A business plan for lighters is a basic document intended to illustrate the ability of a lighter manufacturer to operate profitably, typically over a space of five years. Existing companies in this industry will include a past performance assessment (a collection of profit and loss statements and balance sheets) along with a company history section that talks about their success in the space to date. Not all companies are as big as Bic, but no matter how big your brand, you should be able to make a compelling case for your continued success. The pro forma model you'll need ought to project 3-5 years of revenues and expenses and should ultimately include a cash flow analysis, break-even point (provided you seek a capital infusion), and a complete look at “Year 1†by month in the appendix. A lighter company should also have answers to all of the following:
• What is your customer base like?
• How has the industry fared in recent years?
• How many staff people do you have now, and at what wages?
• What are the growth sectors for you?
• How do you market yourself currently?
The marketing component should also talk about how you might expand your advertising horizons, particularly if you have a low profile right now. The Internet, print ads, and television all provide excellent media for getting your message across. What is your point or sale signage like? Do you have any partnerships that can help promote your products? Are you focused entirely on smokers, or is there a domestic market niche you can explore? These are good questions to look into as you write your business plan. The market need may be obvious, but the more “outside the box†thinking you do the better your chance of success. Need help with this plan? MasterPlans is the industry leader in business plan creation and we can help you write this document. Call 877-453-2011 now.
