By , Ashlea Halpern
Published August 03, 2016
"Floristry has been glamorized as a luxurious, hobby-like career. But we deal with 4 a.m. alarms, tired bodies, a perishable product and difficult clients. We work weekends and holidays -- especially holidays," says one of our experts, Heather Williams.
If you're looking to run a flower shop, here is some industry insight on what you will and won't need.
1. Multiple products or services.
Flower sales are heavily impacted by the economy and trends. Insulate yourself by diversifying: Offering door-to-door delivery; selling nonperishable goods like cards, candles and ceramics; building out your event portfolio; and hosting flower-arranging classes.
2. A resale certificate.
Depending on your state, it may be required to receive tax-free wholesale goods.
3. Relationships with local businesses.
Drop off a free arrangement once a week at a coffee shop or restaurant frequented by people you would like to be your customers. Just ask the manager to keep a stack of your business cards next to the arrangement and to pass along your name if guests ask.
4. Regular clients.
“In the beginning, I focused on acquiring weekly accounts with restaurants, hotels, residences and marketing agencies,” says Bess Wyrick. “It was easier to control my buying when I had standing orders.”
1. A floristry certification program.
It is not a legal requirement, and many of its teachings -- and types of flowers used -- are outmoded. You’re better off apprenticing with a skilled florist.
2. Lots of equipment, or a retail space.
To start, buy a fridge, a hardwood table, vases and pruning equipment, and build your brand from home.
3. A price that beats the supermarkets’.
Not possible. Don’t sweat it. “Supermarkets sell flowers,” says Amy Backman. “We offer an experience, design, expertise, quality and a range of uncommon flowers.”
$31.3 Billion
Amount Americans spent on “floriculture” items in 2015.
$150,000
What a startup flower shop might expect to make in sales in year one.
You couldn’t have a prettier product to push, so maximize its promotion via visual platforms.
A few ideas:
+Facebook Live
Take your followers behind the scenes to a wholesale market.
+Instagram
Show how to make an arrangement in 15 fast-forwarded seconds.
+Pinterest
Offer discounts to followers who tag your bouquets in a post.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/want-to-run-a-flower-shop-what-youll-need-and-what-you-wont