Did you know that the online floral industry in the US is worth around $5 billion? If there was ever a time to get into the floral industry, it is now. However, starting a flower shop is not as easy as it seems.
Starting a flower shop or business requires careful planning, powerful marketing abilities, and an understanding of the pros and cons of the industry. This article will focus on the 5 best ways to start a floral business so you are prepared from the get-go.
1. Create A Business Plan
First things first, get your business plan prepared. A business plan is your go-to guide for success and contains all the essential information to start your floral business. A business plan includes your business name, target audience, goals and objectives, and future plans.
A business plan provides an overview of your business to investors or funding groups, stating how you will operate and the actionable steps you will take to achieve your goals. Moreover, it also includes a detailed report of your finances, i.e., your pricing and sustainability plans. No need to create a 20+ page business plan now and days you can do a business model canvas which can help you envision your plan and needs on one page.
2. Choose A Location
When starting a floral business, the next thing to do is choose a location. Ideally, you need to be near marketplaces and cafes, where there is heavy footfall. Make sure your storefront looks enticing by displaying substantial floral arrangements and bouquets.
Moreover, in this day and age, you need to have a website for your floral business. Make sure the design is sleek, modern, and user-friendly, and entice customers through early-bird discounts and coupons. A website is also a great way to showcase user-generated content.
Considering the world wide web, social media platform and networking- you may not need a location and basically start from home at first or forever.
3. Buy The Essentials
Now, you need to gather the right floral equipment. You will need a variety of tools and equipment to make specific floral arrangements, such as:
- Floral knife
- Thorn strippers
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Sharp clippers
- Floral foam and floral wire
- Buckets and vases
- Refrigerator to keep flowers fresh and increase their shelf life.
4. Find A Miami And South Florida Wholesaler
Once you have set up shop and bought the essentials, it is time to source the main product, the flowers; the best way to buy flowers in Miami is to find local wholesale suppliers. You can market yourself as a local grower and support the local economy. Miami has multiple flower wholesalers, such as Berkeley Florist Supply (BFS).
BFS is the oldest and largest wholesale shop in Miami and is a go-to for florists and designers. They carry many flowers, such as roses, calla lilies, cymbidium orchids, anemones, peonies, and preserved flowers. They also have floral tools and essentials.
5. Market Your Business
Whether you have an online floral shop or a brick-and-mortar store, marketing is essential for success. You can try the following marketing techniques to widen your reach:
- Start a florist blog and educate your audience.
- Upload high-quality photos on your website.
- Offer discounts and coupons.
- Offer high-quality customer service and quick delivery for special orders.
- Collaborate with industry leaders and in events.
- Create a customer persona
And that’s it for our guide to starting a flower shop. There’s no guarantee in the floral industry, but following these steps will ensure that you have a good foundation for your floral endeavors.