Start a neighbourhood flower shop

Local shoppers buying everyday and occasion flowers, funeral and sympathy orders, and nearby businesses.

Sales of bouquets, arrangements, plants and add-on gifts, delivery fees, and regular contracts such as cafes, offices and funeral directors.

• Floral design and care of cut flowers
• Customer service
• Stock buying and managing waste
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms, including length and fit-out costs, so get advice before signing
• Public liability and property or stock insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire
• Check council requirements for signage and use of the premises
• Early starts for market buying and long trading hours, particularly around peak days
• Stock loss from perishable flowers can eat into margins

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, cool room and opening stock. Monthly revenue is also an estimate, typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on location, trading hours and how much stock you waste.

Check commercial lease terms, including length and fit-out costs, and get advice before signing. Also check public liability and property or stock insurance, workers compensation insurance once you hire, and council requirements for signage and use of the premises.

As an estimate, expect at least around 40 hours a week. Watch out for early starts for market buying and long trading hours, particularly around peak days. Perishable stock loss can also eat into margins, so buying skills and managing waste matter.