One of the natural elements that are embraced at every event in the world is flowers, and in this simple guide, we are going to educate our readers on how to start a florist business in South Africa.
So we strongly recommend you to keep reading because detailed information on how to start a florist business in South Africa is discussed in this guide.
Statistically, according to the Global Floriculture Map published in 2016, the global average value for floral production is estimated at $55 billion, which is proving to the high demand of the business and why you should not waver in venturing into the business.
The floral business can be established in your home, online, or as a franchise. The choice of the type of floral business you want to run depends on your startup capital capabilities.
Table of Contents
Things You Need To Start A Florist Business In South Africa
Consider meeting the following requirements before you commence with your florist business in South Africa:
1. Build a good business plan: When studying the business market, competition situation of the business, marketing strategies involved, and the making of the budget should all be included in your business plan
Ensure that your plan falls within the range of your financial capabilities to prevent getting stuck in the middle of business operations
2. Business location: a good choice of business location that is easily identifiable and accessible is required for the florist business.
Ensure water availability on the business premises to help keep flowers in good condition. Also, the location must be environmentally friendly to support the growth and management of flowers.
3. Choose a catchy business name that will sound in the heads of the public whenever they hear of the word flower
4. Register your business: acquire the legal documentation of your business operation with the CIPC
5. Suppliers: choose trusted and reliable suppliers, contact them before the commencement of your business to know the cost involved in purchasing from them
6. Floral diversification: choose different varieties of flowers and plants for your business to create a wide range of option for customers to choose from
7. Plan your pricing: your pricing must be affordable, not too high, to drive away customers
8. Branding: brand your business with style, a catchy name, quality and stylish packaging, attractive products, and many other skills have to be applied to catch the attention of passerby
9. Provide the necessary tools and equipment to perform flower and plant management
10. Advertisement: implement an advertising plan, choose newspapers, radio, television, flyers, posters, business cards, and any other form of advertisement that you can afford
How Much Does It Cost To Start Florist Business In South Africa
The cost involved in starting your floral business will differ depending on the type of florist business you want to venture into.
Choosing to operate from home will come with a reduced cost since the cost of a business store is cut out of the expenses. All you’ll need is the materials, equipment, tools, plants, flowers, and your advertising plan, and this can cost between the range of R25,000 – 40,000.
If you operate a florist franchise business then, you’re to add the lease cost of your business store or premises, which in total might cost you between R30,000 – 50,000.
Note that some extra expenses can be made on water, electricity, telephone, internet, employee salaries, delivery cost, and many others.
Is The Florist Business Profitable In South Africa
Yes, the florist business is a lucrative venture you’ve chosen to invest in. This is because flowers and plants are useful at any occasion or event, whether a sad or joyful event, due to the kind of symbol and meaning of each plant or flower.
A profit of 20% – 50% can be made on every delivery but always choose your pricing well to keep customers coming back to enjoy your products and services.
Best Places To Start A Florist Business In South Africa
1. Choose locations in cities which is easily accessible
2. In communities of the middle-class population
3. Communities with a higher adaptation of foreign culture
4. Communities of the rich population
5. Business centers
6. Market centers
How To Make A Florist Business Successful In South Africa
Below are the factors to consider to build a successful florist business in South Africa:
1. Choose the right inventory for your business, know the upcoming event or occasion and fill your business with inventory that will attract you more during that festive season such as valentine’s day and mothers day
2. Good customer relationship: this is required to attract many clients. Your relationship with people will determine if your business is to be suggested to friends and family
3. Good customer care: do all you can to educate your clients on how they can manage their flowers and plants
4. Deliver what customers ordered
5. Choose an effective form of advertisement
6. Improve your knowledge and skill in the florist business by learning new and modernized skills in managing your business
7. In times of employing, choose experts in the business field who have a fair idea about how the business operates
8. It takes hard work and determination to have a breakthrough
9. Don’t settle for setbacks
10. Be ready to face the challenge from already established players in the florist business
Challenges In The Florist Business In South Africa
The following are some of the challenges facing the florist business in South Africa:
1. Setting up a florist franchise is capital intensive
2. The business is most effective on festive seasons and special events. Other than that, business turns to slow down
3. The skillset of managing flowers and plants drive away many investors
Benefits Of Setting Up A Florist Business In South Africa
Below are some of the benefits of setting up a florist business in South Africa:
1. The business comes with an overwhelming profit
2. Generates income to the government through taxation
3. It helps create a beautiful environment
4. Creation of job opportunities
5. Helps in a successful event planning
6. It has provided a way to show love to family and friends
That is the information we can provide on how to start a florist business in South Africa.