• Determine what type of floral business you want to start. Before you can actually begin your floral business you need to determine exactly what type you will open. Most people opt to open a retail florist business since this allows them to serve customers and complete floral arrangements.

• Find a location. Once you’ve determined what type of florist business you plan to open you can find a location. A retail florist business should be located in a high traffic area that allows customers easy access to the store. On the other hand a wholesale business generally does better in locations with lots of growing space.

• Purchase the necessary equipment and supplies. Providing proper care of the flowers and plants in your business is your top priority in running a flower shop, and it is important that you have all the equipment and supplies necessary. A retail business requires a cooler to keep cut flowers from wilting too fast, while a wholesale business should have a greenhouse or other optimal growing space.

• Register your business. Starting a florist business requires many of the same procedures of starting any other type of business. Most states and cities require you to register your business, account for sales tax and more. Doing these things in advance will make the start of your business smoother and prevent potential legal trouble later on.

• Educate yourself. For some people opening a floral business doesn’t require any additional knowledge or learning since flowers have been a passion for them for many years. If you are not one of these people you should consider taking some horticulture classes or teaching yourself through reading. This will make you more knowledgeable about the different types of flowers and the care they need.

• Hire staff. Depending upon the size of your business you may need to hire staff to assist you. Not only can they provide service to customers and care for the flowers, but it may be beneficial to hire staff to take care of bookkeeping, accounting, legal matters or other areas of your business in which you have weaknesses.

• Market and advertise your business. After you have everything in place and ready to go, the final step is to bring customers in and begin making money. Marketing and advertising plays a key role in this since people must know about your business before they can purchase your products.

Cost- Getting set-up requires a bit of upfront capital to work with. You will need to lease or buy the building that will house your business, and you will need to apply for and receive the appropriate business licenses and permits that are required in your city and state. You will then need to outfit the location with shelving and store fixtures, and purchase inventory. You will need a refrigerator unit for live flowers, and a work station for producing your creations. Most floral businesses also deliver, so chances are good that you will need to purchase a van or an SUV-type vehicle to make multiple deliveries. Of course, this can be done initially in any type of vehicle, but you will want a larger vehicle for hauling multiple items to weddings and funeral homes, for example. These are the major operating costs. You will also need to buy the supplies that you will use in the business.

Many of these small to large sized companies also sell gifts alongside their creations, like candles, cards, or other specialty gifts. This is a great way to add a supplementary purchase onto a customer’s order and to increase your profits!

Staff- Most businesses cannot operate as one-woman or one-man show. You will likely need help, if not to fill orders for specific flower arrangements, then to work the register and to make deliveries and do other tasks around the business. It is best to have at least one person trained and ready to go as you go operational.

Advertising- Advertising is a big part of the success for any business. You should plan on taking out advertising spots in your local newspaper and radio stations, especially around the time of your grand opening. Also, submit your business to the phone directory and advertise online with Craigslist.org for free. Further, you shouldn’t overlook the power of having an online presence. All businesses that plan to capture any of the millions of people who search for products and services online should establish a website. Your website can direct local traffic to your door, allow you to take orders online, and even capture orders from those living around the globe who want to send a floral greeting to someone in your area!

A few tips on how to start a floral business and achieve success are given below:
Knowing the basics of the floral business: Before starting a floral business, the basics of the business should be known. Basics like how to get flower supply, plants and accessories, how to make flower arrangements; how to advertise about your business etc.
Acquiring technical information about flowers and plants: You have to be aware of all the technical information about the flowers. For instance, you have to know how to enhance the life of the flowers so that they don’t wither soon and they maintain their freshness for long.
To situate the floral shop at the right location: The floral shop must be positioned on a road where there are lots of passersby. The shop should have enough space so that you can keep your stock and arrange the flowers and display them attractively.
Acquire the appropriate flower arrangement gear: You have to acquire all the equipments you will need for your business. You have to get working materials like trimmers, clippers, staplers, knives etc.
Finding the Suppliers: You have to locate suppliers from whom you can get supply of fresh flowers, plants and accessories at a regular basis and on time. If they supply you on time, then only you can keep your customers satisfied.
Fast when making flower deliveries: You should be prompt and quick on delivering flowers. This requires you to keep a delivery van or a taxi which will be cheaper. Faster deliveries will keep customers satisfied and it will also reduce flower wastage.