How To Start a Flower Business: Complete Guide (2026)

A flower business might be a perfect fit for you if you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, a green thumb, a designer’s eye, and enjoy spending your day surrounded by the scent of fresh blooms. It’s a growing industry that offers a variety of entry points to newcomers.

Whether you’re interested in setting up your own brick-and-mortar flower shop or going national with an online model, there are a few best practices to help you along the way.

What is a flower business?

A flower business, sometimes known as a floral shop or a florist, is an enterprise for selling flowers, usually in bouquets or arrangements. Unlike a nursery, which typically sells live plants and gardening supplies, a flower business usually sells cut flowers.

Flower businesses often tailor their offerings for special occasions like birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, weddings, and funerals. As a result, there’s an emotional component to the business, which requires interacting with people as much as with the product.

Why start a flower business?

The floral industry is booming and blooming. In the US, there are 41,649 businesses in the florist industry, which has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% between 2020 and 2025.

The global cut flowers market size was estimated at $39.08 billion in 2024 and experts project it to reach $51.83 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2030. In particular, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day gifts often include flowers.

But flower sales aren’t just a seasonal purchase. “About 40% of our daily orders are for birthdays,” says Wild North Flowers owner Jennifer Fallow on the Shopify Masters podcast. “It’s not always a romantic gesture that a lot of people associate with flowers.” 

“It’s any occasion: job promotion, congrats on a new baby, congrats on a new house, just because. Now we are finding that a lot more people are ordering flowers for themselves, which is really nice.”

Flower businesses rely on a number of different operating models. You can run a traditional florist’s shop that caters primarily to local clientele, or set up an exclusively online business.

How to start a flower business

1. Choose a business model
2. Conduct market research
3. Craft a business plan
4. Manage pricing and profitability
5. Register your business and obtain permits
6. Set up shop
7. Find suppliers and a delivery model
8. Build a portfolio
9. Develop a marketing strategy
10. Launch your flower business

Before launching your own business, it may help to take the following steps:

1. Choose a business model

Just as a flower shop carries a wide array of buds and blossoms to meet any imaginable customer need, flower businesses themselves come in all shapes and sizes. 

Here’s a breakdown of four common flower business models to help you choose your path:

Home-based business

A home-based flower business is the most affordable way to start. Use a spare room or garage as your workspace, buy flowers in small batches, and fulfill orders locally.

• Best for: Beginners testing the waters or hobbyists growing into part-time florists
• Startup cost: Low—mainly supplies, refrigeration, and tools
• Time commitment: 10 to 20 hours per week as a florist side hustle, or 30 or more hours if scaling into a steady business
• Key advantage: Low overhead and flexible hours

Online flower shop

Running an online flower store gives you national or even global reach. You can build a Shopify store to showcase arrangements, accept orders, and offer delivery.

Many entrepreneurs start by partnering with local couriers for fulfillment or use a dropshipping model, where bouquets are shipped directly from wholesalers or growers to customers.

• Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to sell beyond their local area
• Startup cost: Moderate—website, inventory (unless dropshipping), and marketing
• Time commitment: 20 to 40 hours per week
• Key advantage: Scalable and ideal for selling online subscriptions or seasonal arrangements

Brick-and-mortar florist shop

A traditional storefront gives you foot traffic and a strong local presence. Customers can browse arrangements in person, which helps build community and trust.

• Best for: Experienced florists ready to run a full-time business
• Startup cost: High—rent, licenses, utilities, and staffing
• Time commitment: 40-60 hours per week
• Key advantage: Higher profit margins per arrangement and opportunities for walk-in sales

Floral design studio

A studio model focuses on events, weddings, and corporate clients. Instead of daily retail sales, you work by appointment, often sourcing flowers per project. This model suits creative professionals who prefer fewer but higher-value jobs.

• Best for: Designers or creatives specializing in custom arrangements
• Startup cost: Moderate—studio space, supplies, and event marketing
• Time commitment: 20 to 50 hours per week, depending on event load
• Key advantage: High profit per project and creative flexibility

The type of flower business you choose informs how you approach the following steps. 

Tip: Start with a model that fits your lifestyle now. You can always evolve. Many home-based florists eventually open retail shops or expand online once they’ve built a loyal customer base.

2. Conduct market research

Once you’ve decided what kind of flower business you want to run, it’s essential to thoroughly assess the market both locally and nationally. Who are your competitors? What do they charge? What sorts of flowers do they offer, and how are they arranged and packaged?

Obviously, a brick-and-mortar flower shop is more likely to service a local clientele, and your market research should reflect that reality. But for online flower delivery services that ship floral arrangements all over the country, a wider look at the competitive landscape is necessary.

3. Craft a business plan

Your business plan is the blueprint for your flower business. It outlines how you’ll turn your vision into a sustainable operation. Use your market research to shape a strategy that covers everything from how you’ll attract customers to how much profit you expect to earn.

A comprehensive plan should include:

• Market analysis. Define your target market, competitors, and pricing landscape. Are you serving local shoppers, event clients, or online buyers?
• Customer profiles. Identify your core audiences and what matters most to each. These could be individual consumers, wedding venues, hotels, or event planners.
• Pricing and revenue strategy. Decide how you’ll price bouquets, delivery fees, and event packages to balance competitiveness and profit.
• Operations plan. Detail how you’ll manage day-to-day activities, including flower sourcing, order fulfillment, inventory, and delivery.
• Marketing strategy. Map out how you’ll reach customers through social media, SEO, local partnerships, or email campaigns.
• Goals and KPIs. Set measurable milestones such as first-year revenue, customer retention, or online order volume.

Startup cost breakdown

Your flower shop startup costs depend on your chosen business model, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

Flower shop startup costs for a home-based or studio business typically fall between $2,000 and $10,000, while a brick-and-mortar shop can range from $20,000 to $75,000 or more depending on rent and equipment.

Tip: When projecting revenue, factor in recurring costs like flower waste, storage energy use, and replacement tools. It’s wise to build a financial cushion for seasonality too. Flower sales often spike during holidays and wedding season, but dip in slower months. 

Flower wholesale prices may also fluctuate due to weather events and/or, if importing, fees from tariffs.

4. Manage pricing and profitability

Pricing flowers is both an art and a science. You have to balance creative expression with practical business math. Every stem, ribbon, and delivery mile affects your bottom line. 

Setting your prices strategically from the start ensures your flower business remains profitable year-round, not just during peak holidays.

Start with a cost-based pricing formula

A simple starting point is the keystone formula, which doubles the wholesale cost of your flowers and supplies:

Retail price = (Wholesale cost + Supplies + Labor) × Markup

For example, if a bouquet costs $20 in flowers and materials and you add $10 for labor, applying a 2.5 times markup sets your retail price at $75. 

This covers overhead, taxes, and profit.

Many florists use a three times markup on flowers and a two times markup on hard goods like vases and ribbons. The right multiplier depends on your business model. Home-based florists with lower overhead can afford slimmer margins, while retail shops need higher markups to cover rent and utilities.

Account for hidden costs

Include delivery expenses, refrigeration, wastage, and credit card fees in your calculations. A portion of every sale should also go toward marketing and replacement stock. Profitability means sustaining margins across all orders.

Avoid emotional pricing

It’s tempting to underprice your work, especially when starting out or competing locally. But “just covering costs” quickly leads to burnout. 

Instead, use data, not emotion, to guide your flower business pricing:

• Track time spent per order and assign an hourly rate for your labor
• Review competitor pricing, but focus on differentiating through quality or service, not discounts
• Reevaluate prices quarterly as supplier and fuel costs change

Tip: Build your confidence in your pricing by documenting your costs. When you know exactly what goes into each arrangement, from the stems to the packaging, you can stand firm on price. Focus on delivering exceptional value instead of chasing low-margin sales.

5. Register your business and obtain permits

The next step is to make sure your business is properly registered with the necessary state and local authorities. 

There will be specific rules you have to follow, depending on the type of business you form. Whether it’s a: 

• Partnership
• LLC
• Corporation
• Something else

Your business structure also dictates the type of documentation you have to file before you can open your doors.

For example, if you opt to run your business from home, you may need a local business license. Generally, the secretary of state’s office in the state where you’re setting up your business will have all the resources you need to get going. 

And because a flower business is a retail operation, you will also likely need to apply for a seller’s permit to collect sales tax.

Finally, it’s worth noting that while floristry is not a licensed trade, some states may require you to hold a special license if you plan on selling certain exotic species or flowers wholesale.

6. Set up shop

Next comes the exciting part. It’s time to bring your flower business to life, whether that’s opening your doors on Main Street or launching your first Shopify store.

For brick-and-mortar florists

If you’re opening a physical flower shop, finding the right location is key. Rent will likely be your biggest operating expense, so choose a space aligned with your financial projections. 

Look for:

• Strong foot traffic: Areas near cafés, boutiques, or wedding venues attract impulse buyers and event clients.
• Limited direct competition: Research nearby florists and identify what you can do differently. This could be better service, more sustainable flowers, or curated local blooms.
• Practical costs: Account for utilities, refrigeration, signage, and any renovations you’ll need to showcase your arrangements.

For online flower shops

If you’re starting online, or even if you plan to operate both in-store and online, a well-designed, easy-to-navigate website is essential. It’s your digital storefront. Try Shopify’s free website builder.

Include clear product photos, detailed descriptions, and delivery options. Shopify offers an all-in-one solution for florists who want to manage everything in one place.

Use a florist-friendly theme that emphasizes visuals. Large, high-quality images help customers feel the texture and freshness of your flowers online.

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide To Selling Plants Online

Florist tools and software essentials

Whether you operate online or offline, the right software helps you manage orders, inventory, and customer relationships efficiently:

Don’t forget the back-office basics

Open a dedicated business bank account to keep your finances organized and separate from personal spending. This makes it easier to track revenue, pay suppliers, and manage taxes as your business grows.

Set up your flower business with Shopify

Ready to bring your online flower business to life? Shopify makes it simple to create a professional flower store without any coding. 

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a theme that reflects your brand.

Select a clean, image-forward theme from the Shopify Theme Store that highlights your arrangements. 

Themes like Dawn or Flow work beautifully for visual products like bouquets. Customize your colors, fonts, and layout so your online shop feels consistent with your brand identity.

2. Set up product pages.

Upload high-quality photos of each arrangement, shot in natural light, and write short, descriptive titles and copy that mention flower types, sizes, and occasions. 

Include customization options (e.g., “Add a note” or “Choose vase type”) to make the experience more personal.

3. Define delivery zones and fulfillment options.

In Settings → Shipping and Delivery, enable local delivery and local pickup, perfect for neighborhood customers. Specify ZIP codes or distance ranges, and set delivery fees based on order value or radius.

4. Connect a payment provider.

Shopify Payments lets you accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay instantly. You can also integrate with PayPal or other providers if you already have merchant accounts.

5. Install helpful apps.

The Shopify App Store has florist-friendly tools that simplify daily tasks:

• EasyRoutes Local Delivery. Plan and track local deliveries efficiently.
• OrderlyPrint. Print receipts, packing slips, and delivery notes in one click.

Tip: Use Shopify Email or Klaviyo to send automated thank you notes and reminders for recurring occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

“I can’t code, I don’t know anything about coding,” Jennifer says. “It was crucial that Shopify existed. I would never have launched an online flower business if it wasn’t for Shopify, to be honest, it was just so easy.”

7. Find suppliers and a delivery model

Before you launch your flower business, one of the most important steps is building a reliable supply chain. Your suppliers determine the quality of your flowers as well as your consistency, pricing, and ability to meet customer expectations year-round.

Depending on your business model and location, you can source flowers from a mix of local and international vendors. 

Here are the most common supplier types, and how they compare:

Some successful florists use a hybrid model. They buy locally for everyday arrangements and import specialty stems for weddings or seasonal events.

“We decided to use some imports as well, but over the years we’ve built these amazing relationships with our local growers and we’re able to buy directly from a lot of them, which is really cool,” Jennifer says. “I’ve actually been to the greenhouses. I text them, they send me photos like, ‘Oh, do you think I should grow this one? Or what do you think the trends are for next year?’”

Plan your delivery strategy

Flowers are delicate, perishable products, so your delivery model must prioritize speed and care. 

You have two main options:

• In-house delivery. Ideal for local florists or event specialists. Offers more control over handling and scheduling but requires time and staffing.
• Third-party couriers. Reliable for ecommerce or wider delivery areas. Many Shopify merchants integrate delivery apps or local courier services directly into checkout.

No matter your model, clear communication with customers is essential. Set expectations for delivery times, offer real-time tracking when possible, and use protective packaging to ensure every bouquet arrives looking as fresh as it did in your cooler.

Learn more: How To Ship Plants: Tips for Mailing Live Plants

8. Build a portfolio

Your floral portfolio is more than a collection of pretty photos. It’s how potential customers see your creativity, skill, and versatility. It tells the story of your brand and helps clients imagine how your flowers can elevate their own occasions.

If you love arranging flowers, start by designing your own line of beautiful bouquets and centerpieces to photograph for your website or social media. If floral design isn’t your strength, consider hiring or partnering with an experienced designer to create pieces that match your brand’s aesthetic.

Showcase variety and seasonality

Build a diverse range of arrangements that reflect seasonal availability and common customer needs, like bridal bouquets, sympathy arrangements, event centerpieces, and everyday gifting options. Organize your portfolio by theme or occasion so shoppers can easily find what they need.

Build experience through volunteer work

If you’re just starting out, volunteering is a great way to gain experience and build your body of work. Offer to create arrangements for local community events, charity fundraisers, or art shows. 

Nonprofits and schools often need floral décor but lack the budget to hire professionals. These projects can help you practice under real conditions while building relationships and adding authentic photos to your portfolio.

Create styled shoots with local partners

Collaborate with photographers, event planners, or venues on styled shoots. These shoots allow you to experiment with creative concepts, like seasonal color palettes or unconventional blooms. You’ll also end up with professional-quality images to feature across your marketing channels.

Prioritize high-quality photography

Flowers are inherently visual, so how you present them matters as much as the designs themselves. “Photography was obviously crucial,” Jennifer says. “From the beginning I made sure that we had a beautiful place to photograph all the arrangements. When it comes to flowers, natural light is key.”

“I had learned in a workshop that I took that the best way to photograph flowers is natural lighting from the side. When I moved into the studio, I picked the best window, and the entire studio was designed around making sure we had the best place to take photos,” she adds.

Use natural light whenever possible, shoot from multiple angles, and include close-ups to highlight texture and detail. Beautiful, consistent visuals not only elevate your portfolio—they also boost your credibility and help your Shopify storefront stand out from competitors. 

9. Develop a marketing strategy

Showing off a solid online portfolio is only one part of getting the word out about your flower business. Investing in a digital marketing strategy can help you reach your potential customers. 

Use search engine optimization (SEO) best practices for your website, and set up and post regularly on social media accounts. You can also buy ads using platforms like Google Ads. Because floristry is a visual medium, prioritize marketing efforts that put images of your arrangements front and center.

A marketing plan for a floral design business should also examine bundling options and pricing packages—perhaps even with products that go beyond strictly floral offerings. 

For example, in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, your own flower shop might offer flower arrangements alongside a selection of complementary products like gourmet chocolates.

B2B strategy

While most flower businesses rely on individual customers for everyday sales, corporate partnerships can provide steady, year-round revenue. Establishing relationships with local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and event venues gives you consistent orders and predictable cash flow.

Target long-term corporate clients

Think about the spaces and industries that consistently need fresh arrangements:

• Hotels and resorts refresh their lobbies, suites, and restaurants weekly
• Offices and coworking spaces use flowers to elevate their environments and thank clients
• Event venues and wedding planners require reliable floral partners for multiple events each month
• Real estate agents and home staging companies purchase or rent arrangements to enhance property showings
• Large institutions like universities and organizations within them, like Greek houses, need arrangements and blooms for a rotating list of annual events
  
  

These clients often sign long-term contracts or recurring service agreements, providing a stable income even during slower retail months.

How to approach potential partners

Here are a few quick and easy B2B marketing tactics to use: 

• Start local. Make a list of nearby businesses whose spaces would benefit from floral displays. Visit them in person with a small sample arrangement and business card to demonstrate your quality and reliability.
• Offer flexible service packages. Provide tiered options such as weekly, biweekly, or event-based delivery. Include maintenance or replacement services for high-traffic spaces.
• Highlight reliability and convenience. Corporate clients value punctuality and professionalism. Use scheduling or CRM tools (like Shopify’s app integrations) to automate invoices, reminders, and deliveries.
• Bundle services. Combine flowers with complementary add-ons like vases, seasonal décor changes, or subscription-based arrangements to encourage larger contracts.

Nurture relationships for long-term value

Once you secure a corporate client, consistency is everything. Check in regularly to review preferences, suggest seasonal updates, and deliver on time. These partnerships can generate recurring revenue and lead to valuable word-of-mouth referrals in your local business community.

In some cases, a business or professional may have a list of approved vendors they recommend to their clients or patients. Think hospitals, funeral homes, wedding planners, or assisted living facilities. Do your best to get on those lists. 

Tip: Add a dedicated Corporate Services page to your Shopify site highlighting your B2B offerings, featuring photos of past projects, and including a simple inquiry form. It’s an easy way to attract inbound leads from offices, hotels, and event planners searching online.

10. Launch your flower business

Finally, once your website is up and running and your storefront is ready, it’s time to launch your business. Creating buzz around your launch can help attract customers: pop-ups, launch parties, and introductory promotions create hype and get customers talking about your business.

Read more: How To Start a Business: 11 Essential Steps (2025) 

Challenges of running a flower business

Running a flower business can be rewarding. You’re part of people’s most meaningful moments, from birthdays to weddings. 

But like any creative trade, floristry comes with its own set of operational and financial challenges. Understanding these hurdles early on helps you plan proactively and set realistic expectations.

Supply chain issues

The cut flower market is highly seasonal and sensitive to global supply conditions. Certain blooms are only available at specific times of year, and weather events or shipping delays impact availability and cost. 

To manage this:

• Work with multiple suppliers (local and international) to diversify your sourcing
• Build seasonal menus, promote what’s in bloom locally instead of relying solely on imports
• Communicate availability clearly on your Shopify product pages to prevent customer disappointment

For example, graduation-themed arrangements in May and June should feature flowers readily available in late spring, ensuring you can fulfill orders on time. Take note, too, of local schools and universities’ school colors. You may find it worthwhile to order extra ribbon, balloons, or even flowers themselves in those colors for events like homecomings and commencements.

Sustainability concerns

Modern consumers care about where their flowers come from and how they’re packaged. Florists are increasingly expected to minimize their environmental impact, by reducing plastic use, sourcing from eco-certified farms, or using recyclable wrapping and compostable foam alternatives.

• Partner with growers that prioritize ethical labor and low-impact practices
• Offer customers transparency around your sourcing and delivery methods
• Market your sustainable approach, it can be a key differentiator

Competition

From global online delivery brands to neighborhood flower shops, competition is fierce. Standing out requires a clear brand identity and consistent marketing. Focus on what makes you different. 

Even a small local shop can build a loyal following by offering exceptional service and storytelling through social media.

Staffing and labor cost management

Floristry is labor-intensive work. Designing, arranging, delivering, and maintaining flowers all take time, and often require a team, especially during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. Managing payroll and seasonal staffing can be tricky:

• Plan ahead for busy periods by hiring part-time or freelance designers
• Use scheduling and payroll tools (available through Shopify’s app ecosystem) to simplify labor management
• Track time spent per order to better understand your true labor costs and adjust pricing accordingly

A sustainable staffing strategy helps maintain profitability without burning out your team—or yourself.

Managing time as a side-hustler

Many florists start small, balancing their business with another job or family commitments. The biggest challenge is often time. Flowers are perishable, orders often come with short notice, and delivery schedules can disrupt your day.

• Use automation where possible, Shopify apps can streamline order intake and customer communication.
• Block out dedicated work hours and batch similar tasks (like flower prep or photo shoots).
• Start with manageable goals, such as weekend events or limited local deliveries, until you’re ready to scale full-time.

Balancing artistry, logistics, and time management is a constant learning process, but with the right systems in place, even small flower businesses can thrive.