Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying customers actually come from
Customers come from a mix of local contacts and public discovery. The most reliable early sources are people you already know - neighbours, friends, family and colleagues who need help with birthdays, small corporate events or community gatherings. Workplaces and schools frequently hire organisers for staff events, graduation parties, class celebrations and after-work gatherings. Community centres, local associations and sports clubs look for organisers for seasonal events.
Online search and social media matter too. People will search for event services by town or by the type of event, and a clear online presence helps you be found. Word of mouth remains strong in smaller towns and rural areas - one well-run event can lead to referrals. The Websta marketplace brings buyers who browse by service and place, and people can post a task for providers nearby to make offers.
- Neighbours, friends and family
- Workplaces and colleagues
- Schools, kindergartens and student groups
- Local community centres and associations
- Online search, marketplaces and social media
- Word of mouth and referrals
How to set a first price and talk about money
Start by adding up your direct costs and the time you expect to spend. Include venue-related costs, materials, subcontractors, transport and a reasonable hourly rate for planning, on-the-day coordination and post-event tasks. Be explicit about what is included - how many hours, which services, who supplies equipment - and what costs are extra.
When you talk about money, use a written quote or a checklist-style proposal. State a total price and the payment terms - deposit, final payment and acceptable methods. Ask for a deposit to secure the date and reduce last-minute cancellations. If a client asks to negotiate, be prepared to remove optional services to hit their budget instead of simply lowering your base price.
- Calculate direct costs + your time
- Offer written quotes that list included items
- Require a deposit and set clear payment terms
- Negotiate by changing scope, not by cutting basic fees
What the first ten customers usually look like
The first ten paying customers are often a mix of small, local gigs rather than large corporate clients. Expect private parties, children’s birthdays, small office events, community fundraisers or one-off collaborations with photographers, florists or entertainers. Many first clients come from your personal network and local groups. Early bookings are typically local and practical - you will build trust and references from these smaller events.
Keep expectations realistic: early work is about building a portfolio and references. Document events with photos and short client notes you can use when marketing your services later.
- Private parties and birthdays
- Small office or staff events
- School or kindergarten celebrations
- Community fundraising or local club events
- Collaborative gigs with other local suppliers
What to sort out when taking money as an independent person
Rules about tax, registration and invoicing are important and can change. Check with the State Revenue Service - Valsts ieņēmumu dienests (VID) - about whether you should register as a self-employed person or a company, how to report income, and when VAT registration is required. Ask VID what records you need to keep, how often to submit reports and how social contributions apply to your income.
If you plan to use a platform or accept card payments, check with your bank and with the payment provider about payout timing and fees. For any questions about permits for public events or use of public spaces, contact your local municipality. If you are unsure which registrations apply to the size or frequency of your work, ask each authority what thresholds and reporting obligations you need to meet.
- Ask VID about registering, tax reporting and social contributions
- Ask your bank or payment provider about payouts and fees
- Check local municipality rules for permits or public space use
- Keep clear invoices and records of expenses and receipts
What tends to go wrong in the first months
Common early problems include undercharging, scope creep, unclear contracts and late payments. Underestimating time for planning or for running the event makes small jobs unprofitable. Scope creep happens when clients add requests during the event without agreeing on extra fees. Logistics problems - double bookings, missing equipment or unreliable suppliers - are also frequent.
Reduce risk by using simple written agreements, confirming details by message or email, taking a deposit, and keeping a checklist for each event. Test equipment and confirm arrival times with suppliers before the event. Keep buffer time in your schedule for travel and unexpected tasks.
- Underpricing and not charging for extra time
- No written agreement about scope and changes
- Supplier no-shows or equipment failures
- Poor time management and double bookings
How a Websta profile fits into your work
A Websta profile is a single page you can send to clients that lists your services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. It also sits in the marketplace where people nearby search by service and place. On Websta the category is "event organisers" and your listing can appear under /marketplace/events.
Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe, and you set your prices. Use the profile as a public portfolio and as a booking page so clients have clear information and a simple way to pay. A consistent profile reduces the time you spend answering the same basic questions.
- A page that looks like a website with services and photos
- Online booking and a contact form to capture leads
- Payments paid out to your bank account through Stripe
- Appears in Websta category "event organisers" and /marketplace/events
Practical first steps and a short checklist
Start locally and keep the first events simple. Build folders with templates - a written quote, a short agreement, an equipment checklist and an example invoice. Take photos at events and ask satisfied clients for a short reference you can show on your profile. Track time and costs so you can adjust pricing after a few events.
Use the checklist below each time you prepare for a job. Over time, adjust your pricing and processes based on real costs and how clients pay.
- Prepare a quote template and a simple agreement
- Take photos and collect short references
- Ask for a deposit and confirm logistics in writing
- Track time and expenses after every event to refine pricing
Frequently asked questions
- How do I set my first price as an event organiser in Latvia?
- Start by calculating direct costs plus an hourly rate for your planning and on-the-day time. Add travel and subcontractor fees. Present a written quote that lists what is included and require a deposit to secure the date.
- Do I need to register as a business to do event organising work?
- Consult the State Revenue Service - Valsts ieņēmumu dienests (VID) - about registration, tax reporting and social contributions. Ask VID which form of registration fits the scale and frequency of your work and what records you must keep.
- How do I get my first clients for event organising?
- Start with your personal network, local schools, workplaces and community groups. Use social media and marketplaces. A clear one-page profile with services, photos and booking reduces friction and helps people decide quickly.
- Can I accept card payments through Websta?
- Yes. Card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. You set your prices and use the profile to accept bookings and payments.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
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