win-win strategy to have a talented professional onboard and still spend less on wages.
Paint and sip classes often take 2-3 hours as intermittent breaks are important so that attendants don’t miss out. Consider buying a professional camera in order to take photographs of the group and their paintings once the class has finished.
Going Digital
Opening a paint and sip business doesn’t end with setting up the physical location. That’s when you need to start thinking about your brand vision.
You will need a logo and a website, to begin with. Either get in touch with a branding agency or hire a freelancer to work on your logo and creatives. To save money on web development and have full control over design and content, use an online website builder. We would highly recommend WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. They are all user and budget-friendly solutions for a startup business.
If you require any particular customizations and features on your website, you can always install third-party software or a plugin. At Regiondo, we offer a comprehensive booking system to help you manage bookings and increase sales online.
Create a Price List
Now that your business is gaining popularity it is time to start building your audience. However, before jumping into advertising, you need to decide on prices for your services. Consider the different types of events you will be hosting as well as the cost of investment (furniture, painting supplies, wages).
Paint and sip classes are ideal for team building events, parties, personal retreats, and girls’ night out. Having a wide variety of audiences and occasions, you will probably need separate price lists for first-time visitors, families, teams, and regular members. Charge different fees when you host a private party and perhaps create several packages for customers to choose from.
Promotion
At this point, you should have all the necessary channels and assets to start promoting your business online. Be aware that young women represent the majority of your target demographics.
Don’t jump straight into paid advertising. Begin with promoting services on your website home page and social media. Send regular e-shots with one-off offers for your subscribers. Selling discount coupons on Wowcher and Groupon is another great way to promote your brand and increase sales.
Make the most of social media as it is practically a free means of advertising. Take photos during and at the end of the class and share them on social channels. Once you build up your audience you can always launch a paid campaign to increase engagement even more.
Advice for Current Owners
Similarly to other activity businesses, paint and sip companies are experiencing hardship during the time of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although owners cannot avoid losses, there are still options worth exploring.
You can start online drawing classes and recreate the paint and sip experience in a virtual environment. Promote them on social media and sell the tickets for a reasonable price on your website. Having the current situation, people trying to avoid boredom and stress will surely be interested.
Wrapping Up
Paint and sip is an exciting business opportunity that requires minimum investment and offers multiple revenue streams in return. You can host a variety of classes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Organizing corporate events and parties is also an extremely profitable possibility.
The business model is proven to work well – it is up to dedicate some passion to go for it. Follow each of the tips we shared and you won’t miss out on an important step of your launch. Because we all know that sticking to your plan is the number one tip to success.
Lastly, great job satisfaction and work-life balance are shared across the owners of paint and sip businesses. So if you overcome the initial challenges, there will be a fantastic work environment and benefits for you to enjoy. As the industry is booming, the possibilities for expanding are endless and you can eventually open your own franchise soon after launching.
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