Office plant care route

Small offices, dental and medical practices, salons, restaurants, coworking spaces and retail shops.

Monthly maintenance fee per location, usually based on the number of plants and visit frequency, plus extra for replacements and new plant sales.

• Knowledge of common indoor plants and their care
• Reliable scheduling and route planning
• Friendly, professional manner with business clients

• General liability insurance, and check whether clients ask for a certificate of insurance
• Check your city or county for a local business license
• Check whether you need to collect sales tax on plants and supplies in your state
• Plants die for reasons outside your control, so put replacement terms in a written contract
• Lifting heavy pots and soil, so plan for the physical work and a suitable vehicle

Startup costs are typically estimated around $800 to $5,000, depending on your vehicle, equipment and plant stock. Price out your own setup before you buy, since needs vary by route and client.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you serve and how often you visit. Expect to spend at least around 8 hours a week.

Check whether clients ask for a certificate of general liability insurance, and look up your city or county business license and your state's sales tax rules for plants and supplies. Put plant replacement terms in a written contract.