Office plant care route
Supply, set up and look after indoor plants for local offices and shops on a regular visit schedule.
- C$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You choose plants that suit each space, install them in planters, then visit every couple of weeks to water, prune, clean leaves, treat pests and swap out any that struggle.
Your first three steps
- Learn the care needs of 15 to 20 hardy commercial plants and practise on your own collection
- Price a sample package (set-up plus monthly visit) after checking what local plant services and wholesalers charge
- Pitch five nearby offices or shops with photos of a trial display, and offer a discounted first month
Who pays
Small offices, medical and dental clinics, coworking spaces, shops, restaurants and property managers who want greenery without the upkeep.
How it makes money
A set-up fee for plants and planters, plus a monthly maintenance contract per site. Replacement plants and seasonal refreshes bring extra income.
Skills that help
- Knowing indoor plants and their light and water needs
- Reliable, organized scheduling
- Friendly customer service
- Basic design sense
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients ask for proof of cover
- Check with your municipality about any business licence needed, and register your business with your province
- Winter: plants can be damaged moving between a cold vehicle and a building, so plan heated transport and protective wrapping
- Pests can spread between client sites, so keep tools clean
- Some plants are toxic to pets, so check suitability for each site
- Check whether you need to charge GST/HST once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: office plant care route
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an office plant care business?
Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000 CAD, depending on how many plants and planters you stock, your vehicle and tools, and insurance. Costs rise with the number of client sites you take on.
How much can I earn looking after plants in offices?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $4,500 CAD, depending on how many sites are on your route, how often you visit and what you charge for plants and service. Hours start at around 10 per week.
What should I check before starting a plant care route in Canada?
Check with your municipality about any business licence, and register your business with your province. Also check insurance, whether clients want proof of cover, when to charge GST/HST, and how to transport plants safely in winter.
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