Tag Archives: Selling Fireworks

Compact Fireworks Packaging: Save Space for Reduced Shipping & Container Costs

Compact Fireworks Packaging: Save Space for Reduced Shipping & Container Costs

Ever purchased fireworks wholesale for delivery or drop-ship? Those who have know how vital every inch of space on a pallet or container is. Smaller case sizes can make a world of difference. The smaller the case, the more products can fit in one shipment, achieving a more cost-effective order and delivery.

Fireworks businesses can maximize their case quantity by selecting products with compact packaging. These items help retailers and display companies stretch their budgets as much as possible on large wholesale or container orders.

What is compact packaging in fireworks?

Firework products in compact or compressed packaging are specifically designed to eliminate unnecessary piece space. This allows for smaller case sizes, which in turn reduces shipping and storage costs.

Browse Fireworks with Compact Packaging

There are multiple ways to achieve a reduced case size, including:

  • Reducing the amount of cardboard within each piece (ie, spaces between tubes in a multi-shot)
  • Reducing the size of cardboard package housing each piece or pack
  • Replacing cardboard packaging with flexible PVC bags
  • Designing assortment packages to avoid header card attachments

Below is a video from our warehouse showing examples of products with compact packages and the difference in case sizes. Examples in the video include compact 500 Gram Multi-Shots, reloadable Artillery Shells, Tube Racks (or Nine-On-A-Boards), and Assortments.

Which fireworks products reduce space with compact packaging?

Selection and availability of compactly packaged consumer fireworks are expanding!

Here is a list of compact fireworks products that Spirit of ’76 carries. We recommend these as items that ship in smaller case sizes yet don’t compromise on quality or shelf appeal.

Shop All Compact Package Fireworks

Compact 200 Gram Multi-Shot Cakes

MS530S 105-shot Multicolor Zipper Cake (6/1) – ‘76 Show Series. Reduced tube spacing for a smaller footprint.

MS123 Air Defense 100 shots (12/1) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. A long-lasting cake in a tiny package.

MS173 Mechanical Bug 100 shots (8/1) – Brothers Pyrotechnics. An affordable Brothers best seller with mixed effects.

MS155 MicroPigzilla 108 shots (12/1) – COMING 2025 to Sky Bacon Fireworks. The mini-er version of Pigzilla!

Compact 350G & 500 Gram Multi-Shot Cakes

GM1016 Neon Moon 181 shots (4/1) – Winda Fireworks. Rows are pressed together for space reduction, yet it’s still wide like most zipper cakes for stability.

GM172 I Love It Loud 33 shots (6/1) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. Fantastic effects, awesome shelf appeal, and a great value with six in a case!

MX165 Ultimate Celebration 37 shots (8/1) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. This cake has all the effects of a great cake, with eight to a case.

MX120 Old Ironsides 30 shots (8/1) – Brothers Pyrotechnics. A classic with nice pacing and loud breaks!

GM102 Ultra Concentrated 162 shots (6/1) – COMING 2025 to Tako Pyrotechnics. Great zipper cake, no tube spacing for a smaller footprint.

GM211 MiniPigzilla 182 shots (4/1) – COMING 2025 to Sky Bacon Fireworks. As good as Pigzilla but with a much smaller footprint.

Compact Artillery Shells & Canister Shells

RL225S Supernova Cans 1.75” (12/8) – ‘76 Show Series. Each pack comes in a clear PVC bag rather than a box that folds down to reduce case size. Eight shells fit in each pack, compared to six in traditional shell packs!

RL108 Black Box Artillery Bonus 1.75” (12/8) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. True ball shells packed with 33% more shells than most boxed shell kits.

RL372 Bad Boy Mini Bomb 1” Canisters (36/6) – Shogun. Six different reloadable effects packed in a PVC header bag to save space.

Compact Tube Racks (Nine-On-A-Board)

TB128 2” Titanium Willows 9 shots (4/1) – Tako Pyrotechnics. Two-inch tubes rather than three-inch to take up much less space. These break slightly lower in the sky to still achieve that big burst effect.

TB215 Khaotic Kaboom 9 shots (4/1) – Firehawk. A favorite for years in a much smaller and more affordable packaging than traditional NOABs.

TB247 Unstoppable 9 shots (4/1) – Firehawk. Another set of 2-inch tubes with hard-hitting breaks.

TB288 Solar Blast (12/6) – COMING 2025 to Winda Fireworks. Much shorter, compact 5-inch tubes compared to similar non-reloadables. Performs like a 60-gram canister shell!

Compact Fireworks Assortments

AT295 American Eagle Assortment (2/1) – Supreme Fireworks. Includes 14 items with a paper panel rather than a cardboard header card that eliminates unnecessary space. Get two in a case.

AT129 Big Pyro Bag (Safe & Sane) (16/1) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. An all-time best selling kids assortment in a clear PVC bag that wastes no space! Sixteen come in a case.

Compact Roman Candle Barrages

RC132 Minigun 280 shots (20/1) – Tako Pyrotechnics. Shortened tube for increased space efficiency, yet with the same performance quality as traditionally sized Roman Candle barrages.

RC235 Mini Blaster 280 shots (20/1) – Winda Fireworks. An eighteen-inch long Roman Candle with a great performance.

Compact Fountains

FN104 Naughty Boys (36/6) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. Our smallest fountain! It’s long-lasting at a whopping NINETY seconds, and it burns down to nothing.

FN164 Loot Box (20/12) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. Small box and small tubes with a big performance. Similar to gerbs but designed for consumer use with great shelf appeal.

Compact Saturn Missiles

SM124 Patriot Missile Battery 300 Shot (12/1) – Sky Bacon Fireworks. A top-selling 300 shot Saturn missile battery, with twelve to a case.

SM147 750-Shot Concentrated Saturn Missile Battery (4/1) – COMING 2025 to Sky Bacon. The ultimate Saturn missile battery in a compact design.

SM177 Saturn Ultra 750 Shots (4/1) – COMING 2025 to Shogun. Three thousand shots per case!

More fireworks news

How to Set Up Your Own DIY Fireworks Show: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to create your own DIY fireworks display, the good news is that it’s possible with a bit of planning, the right materials, and attention to safety. There are even boxed kits available with all the firework components!

#PowerOfPink – The Firework that Battles Breast Cancer (Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024)

No body fights alone.

The Power of Pink

The Firework That Benefits Breast Cancer Awareness

$10 from every sale of this item benefits Breast Cancer Awareness organizations.

Learn More
Share Your Story
Order Wholesale

#PowerOfPink – The Firework that Battles Breast Cancer

OCTOBER 2024 – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us. This year, the team behind Sky Bacon Fireworks is on an awareness mission.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024.

The fight against breast cancer is a personal one for John Bechtold. John (Spirit of ’76 Fireworks president and Sky Bacon Fireworks creator) lost his sister, Meghan Trulaske Miers, to a battle against breast cancer in April 2024.

To honor Meghan’s memory and to support those still battling breast cancer, John and the Sky Bacon team developed “Power of Pink”.

Power of Pink is the first firework product to benefit breast cancer awareness with every sale. It is a 350-gram consumer multi-shot firework cake featuring 25 shots of powerful pink bursts and gold glitter.

The item retails at a fixed price of $30, with $10 of the proceeds from each sale benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness organizations.

Join The #PowerOfPink Movement

John and his team invite all who have been affected by breast cancer to share their story in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month. If the Power of Pink message resonates with you, we want to hear your story!

Use the #PowerOfPink hashtag to share your message on social media. Be sure to tag @76fireworks on Tiktok, Instagram, or Facebook if you’d like it included in the official campaign.
(See example media here.)

Alternatively, you may send our team a message to share your story without posting to social media.

FORM: Share Your #PowerOfPink Story

Retailers, we’d love to see how you’re using ‘Power of Pink’ to promote breast cancer awareness in your community. Create a social media post and tag @76fireworks to start the conversation. Alternatively, you may complete the form linked above.

Sell #PowerOfPink In Your Retail Fireworks Stand

Those who sell fireworks can help raise funds for breast cancer awareness in your community by offering the Power of Pink firework in your stand, store, or tent!

Promotional assets are included. Each case of the Power of Pink comes with a promotional poster, and assets such as a press release and graphics are available to help you sell the product and promote its mission at your stand.

Order Wholesale
Promotional Assets

Retailers, please note that this item retails at a fixed price of $30. The price is printed on the label, as well as our promise that $10 of the proceeds from each sale benefits Breast Cancer Awareness organizations. Click here to view the wholesale order page.

If you’re using Power of Pink to promote breast cancer awareness in your community, we’d love to see it. Share photos or videos with the hashtag #PowerOfPinkFirework on social media. Be sure to tag @skybaconfireworks or @76fireworks on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook if you’d like it included in the official campaign.

In Other Fireworks News

Build the Show of Your Dreams with GLOW—Our Fireworks Show Builder

Build the Show of Your Dreams with GLOW—the ’76 Fireworks Show Builder Have you tried GLOW, our Fireworks Show Builder tool? Unleash your creativity and build the fireworks show of your dreams—without all the guess work! Whether you’re putting on a backyard show or a 4th of July spectacular, our show builder is your ultimate…

🤠 Introducing Cowboy Fireworks: A Bold New Brand for Backyard Boom

Introducing Cowboy Fireworks: A Bold New Brand for Backyard Boom We’re SO excited to officially launch our newest fireworks brand: Cowboy Fireworks, a bold and thrilling line designed for backyard shooters who love big effects, loud breaks, and high-flying action. 🎉 The Big Reveal: April 26 Demo Event Attendees at our April 26th demo got…

Summer 2024 Fireworks Sales: 4 Tips to Boost Your Revenue

Summer 2024 Fireworks Sales: 4 Tips to Boost Your Revenue

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, the experts at Spirit of ’76 wanted to share a few tips on surefire ways that fireworks retailers can use to promote bigger sales at your tent, stand, or store this season.

#1 – Offer Pre-Designed Display Kits

Some folks would love to have a backyard show, but are unsure where to start. Save your customers time and hassle by offering pre-choreographed display kits.

At our seasonal tent and in our retail store in mid-Missouri, we’ve had tremendous success offering display kits that include the IGNITE firing system. The system makes set-up and launch a breeze, and there’s a good chance the customer will return to stock up on even more pyro to continue using it.

Kits can range from simple 6-cue shows to grand 5-minute or 10-minute displays! We recommend a variety of at least three differently priced offerings, and be sure to have plenty of your show kits at the lowest price point in stock. (At our mid-Missouri retail location, we start our show kits at $159.99.)

#2 – Sell Smartphone-Driven Firing Systems

Not only do entry-level electronic firing systems make it easier than ever for anyone to safely enjoy fireworks, they encourage more purchases, too!

Introducing your customers to the IGNITE firing system is a fantastic way to promote user safety among families and backyard enthusiasts while encouraging bigger budgets and repeat visits at the same time. Once they see how easy it is to set up and launch pyro with the push of a button, they’ll come back for more to fill up those empty cues!

IGNITE is available in 36-cue, 18-cue, and 6-cue modules. The 6-cue IGNITE Lite systems (a 76 exclusive!) are also available in a retail display bundle and are especially enticing for first-time users.

#3 – Use Price Tags with Video QR Codes

Did you know that you can download printable price tags directly from your Spirit of 76 account?

Here’s how to download printable price tags: After you’ve placed an order with us, head over to your Orders page under My Account. Here you’ll find downloadable files for price tags in 2-on-a-page and 4-on-a-page layouts. (You can download your barcodes from here, too, for ease in updating your POS system!) 

Each price tag includes the product image, a video QR code, a short description, and space to write your price.

#4 – Offer Unique Brands and Pass Along Your Savings

We’ve revamped our wholesale pricing structure and expanded our product lineup for 2024 so you can keep your pricing competitive while offering items unique to your market.

Stay a step ahead of local competition by offering exclusive brands like ‘76 Show Series, Tako Pyrotechnics, and Sky Bacon, and take advantage of the improved wholesale pricing at Spirit of ‘76 this season.

Be sure to talk with your sales representative to ensure your account is set up with the best pricing for your budget!

In Other Fireworks News:

2024 Staff Picks: Top 10 Tako Fireworks

From snappers and fountains to artillery shells and 500-gram bangers, our staff has identified these as the best and brightest items from Tako Pyrotechnics for the 2024 season!

NFA Addresses Meta’s Content Policies for Fireworks Businesses (2024)

National Fireworks Association (NFA) Addresses Meta’s Content Policies for Fireworks Businesses

March 2024 by Sam Christensen

If you’ve ever experienced issues publishing pyrotechnic-related content or promoting your legitimate fireworks business on Facebook, you’re certainly not alone.

Topics covered in this post:

Trouble with Meta’s posting restrictions has been a common theme for businesses and individuals in the fireworks industry for years. And with every new algorithmic update on the social platform – especially now with AI involved in the moderation process – the restrictions become tighter and the penalties on accounts often more severe.

NFA’s 2024 Update on Meta’s Content Policies for Fireworks

In February 2024, board members of the National Fireworks Association (NFA) met with Meta officials in Washington, DC to discuss the restrictions that the fireworks industry faces on its social media platforms, namely Facebook.

The NFA published a press release with clarifications and advice they received from the officials at Meta. Read it now on NFA’s website: nationalfireworks.com/announcements.

Sam from Spirit of ‘76 had an opportunity to speak with Stacy Schneitter Blake, NFA president and co-owner of Schneitter Fireworks, about the conversation she and other NFA board members had with Meta.

Stacy’s advice for when your fireworks business’ content is flagged, in a nutshell: Appeal, appeal, appeal. 

Advice we’ll add in for good measure: Encouraging the safe use of fireworks is key. The best content you can post or share isn’t sales-y; rather, it’s helpful or educational to your audience. And, when fireworks are used, be sure to follow and promote good safety practices.

Why are Meta’s content restrictions an issue for fireworks businesses?

It’s common knowledge in this industry that no business can pay to advertise fireworks or related services virtually anywhere online – Google, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, you name it. This is because fireworks are typically categorized as “restricted goods” in these platforms’ ad policies, often being lumped in with firearms and non-commercial explosives. Some policies even list fireworks as “weapons”.

So, there is no paying to advertise the sale or use of fireworks online – ok, fair enough. Fireworks businesses have learned to go without online paid advertising. 

But what about organic content? Sharing engaging or helpful content online ought to be a core marketing strategy for any business today, right?

That’s where Meta’s policies on fireworks-related content stifle the marketing and outreach efforts of legitimate businesses in the industry, from mom-and-pop retailers to professional display companies to wholesalers like ourselves. Even content that promotes fireworks safety isn’t necessarily safe” from being flagged. Many fireworks business owners and their employees have experienced temporary and even permanent bans that affect not only their business profiles, but often their personal accounts too. We at Spirit of ‘76 are no exception!

As Stacy mentioned in the video above, say a fireworks business is put in “Facebook jail” in the days leading up to July 4th. Not only would communication with their customers and community be restricted, they’d be unable to share helpful safety information on the platform in the days where education on the proper handling of fireworks is most crucial.

This is why it’s a big deal that the National Fireworks Association was able to discuss the matter with Meta to get clarification on the policies as well as address major oversights regarding which types of fireworks-related content is getting flagged. 

What to do if your Facebook Page’s fireworks content is flagged.

The NFA’s recent press release mentions that Meta officials “recommend [users] look closely at the updated Meta Policies concerning the sale of explosives on their platforms, especially for brick-and-mortar stores.” 

As of March 2024, Meta’s policy in question reads that content should not be posted if it “attempts to buy, sell, or trade, firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements except when posted by a Page, Group or Instagram profile representing legitimate brick-and-mortar entities, including retail businesses, websites, brands or government agencies (e.g. police department, fire department) or a private individual sharing content on behalf of legitimate brick-and-mortar entities.”

If your content gets flagged, the NFA says they “strongly recommend you request to appeal any post that has been restricted if it meets Meta’s community standards.” 

The NFA also promises to “continue to monitor policies and procedures concerning our industry.”

While there’s still a long road ahead for improving the experiences of fireworks business owners on Facebook, it’s good to know the NFA is in our corner and has taken a major step towards educating Meta officials about these struggles.

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Selling Fireworks out of a Tent for Beginners

Spirit of ’76 Fireworks Tent manager Brannon shows us the ropes on how to set up shop and sell fireworks out of a retail tent.

Location

Your location ought to be accessible to your customers. People will go to the location that is most convenient or prominent for them. Consider having your tent close to an intersection or a highway exit.

Traffic Flow and Parking

When planning out your season, it is important to make sure that the location of your tent is not only easy for your customers to find but also has good traffic flow. Make sure your entrance is clean and wide enough for cars to enter and exit. Remember the traffic you have on the 3rd and the 4th of July will be much heavier than opening day. For first  year tents, test out the flow of traffic at the beginning of the season to prepare yourself for the peak of sales closer to the 4th. This can be done by making sure that your parking lot is well marked with signage and banners.

Curb Appeal

The outside of the tent is the first thing that your customers will see. Make your tent stand out from the street with inflatables such as sky dancers, branded flags, and lots of color. Another way to get your customers to the tent is to have your big sales and specials easily seen from the road. This could be a banner on stakes, a digital board, or an old-fashion billboard. If your tent accepts credit cards, be sure to have a sign that can be seen from the road. Credit cards are one of the most popular payment methods in today’s world.

The Entrance

Be sure to have an open and clean entrance. Having your baskets and cards ready to go at the front of the entrance is key. Look into getting flat carts for your customers to use. By giving them a larger cart rather than a basket, they are likely to purchase more items.

Customer Flow

Wide aisles are essential to having your customers flow throughout the tent. Be sure to make your aisles wide enough so they are accessible for all of your customers. Keep in mind that customers who are wheelchair users, customers who use a walker, and customers who have a baby stroller have enough room to navigate through the aisles.

Create the flow of the tent to take your customers throughout the entire tent before heading to checkout. By doing this, your customers will see more product and will be more likely to purchase more.

Price Tags

Having price tags that are easy to read are a must. Your customers have to know how much the product costs before they decide to buy it. Consider having an image and description of the product in addition to the price on the tag. This will make it easy for your customers to know what the product does. It will also make it easier for your employees to explain the effects of each product. When you buy your products from Spirit of ‘76, we provide you will printable price tags! Click here to learn how to access the printable price tags.

Signage

Each section of your tent should be labeled with signs to help your customers find what they are looking for. This is a great way to add color and personality to your tent. Have each section of fireworks marked by category with a sign large enough to read from across your tent.

Cashier Area & Registers

A strong POS system is key for getting your customers through the checkout line quickly. In our own tent we use Clover, but there are other reputable POS systems at varying price points. With a POS system you can set up a royalty program for your customers.This is one way to get your customers to come back to the tent. POS systems can also track which of your products are selling the best. This added feature can help you to purchase the best fireworks for the next season.

Staff Training

Having a well trained staff will help you sell more fireworks. Especially with seasonal staff it is difficult for them to know every product and its performance. A good place to start is having your staff know the difference between the different product categories such as 500 Gram Cakes, Missiles, Tubes, etc. After they know each category that you carry in your tent the next step is knowing what the products do. This is another time that your price tags descriptions may come in handy. Having the description of the firework’s performance on the price tag will help your employees become more knowledgeable of each product.

During downtime at the tent have your staff watch videos of the fireworks you have in stock. You can find the full catalog of videos here . Having a knowledgeable staff will help your tent run more smoothly.

Be sure to have plenty of staff able to work over the 4th of July holiday. It is also important to have an overnight person who stays to watch over the tent.

Product Placement

Where and how you place your products is very important. The first step is making sure that each product is within its own category. This makes it easier for your customers to find what they are looking for. Another strategy

Place impulse buys, such as novelties near the registers. While your customers are waiting in line they are more likely to pick up an extra item or two.

Make sure you know where the sun hits the inside of your tent. While most of your product will be covered there will be times the sun creeps in. Stay away from keeping your large assortments in this area. The heat from the direct sunlight will cause moisture within the package.

Interested in selling fireworks out of a tent? We at Spirit of ‘76 have been operating a fireworks tent for more than 30 years. Our tent manager Brannon has listed some key tips to consider before getting started.

Want more advice? We asked seasoned retailers what mistakes they’ve made and lessons they’ve learned over the years – read the post here .

In the area during 4th of July selling season? Check out the Spirit of ’76 seasonal tent for yourself in Columbia, MO at exit 121 off I-70, across the street from the Spirit of ’76 retail store and wholesale office.

Where You Should Sell Fireworks

One of the biggest questions people have when they want to start a fireworks business is ‘Where should I sell fireworks?’ or ‘How do I find a location to sell fireworks?’. This step may be easier than you think! Follow our guide below to help you choose and secure a location to sell fireworks.

Location is a very import consideration when determining where to sell fireworks – especially for seasonal retailers. If you don’t have any land or your land is remote – don’t worry. Most fireworks retailers don’t own the land where they sell. For seasonal sales it is usually better to rent a spot than to purchase land with the sole purpose of selling fireworks. 

So how do you determine the best location? There are four very important attributes to take into consideration when choosing where to set your retail location:

1) Traffic

2) Visibility

3) Ease of access

4) Cost

Traffic is something that you may be able to estimate if you are familiar with an area. You probably know which intersections in your town are the most difficult during rush hour, or where popular attractions pull a lot of cars. These are good places to start. Another option is to find a traffic count for roads in your area.

A traffic count is the average number of cars that pass a point in a 24-hour period. Most states record this information for planning and maitenance. For example the links below show maps of Texas and Missouri. For Texas, just zoom in on an area of interest to find out how many cars pass a spot each day. For Missouri, choose the region your are interested in and zoom in on the corresponding map.

Texas traffic counts

Missouri traffic counts

For other states, just Google “traffic count (state)” and you should find the right information on the first page. Other places to look are ArcGIS and Kalibrate.

Visibility should be your next consideration. Now that you have an area picked out take a look on Google Earth, or better yet, drive around to get a feel of traffic flow. This exercise will allow you to SEE what sticks out and were people will be able to see a tent or stand. Locations at an intersection typically have the most visibilty. However this can hinder ease of access.

Ease of access is simply how easy it is for customers to get to your location. A location may have great visibility, but if cars have to drive a mile past and come back, it will reduce the number of potential customers willing to make the trip. It may also mean that cars who see you first end up driving past to a competitor’s location. 

Parking is rolled into ease of access. If you can only park 10 cars, then you are unlikely to ever have more than 10 customers at a time. If there is a large field or shared parking lot for your customers, it will entice them to pull in. 

Cost can be a make or break decision for a location. If you have sold fireworks before, you may have a good idea of what a location costs. For new retailers, this is a big question. ‘How much should I pay for a location?’ is a very frequent question and one that is not easily answered. Here are a few things to consider:

 – $500 – $1,000 is a good starting place. This is what many of our customers pay for the busiest intersection in a very small town. 

 – $5,000 – $10,000 is not uncommon for high-traffic areas with a history of solid fireworks sales.

 – Liability is the largest concern for the owner. Ask your sales rep how we can extend insurance coverage to you and the land owner. 

Selling Fireworks In Iowa

Want to know how to sell fireworks in Iowa ? You have come to the right place! Spirit of ’76 has the information and the product you need to get started. Here are the things you need to start your fireworks business in Iowa.

How to Sell Fireworks in Iowa

Now is a great time to start planning for your Iowa fireworks business. For the first time since the 1930s, the state of Iowa is allowing the sale of fireworks to the public. Here at Spirit of ’76, we share your excitement and we are ready with the information and great fireworks to help you get started!

The Fireworks

Spirit of ’76 is the go-to place when you’re looking for a wide range of unique fireworks that are truly the best in the biz. While other wholesale companies are planning on opening retail fireworks stores in Iowa, Spirit of ’76 will not be doing so. Instead, we’re offering you the chance to sell products from some of the best lines available:

•      ’76 Pro Line

•      Brothers

•      Cannon

•      Firehawk

•      Mighty Max

•      Shogun

•      Sky Bacon

•      Winda

Each of our products include a description, packing, weight and most include a video preview. Choose a category to the left to start learning more about our products, call us at 573-447-1776 to discuss your fireworks needs.

Let Us Help You Sell Fireworks

The professionals at Spirit of ’76 have some of the best marketing tools available to help ensure your success selling fireworks in Iowa. We want to help you help your customers pick the perfect products for their needs.

A few of the things we offer are:

•      Price Tags – We have price tags that include a picture and description of each item.

•      Barcodes – We offer barcodes for your order to help program your cash registers and/or POS devices.

•      Advertising and Promotional Materials – Banners, table bunting, giant inflatables and even LED scrolling signs are just a sampling of what we have available to get your fireworks business noticed.

To find out more about these tools and the other ways in which we can help you sell fireworks, contact one of our friendly Spirit ’76 representatives .

Location, Location, Location

Finding just the right spot to set up your business is a crucial element of selling fireworks. In order to pull in customers, high visibility and easy access are two of the keys to success. Busy intersections, high traffic areas, and locations with highway frontage are prime spots to get noticed and sell your fireworks.

Start looking for a location as soon as possible. If you can find a business owner with extra space or land that can accommodate you during the selling season, they will usually rent it to you – if it doesn’t interfere with their own business and traffic. Don’t be discouraged if your first choice says no, your second pick just might say yes.

Fireworks Insurance

When starting a business selling fireworks it is important to protect yourself, your family, and your business from liability issues. Spirit of ’76 has the ability to extend our premises and product liability coverage to include your business and if necessary, the owner of the property where you’re selling fireworks. One of our account executives will be happy to tell you more about this feature.

Licenses Needed to Sell Fireworks in Iowa

In order to sell fireworks in Iowa, you will need to get at least two licenses:

•      Business License – Selling anything to the public requires you to get a business license and to collect sales tax. You can find the forms you need to start your Iowa fireworks business at this site: https://tax.iowa.gov/starting-business .

•      Retail Fireworks License – You must get a retail license to sell fireworks in Iowa from the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office. More information is available here: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/

It’s a good idea to check with your local city or county government as well. Make sure they don’t have any other regulations or required fireworks permits you need to have before setting up your fireworks stand.

Take the Next Step

With a staff who has over 50 years of combined experience in the fireworks business, Spirit of ’76 can help get you started. Want to learn more? Call us today at 573-447-1776 or email us now at [email protected] with any comments, questions or product needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Click here to read more about Selling Fireworks For Beginners .  

Become A Fireworks Retailer: Selling Fireworks For Beginners

Want to make money selling fireworks? This information should help guide you through the process of your new project. Below is a checklist for you to go through to help you plan and start your business. We also have a list of items that we, Spirit of 76 Fireworks will be able to provide including materials, advice and other items to build a successful fireworks retail business.


Finding a Location

The first rule of selling fireworks is location, location, location. Find a high-traffic area with easy access and egress, and plenty of parking for cars. Make sure it is legal at the state, county, and city level to sell fireworks at your desired location. You may have to search for areas just outside of city limits to comply with local laws.

If you already own a suitable piece of property, you are way ahead of the game. Most fireworks retailers are not so fortunate and sign a lease for the use of property during a given time frame. In this case, try to get a multi-year agreement or right of first refusal for future years so that competitors cannot take your location after you have built up a reliable customer base. 

Typical costs to lease a location for the 4th of July season varies widely, mostly based on traffic and income of the local neighborhood. A typical arrangement would be $1000 for the season plus insurance to cover the property owner (available through Spirit of ’76), though premium locations could go as high as $10,000 just for rent. If you cannot agree to a price or have difficulties contacting the land owner, reach out to neighboring and adjacent properties. 
 

Selecting the Fireworks

Buying product to fill your shelves is going to take up a big portion of your budget. The experts at Spirit of ’76 would be happy to help guide you through the product selction process. Below are some general guidelines on the cost to fill a location

Minimal budget – $5,000 – $7,000. This is for low-risk, low-budget new retailers. This will give you a decent variety of products with a little bit of back up on popular items. Typical location size 20X30 tent or 8-16’ stand.

Middle seasonal budget $12,000-20,000. This give you more variety and back stock for promotional and popular items. Typical location size 30’X40’-40’X60’ tent or 16’-32’ stand.

Large seasonal location $30,000-50,000. This is for high traffic, high demographic locations. Location size 60X100+ tent and multiple stands.

Large year-round retail store – $50,000+. This all depends on size of location, but if you are thinking to have a monster store 6,000 sq ft or more you will need a large budget to fill the location for your year around needs. 

Budgeting

Before entering any business venture, you should get a handle on expected costs to make sure you have enough cash flow to cover expenses. Below are a list of costs you should consider when creating your budget:

  • Tent or stand cost (renting is typically the best situation for new retailers)
  • Land lease
  • POS (cash registers/scanners/cash drawers)
  • Tables and chairs
  • Shelving and displays
  • Employees
  • Security
  • Fireworks
  • Insurance  

Permits and Licenses

Most fireworks retail permits and licenses are ran through the state fire marshal’s office. You can call or visit the state fire marshal’s website to find out how to apply for your license.   Some states have deadlines and a process period. We recommend getting the permit process done as early as possible.  You will also be required to have a federal and state tax ID for your business.
  

Staffing

Hire trusted staff. Family is a great place to start. Teachers are also a great source of staffing, They typically have summers and New Year’s off, and possess management and organizational skills.  Having a resident pyro on staff is always handy. Someone enthusiastic and knows fireworks will help sell more product. You and your staff can learn a lot about our product by watching videos on our YouTube channel or attending one of our fireworks demos . 

Hire staff that can work holidays. Typically your busiest days are the day of the holiday.  Train staff on all procedures, registers, floor sells, and fireworks safety.
 

Tent Rental or Buying

Fireworks Stands or roadside stands are popular in southern states like Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. They are also an option for states that do not allow sales from tents. Stands allow the retailer to fully close and lock up at night and lessen the need for overnight security.

Fireworks Tents are popular for areas that allow inside sales on a non-permanent location.

Renting a tent for first year retailers is advised. It gives you the option to test out the size of a tent, Renting a tent through a respected business also gives you comfort that the tent is set up professionally and it is insured if something happens.

Buying at tent is best if you are sure about the industry and size of the tent. This also gives you the option of renting the tent out for weddings and other events during the year.  Having a tent for retail will bring more of a need for overnight security. Many people sleep at their tent or pay staff to stay overnight during the season, while others opt to put all of their stock in a container overnight and restock each morning. 

Get Started Today

Want to become a fireworks retailer? We can help you get started – give us a shout .

Here’s why fireworks retailers choose Spirit of ’76 as their wholesale supplier…

Advanced online ordering on 76fireworks.com

  • Accurate online ordering system
  • Competitive pricing and downloadable  price lists  updated daily
  • Ability to save multiple shopping carts
  • Current product availability, and the ability to sign up for in-stock notifications
  • Detailed product descriptions and videos

Tools through your Spirit of ’76 account

  • Full order history
  • Downloadable invoice spread sheets (for inventory, pricing, profit analysis, etc)
  • Downloadable barcodes on invoices (to program POS)
  • Printable price tags with great product descriptions

Knowledgeable staff & fantastic customer service

Spirit of ’76 staff has over 50 years of retail and wholesale experience. Our account executives are ready to advise you at every step of the way, including advice on…

  • General business plan
  • Budget and retail location size
  • Product selection and  pricing
  • Marketing and advertising (old & new media)
  • Any topic listed on this checklist

Gain access to exclusive deals & resources

  • Our best wholesale pricing for your business needs
  • Further training on retail management
  • Promotional materials (banners, signs, etc) for your retail store
  • Full library of downloadable product performance videos
  • Attend live product demonstrations, which often include seminars on retail management and marketing