Wholesale flower shop with cooler

Florists, wedding and event businesses, funeral homes, grocery stores and hotels that need reliable supply and quick top-ups.

Markup on bulk-bought stock, plus delivery fees and extras like buckets, foam and ribbons. Account customers and pre-orders for peak holidays give steadier income.

• Buying and judging flower quality
• Managing perishable stock and waste
• Sales and account management
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing

• Rent, refrigeration and electricity are fixed costs that continue in slow months
• Waste from unsold stock can erode margins quickly, so track what sells
• Check zoning, business licence and fire code requirements with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Register for GST/HST once over the small supplier threshold and check provincial resale rules
• Check CFIA and customs rules if you plan to import directly rather than buy from existing importers

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the unit, walk-in cooler and opening stock. Rent, refrigeration and electricity are fixed costs that continue in slow months, so plan for them.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your trade customers and stock. The idea needs at least around 35 hours a week. Waste from unsold stock can erode margins, so track what sells.

Check zoning, business licence and fire code requirements with your municipality. Check commercial general liability and property insurance, WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire, GST/HST registration, and CFIA and customs rules if you import directly.