Opening a shop as a florist takes commitment and you must be passionate about it. Congratulations on your new venture. You must do your homework BEFORE you start this venture though.

The florist industry is full of hard working, creative people. Your industry has many producers, wholesalers, and florist owners. Join an industry body, such as The Society of American Florists as this will expose you to up to date research and information about your industry. It also allows you to meet many of the players making up your industry. A good industry body will conduct research, produce marketing brochures and collateral, lobby congress where necessary and often provide educational opportunities as well.

Next you need a business plan. Every business needs a document outlining what your business is, who your customers will be, and how you intend to grow and operate your business. It also includes your financial goals and your goals by timeline, and this will help you set up your financial documentation. It is a very good discipline to document your intended strategies on how you are going to run your business

Third, when opening a shop as a florist, you will need a good, well thought out budget. This must include everything you intend to spend setting up and operating your business. You need to do this before you go any further, and it needs to take a holistic approach. EVERYTHING you need to spend money on needs to be included, as well as your projections of income for your business. Your accountant will be able to help you set up your financial accounts.

Location of your business is paramount. Spend time ensuring you're making the right decision. If you end up with the right customers walking past your store, your business will florish. Analyze where your customers will come from. How much of your business will be local passersby? How much will be from Internet orders? Look for opportunities near your business location.g.: a cemetery, or bridal shop nearby? Does your intended location have another florist close by? Do you then have a big enough point of difference to get customers to come to you rather than another florist?

Advertising and marketing are very important when opening a shop as a florist. You need to be known by your potential customers, as well as having a reason to communicate with your existing customers. You will want repeat business. How will you get passersby in the door of your shop? Do you need to connect with potential customers on the Internet? You need to know who your audience is and where they will come from. Will you have a launch party? How will you let people know you are opening/have opened? Do you need to advertise locally or online? You will need signage for your shop, and other point of sale material. You will need samples of your product, business cards, etc.

When opening a shop as a florist ensure you do your groundwork first. Identify who your target audience is and plan how you will attract them.