How to Start an Etiquette Training Business

Start an etiquette training business by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your Etiquette Training Business
2. Form your Etiquette Training Business into a Legal Entity
3. Register your Etiquette Training Business for Taxes
4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
5. Set up Accounting for your Etiquette Training Business
6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Etiquette Training Business
7. Get Etiquette Training Business Insurance
8. Define your Etiquette Training Business Brand
9. Create your Etiquette Training Business Website
10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your etiquette training business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Etiquette Training Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening an etiquette training business?

If you're doing everything online, the costs will be minimal. You can get started with just your computer, a professional website, and an advertising budget. If you choose to conduct business in person, you’ll need to rent space to conduct your lessons in. You may also need a small business license, which can range in price based on where you are. Owners will typically need to budget practice events as well so students can show off their skills in a real-life situation. This may involve renting out a formal banquet hall and hiring caterers. You should also invest in an excellent website, or potentially even print media (flyers, etc) to get the word out about the new business.

What are the ongoing expenses for an etiquette training business?

The expense can climb quickly, depending on the types of events you offer. Here are some examples of ongoing expenses your business might have:

• Rental/leasing costs for the space
• Marketing/website upkeep
• Office software
• Fine food, linens, and glasses for formal dinners
• Staff salaries
• Handouts/booklets for students
• Teaching materials to certify instructors
• Ongoing etiquette training

Who is the target market?

Typically the people you’re looking for will be in the professional world, attending college, or families who want their children to learn proper manners. Technically, this could be anyone, but you'll find typically find the most demand with the more affluent members of society. You should also offer a way for interested parties to obtain their own formal certification as well.

How does an etiquette training business make money?

These businesses make money by charging people for lessons, or for charging event fees which also includes the instruction. Etiquette training can be marketed to colleges, families, businesses, and individuals. You may also want to consider opening up a franchise branch from an established company, such as The Etiquette School of Singapore.

How much can you charge customers?

This is a specialty area, so your prices will likely reflect the need for the skill in the area. Schools for children may charge about $6,000 per child for a 6-month course. Business lessons may run a company about $1,000 per person, depending on the level of instruction. Online courses will typically be much less, or around $500 for a comprehensive course. Check on the competition’s prices before setting those of your own.

How much profit can an etiquette training business make?

Etiquette training businesses can make quite a bit of profit, so long as they have enough clients. If you have 20 children take a class at $6,000 per person and you spend $3,000 per person on salary and supplies, that's still $60,000 profit for 6 months. The good news is that most etiquette trainers will only need to spend for formal events that have already been scheduled and paid for.

How can you make your business more profitable?

The best way to make a business more profitable is to expand the definition of etiquette. From online and video communications to how to dress, there are a number of questions people have that need to be answered. Each situation may have its own particular quirks, so these answers won’t be readily found online. Market your services as one-of-a-kind, and constantly be on the lookout for the next medium of communication!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your etiquette training business is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an etiquette training business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office.
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is good for someone who understands how and why we use formal behavior to signify the meaning of certain events. An instructor can be successful though even if they only specify in one event, such as teaching Americans how to eat continental style. To really exceed and expand the business, entrepreneurs should have a background and interest in their chosen field to give the best possible advice and instruction to their students.

What happens during a typical day at an etiquette training business?

Owners may have the following agenda for their day.

• Marketing etiquette to groups or individual clients
• Maintaining an up-to-date website
• Creating lesson plans for each class
• Coordinating and planning formal practice events
• Ongoing education about new customs or changes to business etiquette

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful etiquette training business?

You don't necessarily need a formal training certificate to open this business, but it may help your credibility when trying to attract talent and clients. Being personable will help you build an etiquette workshop or training business, as you’ll likely be doing some of the teaching. You’ll also need to have a real eye for detail, and a love of coaching people to help them find their best selves. Owners also need to be willing to adjust their seminars based on client wishes and demands. Parents may be much more interested in teaching their children what they can and can't post online to maintain their reputation, so you may need to offer more specialty courses and single classes.

What is the growth potential for an etiquette training business?

It is highly depends on where you’re located, but the need is out there. You can also offer online programs to expand your services further if there is little interest in your own community. Most companies or colleges do not need a full-time etiquette trainer, so you need to find a variety of clients to hit your revenue goals.