No Fourth of July celebration is complete without a fireworks show. Demand in America for fireworks has been growing over the last ten years. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, revenues from fireworks doubled from 1998 to 2008. However, if you are going to be putting on a professional fireworks show as an entertainer or are simply planning a large party, you should know that you can save a lot of money buying fireworks wholesale.
Research the laws in your state. Fireworks are highly regulated by state and federal agencies. Federal laws apply to all locations in the United States, but state laws can vary dramatically. Regardless, all states allow some degree of wholesale purchasing so long as you have all the correct licenses and permits. The American Pyrotechnics Association has a brief overview of laws from each state.
Obtain all licenses, permits and facilities needed to purchase and store fireworks. Again these will vary depending on location and activities involved in using fireworks. Local zoning laws may require permits for a fireworks show. Many states require training and licenses for those operating fireworks. There are also permits needed for transportation and special facilities needed for storage. Make sure that you are in full compliance before you begin purchasing wholesale.
Find a firework supplier. You can purchase wholesale from two places: either directly from a manufacturer or from a firework distributor. Distributors are usually a little more expensive, but they often provide their own transportation to your location, and they have a wider selection of fireworks since they purchase from a number of manufacturers and frequently deal with individuals and professionals who do not intend on reselling retail. That’s not to say that you won’t be able to purchase direct, but manufacturers will generally want you to buy in large quantities and provide your own transportation.
Locate a source of financing for your firework purchase. Usually, a credit card is all you need to begin buying wholesale, but you should be aware that many companies will offer trade credit to qualified buyers. Trade credit is essentially like an interest free loan for a specific term (usually 30 days). If you plan on making multiple purchases, this can be a very useful way of obtaining fireworks.
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Shaun Fowler is the author of a personal finance blog. He works full-time as a financial analyst while completing a Master of Business Administration in accounting.
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