If you want to open your own flower store, there are some basic rules you should consider and think about.
Do you like being surrounded by flowers?
This is one of the top reasons for opening a flower shop in the first place – the love for flowers. If you like their fragrance and look, if you don’t mind being surrounded by flowers on a daily basis, then this business could be the right for you. Having your own flower shop involves many things, even if you don’t grow the flowers yourself. You will need to take full care of them from the minute they are delivered until they are sold. You will have to water and feed them, trim them and learn more about them. You will also have to deal with customers and know how to be a good businessman. Owning a flower store is much more than just enjoying the beauty of flowers. It needs plenty of hard work every single day.
Are you ready to learn and evolve constantly?
The truth is that in order to succeed in this business you need to be ready to try new things and sell all sorts of flowers related products: pots, vases, greeting cards, balloons, wrapping paper and floral decorations. This business is all about what the customers want. If there is a demand for something you need to supply it. This is what will secure your place on the market. Moreover, make sure you find the time to read more about flowers, plants and growing. If you want to call yourself a florist, and be a successful one, you need to know the symbolism of flowers, their characteristics, care tips and many other things. It takes years to learn the basics, but as long as you want to learn, you will manage to. Remember that most people don’t know much about flowers and which type to choose for a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. That is when your professional help will be in much need.
Can you survive in this business?
One thing you need to know before you start is that the fluctuations on the market of flowers are big. In fact, there are only a few days in the year that are really busy and when you can generate the most profit. You need to be prepared for these big days and have fresh supply all day long. These days include: Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and a few smaller celebrations. Moreover, the weddings and proms season is also a time for making big revenue. This is when you need to work overtime, 7 days a week. Keeping in mind these basics of the business with flowers will help you decide whether it’s for you or not.
If you decide to try it anyway, then choose a good location and work on building a solid network with wedding and event planners, restaurants and hotels. These can be your biggest clients. Make sure your customer service is at a good level and try to keep up with the new things in the field. Offer occasional deals of the day and promotions, create a website and remember that advertisement is everything these days. Opening a flower shop is not as hard as you may thing, but remaining in the business is lots of hard work.
