Q: I’d like to start up a florists shop. Are there any special problems?
Aug 17 2005
Answered by: Philip Wilkinson Ask a question
There are the well-known problems, such as the very perishable nature of your stock. Flowers die. So you have to be very careful in your purchasing to ensure that you buy the right amount of flowers for the week. Once you have bought the stock, you need to pay particular attention to looking after it. Its value can depreciate before your eyes! You will also need to employ someone to make flower arrangements or be trained to do those yourself. Finally, the occasions when you have the highest demand are also the moments when the supply is the lowest, such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
The hours can be quite long too. Most flowers and plants are bought each day from a wholesale market - so you have to build this into your day before covering the normal shopping hours. It’s quite an enterprise.
I’d strongly recommend that you be trained in flower arranging and that you get a job first of all in someone else’s florists shop to discover all the ins and outs, ups and downs of the job. The Society of Floristry (0870-2410432) may be able to help. You might also find more information Florist & Wholesale Buyer (020-85496149), a leading trade magazine.
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