Although the idea of being a florist seems glamorous it
is hard work. The working hours are long and the competition fierce.
Opening an outfit is challenging not to mention the
physical labor and startup cost. Holiday periods are your busiest time
including weddings and special occasions.
Florists around the world are generally small business
outfits with few staff. Startup costs for a small florist business ranges
between $9000 to $55,000 depending on the size and location.
You need adequate capital to lease property, purchase
flowers, staff wages, permits and licenses. To reduce costs you can operate a
one man, home based florist business effectively eliminates property lease.
However reaching your customer base becomes more
challenging. You also need to determine mode of operation, part-time,
full-time, online or terrestrial.
Let’s look at the business overview, challenges, market
expectations and financial benefits associated with florist business.
Floriculture is huge in developed countries and accounts
for $100 billions in revenue worldwide. The industry is divided into three
sectors namely wholesalers, retailers and flower growers.
Florists deliver the products to customers either in transparent
packages or boxes. Major challenges in the industry are transportation and
flower mortality.
Top players in the flower industry are Germany, United
States of America and United Kingdom. More include Netherlands, Switzerland,
Italy and France. The major producers account for 75% of total flower sold
world wide.
There are also other vibrant markets with long history in
floral business such as India, Australia, South Africa, Thailand and North
America.
What
to Expect as a Florist
Passion for the job is the most important reason to start
a florist business. Learn the trade and develop your knowledge on flowers.
You could attend seminars, become a horticulturist or try
apprentice schemes. Floral arrangement is about creativity, passion and
dedication too the art form.
Be prepared to work long hours in an over saturated
industry. To succeed you need to focus on branding, originality with good
interpersonal skills.
Due to the perishable nature of flowers it is prudent to
purchase inventory based on demand. Another major challenge as a florist is
transportation and waste management.
Other challenges include startup funding, leasehold,
wages and marketing costs. The downside is that the product is not an essential
commodity.
There are peak periods only during festivities such as
Valentines Day and Christmas. Therefore diversifying your service to
accommodate weddings, anniversaries, funerals and corporate events is essential
for business survival.
Develop a unique marketing strategy for sustainable growth.
How to
Develop Floral Skills
Get formal training
On-job knowledge
Apprentice programs
Seminars
Trade show
Books
Online resources
Natural ability
Floral course
Florist
Equipment
Purchase only essential items to do the job. As your
business expands and clientele increase you can add inventory.
Common equipment found in a flower shop is various shaped
vases, buckets, secateurs and stands. Make sure your interior is beautiful, elegant
and flowers are properly arranged.
Startup
Costs
Startup costs depend on the size and scope of your
florist business. Things that require funding are rent, marketing, interior
design and flower purchase.
You can start a small florist business with $20,000.
Other financial considerations are transportation and accounting.
Apply for bank loans and present your business plan,
collateral and seed money. More things to factor are permits, business name
registration, insurance cover and taxes.
Location
and Staff
Choose a location in a commercial area with lots of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic. High-end locations cost more but attract
better patronage.
To reduce startup cost you could decide to run a home
based business. Reach customers by building a website targeted at your local
community.
Make sure the website is optimized and attractive.
Include contact information, dedicated phone number, lots of beautiful images,
prices, description and business location.
You could run a one man show or hire experienced
florists. Other staffs are driver, receptionist and account.
Stock
your Shop
Flowers have a very short lifespan and depreciate
rapidly. Put in place effective flower management and handling protocols.
Reduce wastage through stock rotation, temperature
controls and aggressive trade. Understand each flower requirements to reduce
capital loss.
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| Image Source-pixabay/vintage postcard |
Marketing
Flowers
To effectively market your business and gain patronage
carve a niche. Use branding techniques, lots of promotions and innovative
ideas.
Develop your style, vision and creativity. Use
traditional advertisement platforms such as print and signage boards. Offer
discounts, better prices and fun promotions to beat the completion.
