1. Executive Summary
Opportunity
Huntington Beach, known for its public bonfires, lacks an essential commodity: firewood. This presents a low-cost, high-margin opportunity to provide bundles of firewood to beachgoers at premium prices.
Business Model
- Service Offering: Conveniently packaged firewood bundles sold on-site.
- Target Market: Beachgoers, tourists, and locals using public bonfires.
- Revenue Potential: Bundles priced at $20 with estimated daily sales of 30–100 bundles.
Why It Works
- Immediate, in-demand product at a location with no competition.
- Low startup costs and minimal ongoing expenses.
- Scalability to other public bonfire beaches and outdoor event spaces.
2. Market Research
Target Audience
- Beachgoers: Families, couples, and groups looking to enjoy bonfires.
- Tourists: Out-of-towners unfamiliar with local firewood vendors.
- Local Residents: Individuals seeking convenience over sourcing firewood themselves.
Market Size
- Huntington Beach receives over 11 million visitors annually.
- Estimated 500 public fire pits with daily usage during peak seasons.
Competitive Landscape
- No current firewood vendors directly at the beach.
- Indirect competitors include gas stations, grocery stores, and hardware stores.
3. Business Model
Revenue Streams
- Firewood Bundles:
- Sell pre-packaged bundles for $20.
- Source firewood for $5–$7 per bundle, yielding a gross margin of 65–75%.
- Add-Ons:
- Lighter kits ($5–$10).
- Starter logs or kindling ($5).
- Premium Services:
- Offer bundle delivery directly to bonfire locations for an extra $5.
4. Marketing Plan
Cold Email Strategy
- Scraping Leads:
- Use tools to compile lists of local Airbnb hosts, hotels, and event planners.
- Cold Email Template:
Subject: Enhance Your Guests’ Bonfire Experience
Body:
Hi [Name],
We provide high-quality firewood bundles at Huntington Beach, perfect for bonfire nights. Partner with us to offer your guests a seamless and memorable beach experience. Let’s chat!
Social Media Strategy
- Instagram/Facebook:
- Post aesthetic photos of bonfires with captions like “Don’t miss out on the perfect beach night – we’ve got your firewood!”
- Use hashtags: #BeachBonfire, #HuntingtonBeachLife, #FirewoodReady.
- Collaborations:
- Partner with local influencers to promote the service.
- Google My Business:
- Optimize for local search terms like “firewood Huntington Beach.”
5. Operations Plan
Steps to Start
- Sourcing Firewood:
- Partner with local suppliers for bulk firewood purchases ($5–$7 per bundle).
- Transportation:
- Use a pickup truck or trailer for easy on-site delivery.
- Permits:
- Obtain necessary vendor permits from the city of Huntington Beach.
- Set Up:
- Mobile kiosk or branded tent near high-traffic areas.
Daily Operations
- Stock 100–150 bundles daily during peak season.
- Offer quick payment options (cash, Venmo, card readers).
Key Partnerships
- Airbnb hosts and local hotels to promote firewood bundles.
- Surf shops and rental businesses for cross-promotions.
6. Financial Projections
Startup Costs
Item |
Cost |
|---|---|
Initial Firewood Stock |
$1,000 |
Transportation Setup |
$1,500 |
Permits and Licenses |
$300 |
Marketing Materials |
$200 |
Miscellaneous |
$200 |
Total Startup Costs |
$3,200 |
Monthly Expenses
Expense |
Amount |
|---|---|
Firewood Restocking |
$2,000 |
Transportation (Fuel) |
$300 |
Permits and Fees |
$100 |
Marketing |
$200 |
Total |
$2,600 |
Revenue Potential
Metric |
Amount |
|---|---|
Average Bundles/Day |
50 |
Revenue per Bundle |
$20 |
Monthly Revenue |
$30,000 |
Monthly Profit |
$27,400 |
7. Scaling Plan
- Expand Locations:
- Target other beaches and outdoor recreation areas.
- Add Services:
- Include marshmallow roasting kits or portable beach chairs.
- Online Sales:
- Offer firewood delivery for local residents via an app or website.
8. Risks and Mitigation
Risk: Seasonal demand fluctuations.
- Solution: Diversify by selling to campsites or hosting backyard bonfire parties in off-season months.
Risk: Regulatory challenges.
- Solution: Secure permits and maintain compliance with fire safety regulations.
Risk: Competition entering the market.
- Solution: Build strong partnerships and brand loyalty through excellent customer service.
Conclusion
Selling firewood at Huntington Beach is a simple, low-cost, high-margin business idea that fulfills a clear need. With strong demand, minimal competition, and scalable opportunities, this business is poised for immediate and sustainable profitability.