Online flower arrangements for local clients

Private customers sending gifts, local residents buying for their homes, and small businesses wanting regular office or lobby flowers.

You charge a set price per arrangement size or style, plus a delivery fee. Regular subscriptions, such as weekly or monthly flowers, add repeat income.

• Arranging flowers consistently
• Photography and social media posting
• Order and delivery planning
• Customer service

• Check whether your state or city requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for flowers
• Check home occupation rules and HOA or lease limits before taking customers or deliveries
• General liability insurance and commercial auto coverage if you use a vehicle for deliveries, so check with your insurer
• Waste from unsold stems, so buy based on pre-orders where you can
• Delivery time and cost, which can eat into profit if your area is too wide

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your supplies, tools, packaging and how you set up your website or social media shop. Insurance quotes vary, so check with your insurer.

Rules vary, so check before you start. Look at whether your state or city requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for flowers, and check home occupation rules and any HOA or lease limits before taking customers or deliveries.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many orders you take and how wide your delivery area is. Delivery time and cost can eat into profit, and unsold stems add waste, so buy based on pre-orders where you can.