Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Roughly how much money is needed to open a small scale flower shop or a floral design school?

Roughly how much money is needed to open a small scale flower shop or a floral design school?





Depends on your area. Find a high traffic location first, you will need to pay first month (and last months rent in most cases) up front plus a security deposit of 1 ½ times the rent Here in North West New Jersey it’s about a $1 a Square foot (Some landlords base there calculations on frontage, the amount of glass in the front of your store) Plus your share of taxes, Snow removal, Common Area lighting, trash ect. So if you rent a 1000sq foot store it Approx $1400 per month with fees. $3500.00 (approx at lease signing)


You will need a lawyer to review your lease, Approx $400.00


You will need a refrigeration Two door display $2500, three door display $3500 or walk in Display cooler $10K to 12K. Customer Coolers will be more


Phones – I recommended a two line roll-over (if line one is busy it will ring on line two) $50.00 per month + $200 deposit for new accounts


Work Tables – Make your own (remember florist tables are taller then normal tables 38 to 40”) Approx $400.00


Opening Supplies – Ribbons, Knives, paper, cheap vases ect. $500.00


Checks from the bank - $75.00


Credit card termial + Application Fee$450 to $650


Electric – Approx $350.00 per month (much more in the summer time)


Regersting you business name $35.00


Applications and permits for signage $150. plus a night in front of your towns zoning board sub-committee.


Paint, Cleaning supplies, light bulbs (to make the place look goo before you open). $150-$200


Counter for Cash register – made your self $300 Purchased $1000


Cash register - $250.00


Display Racks/tables – For those cheap vase you bought $500.00


Business insurance - $800.00





I would say you need Approx $12,000 to open if you use your own car for deliverys (if Not then add another $18,000 for a van and to have it lettered) This is before you buy one flower, Flower stock has to moved or tossed every three days.





If you deceide that you are going to give it a try I would suggest that you ask your landlord for one month free rent (most will give you this), Order your refrigeration as soon as you sign your lease. They will need lead time to make it. Make cardboard templetes of your major items; Cooler, work Tables and front table for your cash register – So you can get a feel for flow, and have one year worth of rent stashed away for the slow times. Good luck.

Roughly how much money is needed to open a small scale flower shop or a floral design school?
Twice as much as you expect, if your expectations are reasonable. Check out one of the staring your own business guides available at your local bookstore. Read it cover to cover and get ready for a rude awakening.

horns