Artificial greenery for offices, hotels and shops

Offices, hotels, restaurants, clinics, retail shops, property managers, and interior designers and stagers who need greenery for their clients.

You charge a markup on each piece plus a design and installation fee. Seasonal swaps, dusting and cleaning visits, and repeat orders from property managers add steadier income.

• Sales and quoting to businesses
• Space planning and décor sense
• Organizing deliveries and installs
• Reliable customer service

• Check commercial general liability insurance, since you work in other people's premises
• Commercial spaces may have fire safety rules for décor, so ask suppliers about flame-retardant products and check local building and fire codes
• Check whether you need a business licence from your municipality, and register for GST/HST once you pass the threshold
• Keep deposits and clear terms for custom orders so you are not left holding unsold stock
• If you hire helpers for installs, check workers' compensation rules in your province
• Delivery of large items may need a suitable vehicle, so check your vehicle insurance covers business use

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the stock and samples you hold and your delivery vehicle. Taking deposits on custom orders can help you avoid unsold stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many commercial clients you win and whether you add repeat services such as seasonal changes. Part-time work can start at around 15 hours a week.

Things to check: commercial general liability insurance, fire safety rules for décor in commercial spaces (ask suppliers about flame-retardant products), municipal business licence and GST/HST registration, workers' compensation rules if you hire helpers, and business-use vehicle insurance.