Small bonsai nursery supplying shops and garden centres

Garden centres, gift and homewares shops, florists, and hobbyists buying direct online or at the gate.

Wholesale sales of trees in batches at a lower price per plant, plus higher-margin retail sales of trees, pots and supplies direct to customers.

• Plant propagation and care
• Organising production batches
• Sales and negotiating with retailers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check with your local council about zoning and permits for a nursery or selling from the property
• Check state or territory biosecurity rules for growing and moving plants, and whether nursery accreditation is expected by buyers
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire help
• Cash flow is slow because trees take time to grow, so keep costs low early on
• GST registration is needed once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your growing space, how much stock you buy or propagate, and the equipment you need. These are estimates, and your own costs may vary.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on production volume and your wholesale and direct sales mix. Cash flow is slow because trees take time to grow, so keep costs low early on.

Check with your local council about zoning and permits for a nursery or selling from the property. Check state or territory biosecurity rules and whether buyers expect nursery accreditation. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation if you hire help, and GST.