Now that you have finished your initial consultation and booked a client, it's time to start bringing the event to life in your studio. If you have access to the capital, have a business plan, AND have the know-how, it might be a great idea to get a physical location. If you're starting from scratch, have little money, or it's your first floral business venture, I recommend creating a strategy where you're working out of your home.
When we first started, we worked out of our basement and we didn't even have a cooler for our first few events! So how do you make the most of limited space and resources to help make a client's dreams for their big day come true?
Table of Contents:
How to Open a Flower Shop From Home
The Basics
Above all else, be sure to know and follow all local laws when setting up your florist business, whether on a storefront or in your home. We’ll be discussing the admin side of the business later in the series.
That aside, you're going to want to make sure you have space to work. If all you plan to do is bouquets and bouts, you can have a couple of tables and be done. If you are looking to do large or multiple events on a weekend, you'll want more elbow room.
We worked out of about 600 square feet of our basement each week. We have a few tables that we set up. As we grew in size, we had more team members coming to execute. You'll also want to have space for enough buckets to process your flowers.
One of the negatives of our space was that we had a flight of stairs to carry arrangements up to for transport. You'll want to make sure that you have a water source easily available and that your space can handle it. You'll also want to make sure that you can wash buckets. A commercial sink would help things, but we didn't use one until we renovated our new place. If you're at home, be sure you take a write-off of the space that you use as a business office.
If you're getting a physical location, be sure to add that into your math of what you need to profit each month. Also, be sure that you can easily paint if needed as well as load your vehicle. At our current location, we have to drive the vehicle on the sidewalk to load up the van. It's not optimal but it works.
Maximizing Space
You'll want to make sure you have some sort of shelving for your rentals. This won't be a big deal if you're starting from scratch. However, as you invest in rental items, you'll find your space filling up quickly.
If you have a storefront with only a little bit of storage space, you may want to consider shrinking your customer area so that you can have more room for storage. We have some florists on Curate who have an entire warehouse of stuff. In our new space, we actually have all of our storage in our basement below our shop.
Be sure to have a ribbon rack. You can get one as simple as a rod from IKEA to put your ribbon on. You'll also want to have some organization drawers for your odds and ends like your hot glue gun, tape, pearl pins, etc.
Cooler
Photo credit: KPS Global
During our first weddings, we actually didn't even use a cooler. In fact, we know of some flower shop owners that have no cooler at all. Incredible that it can be done! Some of this depends on your climate or if your space is in a cool area. We did use a portable cooler unit for the flowers.
Our cooler was our first big purchase. We bought a display case cooler on Craiglist from a bankruptcy situation. Unfortunately, a florist went and bought a great storefront and a nice cooler and didn't end up with enough business to sustain themselves. That's a warning in itself! We did benefit from it though and used the cooler for several years.
In our new shop, we have an 8'x8' cooler installed. We purchased it new and it was one of the biggest upgrades that we had in getting a new shop. Currently, it's served us well, even though we don't have any shelves in it yet. The shelves will dramatically increase our storage room.
We’ve heard raving reviews about the Coolbot as well. We have some Curate users who have some very large cooler spaces that use it. In all honesty, it would have saved us a couple thousand had we decided to just build out a room in our shop space and use the Coolbot. While we're good with our decision to get a traditional floral cooler, definitely do the math on what is going to work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make money owning a flower shop?
Yes, you can make money owning a flower shop, especially if you strategically manage your business operations and leverage modern tools. Running a florist shop can be a profitable venture if you diversify your revenue streams.
Expanding beyond a physical store, you can tap into the growing trend of online flower delivery businesses. Utilizing ecommerce platforms allows you to reach a wider customer base and offer convenient services such as same-day delivery.
To increase your chances of success, establishing a strong online presence is crucial. Use social media platforms to showcase your floral arrangements, promotions, and customer testimonials. Engaging content and targeted ads can help attract new customers and retain existing ones. Additionally, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly website can enhance your online visibility and improve customer experience.
What is the best form of ownership for a flower shop?
The best form of ownership for a flower shop is a sole proprietorship. This form allows you to own the business entirely, giving you complete control over operations and decisions. A sole proprietorship is particularly advantageous for a flower business due to its simplicity and low startup costs.
It requires minimal paperwork and allows you to report business income and expenses on your tax return, reducing the complexity of accounting. As you own the business, you directly benefit from all profits, making it an ideal structure for those starting a flower shop and wanting to manage their own business independently.
Who is the target market of a flower shop?
The target market of a flower shop encompasses a diverse range of potential customers within the floral industry. This includes individuals purchasing flowers for personal occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Additionally, businesses seeking floral arrangements for corporate events or office décor also contribute to the market share.
Wedding planners, event organizers, and funeral homes represent another significant customer segment. The floral industry also targets hospitality sectors like hotels and restaurants, which regularly use flowers to enhance their ambiance. Overall, a flower shop aims to attract customers who appreciate the aesthetic and emotional value of fresh flowers and floral arrangements.
Where do florists make the most money?
Florists make the most money in areas with high demand for flower arrangements, such as urban centers and affluent neighborhoods. Retail flower shops thrive by providing fresh flowers for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and holidays.
Partnering with funeral homes for memorial services and corporate events also generates significant income. Potential clients in these settings often require customized arrangements and are willing to pay premium prices. Additionally, leveraging online sales and delivery services can expand the customer base, increasing overall revenue. High visibility and strategic partnerships are key to maximizing earnings in the floral industry.
Profit margins in the flower industry can be significant, especially during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. A well-run florist shop can also serve as a side hustle, generating additional income alongside your main job.
By carefully managing inventory, negotiating with suppliers, and providing excellent customer service, you can maximize profits and create a thriving business. Thus, with the right approach, owning a flower shop can indeed be a lucrative endeavor.
What equipment do florists need?
Florists need several essential tools to create stunning floral arrangements. Wire cutters are crucial for trimming floral wire and stems, ensuring precise cuts and optimal shaping. Floral foam provides a great way to secure flowers in arrangements, while floral tape and wire help stabilize and support stems.
Pruning shears are essential for cutting thicker stems and branches. A good pair of scissors is also necessary for cutting ribbons and smaller stems. Additionally, vases, containers, and floral preservative solutions are important for maintaining the freshness and longevity of the arrangements. These tools enable florists to craft beautiful, professional-quality floral designs.
More to Come
Now that you have your space set up, keep an eye out for next week's article on executing an event, including how to find a wholesaler or local provider and how to transport your flowers to the event.
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When we were first getting started with our St. Louis floral shop, back in the days before Curate was even an idea, we set up an advanced Excel Recipe Spreadsheet that was a good stopgap measure until we needed a professional tool. We know that not every professional florist is in a place where they need the superpowers of Curate so we're sharing an updated version of that Excel Recipe Spreadsheet with you to help you until you're ready for a tool made for the florist industry.