How to Start Your Own Florist Business
There’s a big market for floral arrangements, from the small romantic ones to the big ones that adorn tables at weddings and large corporate events. For that reason, starting a florist business can be pretty lucrative as well as giving you an outlet for your creativity. However, like any business endeavor, there are some things to think about before you embark on your new journey. Remember, you can always find a business broker with experience and buy an existing florist business; this way you won’t have to start from scratch and you can implement the following tips to make that business thrive. Here are some steps to starting your own florist business.
Create a Unique Brand
To be successful, you’re going to need to stand out. That means creating a brand that’s different from the competition. That includes your business name, any icons or clip art that go with your brand, your floral offerings and the look and feel of your shop and your website. You want to be memorable in a good way so start by coming up with a concept that isn’t already being used.
Do Your Research and Sell Something Better
If you want to make it in the floral business, you need an edge. That means selling something that can’t be found anywhere else. That might mean the types of arrangements you sell or the types of flowers you source. Whatever it is, make sure you have something that the others don’t have so that your customers keep coming back time and time again. Do a lot of research about what floral customers want and stay on top of the trends so you’re always the most popular and most relevant floral shop in town.
Offer Free Shipping (with a Branded Van)
Customers love free shipping so go ahead and give it to them. But make it work in your favor by having all floral deliveries made in a branded van so you’re getting your name out there with every drop off. A great place to find out more about getting a company van is intelligentvanleasing.com. They offer flexible leases from short to long term which is useful during the fledgling season of your new business.
Use Creative Marketing
Your marketing strategy is another easy way to stand out from the rest. Using music and images in your advertisements is one way to get creative when you market your products. Other ideas include attention grabbing promotions that make good use of photographs, videos and other graphics. Creative services and unique products are another way to really sell your new business and get your name out there. Your shop’s display is another place to really get creative – treat it like a showroom and really prove what you can do.
Great Customer Care
The way you treat your customers is of vital importance when you run your own business. To be truly successful and keep them coming back for more, you’ve got to offer the best customer service in the floral industry. Make sure your staff are each well trained on the products you offer and teach them to solve problems and offer incentives to keep customers happy and satisfied.
