While the fall has become a bustling season for the event industry, it is never too early to start planning for winter and slower revenue months for your party rental business.
During the offseason, keeping your party rental business active requires creativity and strategic marketing. Here are 10 effective ways to attract clients and stay busy during the slow season:
1. Offer Early Booking Discounts: Encourage clients to plan their spring and summer events early by offering discounts for bookings made during the offseason. This could be a percentage off the total rental cost or free add-ons, such as extra chairs or lighting.
Not only does this generate income during the slow months, but it also helps secure your calendar for the busy season.
2. Promote Indoor Winter Events: Winter might mean fewer outdoor events, but there’s still demand for indoor parties such as corporate holiday events, New Year’s celebrations, and winter weddings.
Tailor marketing campaigns to highlight your indoor-friendly inventory, like tables, chairs, linens, and decor. Emphasize that you have everything they need to create cozy, elegant indoor environments.
3. Seasonal Package Deals: Create winter-themed rental packages that cater to the season. For example, offer "Winter Wonderland" bundles that include heaters, twinkling lights, and specialty winter decor. This adds convenience for your customers and gives them a reason to choose your company during the colder months.
4. Partner with Event Venues: Collaborate with indoor event venues to create joint marketing efforts. Offer special deals for clients who book both the venue and rentals through your partnership. This could be particularly appealing to clients planning indoor weddings, galas, or corporate functions during the offseason.
5. Holiday-Themed Rentals: Focus on the holidays by marketing specific items that complement seasonal gatherings. Offer special rates on rentals like dinnerware, serving equipment, or festive decor for holiday parties. Promote your services for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's events.
6. Create a Referral Program: Encourage word-of-mouth by implementing a referral program. Offer discounts to customers who refer new clients, or provide incentives for repeat business. This keeps your brand top of mind even when event frequency decreases.
7. Host a Winter Open House or Showcase: Invite event planners, venues, and potential customers to a winter showcase, where they can view your rental inventory in action. Set up different event themes to inspire ideas, from corporate holiday parties to intimate indoor weddings, showcasing how your products work in cold-weather settings.
8. Leverage Social Media and Content Marketing: Stay visible by regularly posting engaging content during the offseason. Showcase creative ways your products can be used for winter events or share helpful tips on planning indoor gatherings. Highlight new inventory or offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business preparing for the next season.
9. Gift Certificates for Future Rentals: Introduce gift certificates that can be purchased during the offseason and redeemed later. These can be marketed as perfect holiday gifts for couples planning weddings, party planners, or businesses looking ahead to their next big event.
10. Early Bird Specials for Upcoming Seasons: Beyond discounts, create special packages that offer exclusive perks or upgrades for clients who book during the winter months. These could include early access to new inventory, priority scheduling for busy dates, or VIP customer service options.
Stay ahead of the slow season slump by incorporating these ideas into your party rental business planning this fall.
Author: Larah Winn
Larah is the creative and marketing specialist here at EventStable. She lives in the old axe factory town of Collinsville, Connecticut with her husband and dog Baya. In her free time you can find her helping her husband restore their 1860's cottage.