Artificial plant and flower shop

Homeowners, office managers, decorators, restaurants and people buying gifts or seasonal decor.

Retail mark-up on stock, plus custom arrangements, seasonal items and regular trade orders from businesses and decorators.

• Buying and stock management
• Merchandising and display
• Customer service and sales

• Commercial leases often run for years, so get advice before signing
• Stock ties up cash, so start with a focused range and reorder what sells
• Check municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules for your location
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance are worth checking
• Collect GST/HST once registered, and check provincial sales tax rules in your province
• Sales often peak around holidays, with slower periods in between

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate and start with a focused range, since stock ties up cash.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, range and how many made-to-order arrangements you sell. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, stock and insurance.

Check municipal business licence, signage and zoning rules for your location, and get advice before signing a commercial lease. Check commercial general liability and contents insurance, and how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply. Sales often peak around holidays, so plan your cash flow.