How to Start a Business for Silk Flower Arrangements

Use your talents, drive and creativity to start a profitable silk flower business. An alternative to fresh flowers, silk flowers add elegance and beauty to any event or environment. Even though silk flowers are in demand year-round, the competition may be steep depending on your location and the number of other businesses offering silk flower arranging services. Constantly meeting potential new clients, word-of-mouth advertising and a strong online presence can help you stand out from your competition and provide you with steady work.

Step 1

Determine target markets or those who have a need for silk floral arrangements. Those interested include brides, wedding consultants, event planners, property management companies, banquet halls and home improvement or decor retailers. Conduct online and offline research to determine the size of these markets, if there is demand locally and the amount of competition in these markets. Use online and offline business directories, visit competitor websites or contact local businesses in your area to determine local needs. Consider your skills and interest when choosing target markets. For example, large bouquets for weddings are typical, while small arrangements are best for office lobbies and retailers.

Step 2

Research niche markets, or subsets of larger markets to attract even more clients. Niche markets are often overlooked by larger businesses, but may be profitable to smaller businesses and are less competitive. Niche markets for silk flower arrangements may include community theaters, small office buildings, government offices, small boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops.

Step 3

Create a home workspace or rent studio space. You will need space to make and arrange flowers, storage for materials and space for business invoices and other paperwork. A home workspace is less expensive when first starting out, but a studio space may be necessary if you do not have available space at home. Purchase a computer, invoicing and bookkeeping software, schedule creation software to track when projects are due, a large worktable, comfortable chair, materials for floral arrangements and other supplies.

Step 4

Create an online portfolio to showcase your flower making and arranging talents. Include a variety of photos, pricing information, project completion information (estimated finish times), contact information and special services, such as custom arrangements and same-day shipping. If selling specific types of arrangements online, open a merchant account with credit card provider companies to accept credit card payments. Open a merchant account with PayPal or other online payment service, as many business owners use these types of accounts to accept online purchases. Include your website address on all promotional materials including business cards, brochures, postcards and fliers. Create a few floral arrangements to use as samples when meeting face-to-face with clients.

Step 5

Create a contact list of local businesses to market your floral arrangements. Use a spreadsheet program or purchase contact creation software. Contact business owners, property managers, bridal consultants, funeral directors and others to introduce yourself and your business. Offer to send promotional materials and ask for their email address so you can send a link to your online portfolio. Obtaining email addresses also allows you to send information about your latest floral arrangements, discounts or other beneficial information to clients. Set up meetings with potential clients to show them firsthand your floral creations.

Step 6

Attend local craft shows, farmers' markets, trade shows and other public events to increase your client base. Donate some of your silk flower arrangements to local hospitals, charitable organizations or offer to make arrangements for charity events. Leave business cards and other promotional materials to attract additional business.

Things Needed

Business cards
Online portfolio
Silk flower samples

Tips

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS to use when filing business tax returns. Register your silk flower business with the county clerk's office and secretary of state's office. Apply for a sales tax number through the Department of Revenue.
Offer delivery services of your floral arrangements to increase value to your clients.

Warning

Never overbook your services as you may lose clients if you deliver floral arrangements late or your work is less than professional.

Pages

Monday, April 29, 2013