Here is how you can.

Touching Base

If you plan to transform a plainly accessorised gift box into an appealing one, then it requires more than the basic bows and ribbons. It requires a good amount of creativity and innovation. Before you plan to start a business out of this hobby, be clear with how you can add value to a normally packaged gift.

But when it comes to stylised packaging it requires more thought and idea. You can perfect your basics of packaging or trimming and pasting fancywork by attending workshops or classes. Many people who run gift packaging businesses also conduct packaging classes. You can contact the nearest in your locality to find out if they do.

Also Read: What It Takes To Freelance

Raw Materials

It is always better to start small with say packaging of chocolates, or décor products for exhibitions. The raw materials will vary and depend upon the product and the occasion. Stock accordingly.

For example, if you were commissioned to pack 100 candles for an exhibition then you can either pack it in colourful cellophanes in fountain style with a ribbon holding up or in boxes and then accessorise it with colourful craft papers or bows and stick-ons.

Now for starters you can begin by stocking with basic packing material like colourful or plain coloured wrapping papers, ribbons, different shaped bows, glue, etc.

Investment

For starting small at least consider a basic capital of Rs. 5000. This will take care of your basic raw material needs plus extra if any. However, the investment amount will increase as and when you plan to expand the business.

Where to Buy

The raw materials like wrapping paper or boxes can be bought in bulk straight from the manufacturers at an overall discount of at least two to three percent.

Choosing a Niche

Begin slow and small. Start by packaging small items like chocolates or small gift items. Only after you have become comfortable and settled with the nitty-gritties of the business opt for creating a niche such as trousseau packing etc. You can start setting the foundation for a niche by doing samples of it once in a while.

Investing Time

Usually a simple styled packaging per product will take not more than 5 minutes. So if you are to work four hours daily you can set a target of 50 products per day. As you gain experience and fluency the time limit definitely gets shortened and your productivity will increase.