My name is Annie. I am here to learn more about the floral industry as my husband Mel and I are considering picking up a lease at a flower shop. I know nothing and need an education quickly.
Annie Briggs-Sweeney Intro
- Thread starter Annie Briggs-Sweeney
- Start date
dlnfloral
Beaches,Umbrella Drinks and Jimmy Buffett Are Call
You've come to the right place.Alot of info here and a quick education. As far as the floral biz goes - it's never dull and hang on it's a hell of a ride!
Let me ask you some questions Annie.
1) What is the appeal of a florist versus another type of business?
2) Are you prepared for the rigors of running a business?
3) Are you somewhat conversant with what constitutes good and bad floral design?
4) Are you prepared for the audacious whims, caprices,. and demands of a customer? a) Are you prepared to deal with a family seized in the grips of grief over the loss of a loved one? How about a mad Mother of the Bride because the hydrangeas were the wrong shade of pink? What of the demand of the upciming holiday.....florists like me, who have some years under our belt, know full well the rigors of working all night long, no sleep, no stopping, eat a bite, poke three flowers, eat another bite, waitin on the front, catch three phone calls, and still get that arrangement made?
5) Do you think this must be a 'fun business' as we get to 'play with flowers all day?
This isn't to deter you......just a little foreshadowing of the tumultuous business you are embarking on? In my 25 years in the industry.......it has never been harder than it is today to show a profit in this business. If you aren't an astute, knowledgeable, careful business person.......who is not afaid to consider our business just that.....a business...and not a hobby.....and work it as a business.....then this business is most likely not for you.
1) What is the appeal of a florist versus another type of business?
2) Are you prepared for the rigors of running a business?
3) Are you somewhat conversant with what constitutes good and bad floral design?
4) Are you prepared for the audacious whims, caprices,. and demands of a customer? a) Are you prepared to deal with a family seized in the grips of grief over the loss of a loved one? How about a mad Mother of the Bride because the hydrangeas were the wrong shade of pink? What of the demand of the upciming holiday.....florists like me, who have some years under our belt, know full well the rigors of working all night long, no sleep, no stopping, eat a bite, poke three flowers, eat another bite, waitin on the front, catch three phone calls, and still get that arrangement made?
5) Do you think this must be a 'fun business' as we get to 'play with flowers all day?
This isn't to deter you......just a little foreshadowing of the tumultuous business you are embarking on? In my 25 years in the industry.......it has never been harder than it is today to show a profit in this business. If you aren't an astute, knowledgeable, careful business person.......who is not afaid to consider our business just that.....a business...and not a hobby.....and work it as a business.....then this business is most likely not for you.
Everything Ricky said plus working 6-7 days a week, hiring and managing help, and low pay or possibly no pay as a new owner.
That said, I can't see me doing anything else. I would highly recommend working a few years for another flower shop before trying it on your own, if you haven't already. It's a lot harder than you might expect.
That said, I can't see me doing anything else. I would highly recommend working a few years for another flower shop before trying it on your own, if you haven't already. It's a lot harder than you might expect.
bootcampguy
Well-Known Member
Structure your lease so that in the holiday months you pay more and 1/2 in the 3 slowest months.You can make a "good" living but you will need sales, stron marketing skills and the ability to say "no".......
