Florist News

Hi everyone

I'm currently think about buying an existing florists. I've been doing the "odd" wedding and stuff for friends after doing levels 1 and 2 at night school, along with a 2 year flower arranging course. I worked in the shop for the people who owned it before the current owner, just when they needed me - Mothers Day, Christmas, Valentines etc.
I know what hard work it is but am prepared for it ( I think). The problem I have is I don't know how much we should be paying for it,( yes, I know the obvious answer is as little as possible!)

Any advice will be greatfully received!

Catkin

depends what it takes, how long established etc.

Hi Catkin, welcome to the site; am sure you'll find lots of posts on here re. buying a shop. The most recent was from Fly2hi Buying a shop (2)

Wherabouts are you based? What sort of location is the shop in?

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www.treesfloraldesign.co.uk

I'm in north west, the shop is small town centre(ish)
The shop's been a florists at least 20 years. The current owner seems to have lost a lot of the local business. We're still waiting for the figures etc. from the agents.

sounds like when i bought mine, exactly like mine.

yep and mine...get your accountant to look over the accounts as soon as you get them before you get excited, I was shocked how they valued the business based on the figures

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Sarah Creating Bespoke Wedding Flowers Cheshire

it's really scary... I work full time in the civil service (boring and definately no flowers!) so I'd be giving up a "safe" job but I regretted not going for it when the shop was on the market 18 months ago, and if I don't try I'll never know.....

I have bought my first florist business and I have had quie a few problems. Shop had bad reputation which I didn't know about till |I mooved in and the business isn't doing as well a the previouse owners led us to believe. So I agree with the last person, deffinately get an accountant to go over the books. I think I should warn you though that I came across a lot of "cash in the back pocket", so the figures you are given don't end up reflecting the shop sales.

good luck

hi catkin not sure you should have given so much location away maybe see if you can edit your post you don't know who may have seen this and try to get the shop off you

as for starting out if you think you have had enough experience then go for it as for figure you have to take in account that xmas Md and vals are all very busy times and that the other times are nothing compared to that

i was lucky i had worked full time in the shop i bought for just under 2years so i had an idea it was doing ok but could do even better so i managed to change the whole image and it has eventually taken off but its really hard work and very stressful but the best part is being your own boss and being able to do what you want to do

Good luck Potty xx

Sorry catkin forgot to say welcome

welcome purple tulip fab all these new members

love potty