How to Start an Artificial Floral Business

Contemporary artificial flowers can appear indistinguishable from their real counterparts.

People use flowers to mark some of life's most significant moments, including births, graduations and marriages. Flowers are also a popular item with which many people like to treat themselves. In addition, they are used decoratively in all types of environments. To succeed as the owner of a floral business, you do not need to focus on fresh flowers, which have a limited lifespan and can be costly. An artificial floral business offers customers long-lasting, realistic-looking and affordable alternatives to fresh blooms.

Instructions

1. Obtain the proper licensing to start an artificial floral business. Note that you may require a business license as well as a resale permit to resell the artificial flowers that you will purchase wholesale. Check with the Department of Revenue in your state to learn more.

2. Decide what type of artificial floral business you want to run. Address the following questions: Do you want to cater to everyday, walk-in customers in a traditional flower shop setting? Do you want to focus on creating artificial floral arrangements exclusively for homes and businesses, perhaps on a contract basis? Do you want to design artificial floral arrangements for events, such as weddings and parties? Answering these questions will help you determine what type of space you require to run your business.

3. Choose a location from which you will operate your artificial floral business. Select a space that suits your needs. If you want to serve walk-in customers, choose a prominent location that will draw plenty of foot traffic. If you want to focus on creating arrangements for homes, businesses and events, choose a space that allows you plenty of room to work and meet with potential clients; it may even be your own garage or a rented artist's studio.

4. Establish relationships with artificial flower wholesalers. Let the wholesalers know about your new business and your focus on artificial flowers. Obtain catalogs, brochures, website addresses and contact information for these wholesalers.

5. Determine which types of artificial flowers you want to include in your inventory. Peruse the offerings from the wholesalers. Choose a well-rounded assortment of artificial flowers and greenery. Keep in mind that you will need to order additional flowers and greenery according to your customers' desires and events.

6. Obtain a variety of artificial floral design supplies from a wholesale floral supplier. You will need: floral foam for artificial flowers, assorted containers, wire cutters, hot glue, metal picks, silk flower cleaning spray and ribbons. You may also want artificial butterflies, birds, nests and other embellishments for your arrangements.

7. Advertise your artificial floral business in local newspapers and other publications to let potential customers know about your services and offerings. Distribute informative fliers with coupons to homes in the region around your business. Make sure you are listed in the phone book. Create a website for your business that details your offerings, services and contact information.

Tips & Warnings

• A traditional flower shop business that caters to walk-in customers should include fresh flowers as well as artificial ones to appeal to the broadest spectrum of patrons.

References

• About Flowers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish