“Small is beautiful, but the scale is necessary.” These are some wise words from the late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder of BRAC (the largest NGO in the world). Just like his words, if you plan to be a necessary element in the industry, do something of value that will shake and shape the world as we see it. To do this, you must achieve scale. The more you scale up and expand your territory and your depth, the more you will touch lives no matter what you sell. Scaling a business has become so easy and possible because of the ease in communication and the INTERNET, of course.
So, if you plan to start a flower delivery business, going for weddings, hospitals, gifts, etc., it is imperative that you use the internet to your advantage in full. Now, this is not a new business model or anything. You can still order flowers online. Still, there aren’t enough, and your locality may just be an untapped spot here.
Why Flowers?
The chances of flowers becoming obsolete are close to zero; they are just the right gifts for anyone. When you are trying to catch attention or send gifts to not-so-close people, flowers are the right choice. Sending chocolates isn’t, because diabetic patients are increasing more than ever. A bouquet of flowers such as Peonies, on the other hand, sends the message that you have a soft heart for that person or group.
Then, there is a particular choice of watches, and watches have a price tag attached to them, which people will judge consciously or unconsciously. Even people are picky about choosing ties or perfumes. A bouquet of flowers, on the other hand, sends the message that you have a soft heart for that person or group.
As you know, online gift shops and flower shops aren’t something new; if you search, you will find loads. So, we have put together some strategies and points you need to take care of to help you penetrate the market and establish your position in the flower industry.
Points and Strategies for an Online Flower Business
Flower Knowledge
Even though you aren’t really producing flowers or taking care of them, you need to understand and identify every flower and its quality. You need to understand their features, scents, what each flower means in each country, which flower is best for which occasions, even how much people are usually allergic to each of them.
You need to handle your customers, identify what your customers need to the core, and project demand even before they rise up. You can’t enter a business and expect to shine without knowing all about it.
Connect with Other Businesses
It is easier to communicate with business entities than it is to reach the general public. Also, businesses order in substantial amounts, while the public also comes in contact with their events. Start by partnering up with such entities as the wedding planners, event planners, funeral homes, local businesses, hotels, gift shops, online gift delivery services, and chocolate shops.
People involved in these institutions are more prone to buying flowers or looking for flowers. So, if you can convince them to upsell your business or procure flowers through you, you will get a foothold to start.
You can also have the opposite service: sell your partner products like candles, chocolates, perfumes, cakes, sweets, and other gifts as add-ons to the flowers.
Community Marketing
Local florists have an advantage; they can connect to local people by just being there. People talk to them while passing the store; they see flowers, and they buy without any plans. As an online shop, you aren’t that close to the people, so improvise.
As a shop, communicate with the people, share stories of flowers, join local social media groups, engage in artistic conversations, and send flowers to respected community figures as a surprise. You can even volunteer to decorate non-profit social meetings.
