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Starting a flower or gardening business online

James BanqJames Banq Posts: 20
in Problem solving

Hi guys I would like to know if there are florists and botanists out there thinking of starting a florist/ flower shop or  maybe a gardening shop online.

If so, what are the challenges you face starting out.

would an online marketplace be best for you?

I am interested in knowing the outcomes thanks.

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Posts

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,728

    Are you thinking of doing it yourself?

    I imagine a major challenge would be trying to compete with the likes of Interflora and any of the major online plant suppliers on the grounds of cost and finding a way into the niche market by building up a reputation from scratch.

    About forty years ago we did ponder the possibilites of opening a garden centre. Quite happy that that particular pipe dream stayed in the pipe.image

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • James BanqJames Banq Posts: 20

    Thanks for replying Pansy, just because interflora and co are gaints in the game does not mean that they cannot be given a run for their money. if the thousands of small time florists come together in an online marketplace selling different types of and unique plants, that would give the big boys a good run for their money in my opinion.

     

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,965

    Isn't that just what Interflora do?  They don't own the flower shops - individual floristry businesses provide flowers advertised and co-ordinated by the Interflora brand.

    Are you planning some sort of flower delivery business?


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,965

    I suspect that James may be thinking of reinventing the wheel image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • James BanqJames Banq Posts: 20

    Yes indeed guys. that's  exactly what I had in mind. I am also interested in other plants as well not just flowers but everything to do with gardening. not just flowers but I would love it to be community driven. 

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  • James BanqJames Banq Posts: 20

    Good to hear that Hollie

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,077

    I think you would be wise to listen to Hollie.

    grow some things that people like, at the seasons they want them and use your local farmers markets.

    they are doing exactly what you have in mind but direct instead of online. 

    Thats very competitive for a beginner so start of small and see how you get on first.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,965

    James, there's been a big marketing push this year promoting British Grown cut flowers - you may find this interesting http://www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk/


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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