The idea of starting your own business probably visited every person. And flower trade is considered a relatively profitable business, because without them it is difficult to imagine the holidays. What is the sale of flowers? A business plan should take into account even the smallest little things. So how to start trading and make it profitable?
Selling flowers: a business plan
Of course, first you need to deal with some little things. In particular, you need to draw up an accurate and detailed business plan:
- Explore sales market.
- Choose a place to buy goods.
- Execute the necessary documents.
- Find a place to rent.
- Purchase the necessary equipment and goods.
- Hire staff.
- Calculate the amount of starting capital.
- Conduct an advertising campaign.
If you are interested in how to start selling flowers, then you should know that every little thing is important when creating any business. This is the only way to make it truly profitable.
What documents will be needed to trade plants?
It should be noted right away that a license to sell flowers is not needed. Therefore, you just need to register either the LLC or the IP in the tax service. Individual entrepreneurship is suitable for you if you intend to work exclusively with individuals. This option has some advantages, in particular a simplified accounting system, as well as lower taxes.
If you are not the sole owner of the store, you plan to expand the business and cooperate with different companies, it is better to register a limited liability company.
Where to rent a room?
If you are planning to create a flower business, you should know that the location of your store is extremely important. Therefore, it is best to rent a room somewhere in a busy place, for example, in the central part of the city, in a tourist area, in a shopping center, etc.
Naturally, a room in a busy area will cost more. But the favorable location largely determines the success of trade.
Indeed, quite often people buy flowers impulsively, without planning it in advance. Therefore, it is important that your store is on the way of a person who is going to purchase a beautiful bouquet.
As for the store itself, it is desirable that it be spacious. Then buyers do not have to push around in a tiny room.
Try to arrange the flowers so that they are visible from anywhere in the store - so the client will have the opportunity to independently choose the best plants.
What equipment do you need to start?
As already mentioned, flowers are a commodity that quickly deteriorates. Therefore, you need to raise money in advance for the right equipment. Indeed, without it sale of flowers is simply impossible. The business plan should include the purchase of the following materials:
- First you need a refrigerator, as in the hot season it is important to keep the flowers fresh.
- But in the winter months, the main threat to the product becomes cold. Therefore, you need to purchase a special thermal curtain.
- In a store full of flowers, there must be an air conditioning system that will help create optimal temperature conditions at any time of the year.
- Do not forget about racks, tables for florists and other necessary for creating bouquets of furniture.
- Most likely, in addition to freshly cut flowers, you will also sell some other goods - they will also need furniture, such as shelves and shelves.
- To preserve flowers, buckets, vases, sprayers and some other devices are needed.
- By the way, make sure that the store has enough water.
- You will also need a cash register. By the way, as the business develops, when there are more and more regular customers, you will probably need a computer and special software. They will facilitate the process of tracking sales, as well as simplify the work of an accountant.
This is a list of major purchases. The rest of the things needed in the work, you can buy after the opening of the store.
Main consumables: what to buy?
Naturally, the main thing in your business is fresh, freshly cut flowers. Today, their market in our country is sufficiently developed, only 45% of the production comes to us from abroad. You just need to find a company that grows or delivers flowers, and draw up a contract with her. By the way, many organizations use a franchise of colors.
Many novice businessmen ask which plants to buy. According to statistical studies, roses are the most popular.
Chrysanthemums take the second place, and carnations take the third. Therefore, these flowers must be present in the assortment of your store.
Naturally, you can buy almost any plant that is useful for creating bouquets. And do not forget about the so-called seasonal - for several weeks (or even days) a year, snowdrops, anemones and tulips become especially popular.
Of course, selling flowers is a profitable business. But in order to increase income, it is worth thinking about creating compositions. For this purpose, it is best to hire an experienced, talented florist. He will create original bouquets from ordinary flowers - compositions are usually more expensive. In this case, you will need some materials: gift wrapping, paper, ribbons, bows, rhinestones and other decorations.
By the way, selling potted flowers is an interesting and profitable idea. Such plants are more expensive, and with proper care, you can save them for months. In addition, indoor flowers are popular gifts, because unlike cut flowers, they do not fade.
We hire workers
A flower business can be truly successful, but only with the right approach. It's no secret that the effectiveness of trade depends on the quality of service. Therefore, when interviewing future employees, first of all, pay attention to such qualities as sociability and courtesy.
First you need a seller, and a little later, a florist. If you can’t do bookkeeping, you’ll have to hire someone for this position (part-time). Additional staff may be needed when expanding a business such as selling flowers. The business plan in this case has its own characteristics.
About some of the nuances
As already mentioned, the sale of plants is often seasonal. Naturally, people buy bouquets every day, but there are times when flowers are in great demand.
This is mainly observed on special and holidays, for example, the first and last bell, graduation party, March 8 (do not forget to buy tulips, snowdrops and other spring flowers), as well as Valentine's Day, etc.
Always be ready for such holidays, buy more flowers, create inexpensive bouquets in advance, offer discounts. In a word, do everything in order to attract customers.
Weddings are another source of good income. Let your florist create bouquets for the bride. Boutonnieres of the groom and bridesmaids made of fresh flowers are becoming more and more popular - offer this service as well.
Ideas for Extra Income
Selling cut flowers and original bouquets is a lucrative business. But business, and, accordingly, profit, can always be raised to a new level. For example, over time, you can create a flower delivery service. This service is very popular among people who do not have time to run shopping, as well as among customers who want to surprise a loved one.
Along with indoor plants, you can always sell pots, fertilizers and other little things. Quite often, flower shops offer customers souvenirs. It can be figurines, caskets, photo frames, paintings, watches, artificial flowers and other gifts.
Selling flowers: advantages and disadvantages
When you start a new business, always a little scary. Therefore, many people are interested in the question of whether it is profitable to sell flowers. Yes, in this matter there are a number of significant drawbacks. To begin with, it should be noted that flowers are a product that deteriorates relatively quickly, so with not too successful trading, losses can be quite high. And the flower business is seasonal.
On the other hand, there are important advantages. In particular, some stores sell flowers with a margin of 200, or even 300%. In addition, such a business does not require a large start-up capital, any specific skills or great experience. With the right approach, selling flowers can be truly lucrative.
