Florist News

Hi,
Im very interested in owning a florist, but initally not as a florist. I am an accountant, but really want to own a florist!

What would ppl's thoughts be on this- good idea?Mad? I should be a florist or at least have the qualification?

I definatley have the passion!

Thanks for advice. Helen x

get yourself really good florist/manager and learn the trade you have the skills for figures and he/she will have the skills for floristry. take 1 day per week and go to college to learn the rules of the trade. good luck if you decide to do it think of the long hours at peak times and when there are big weddings/funerals,cold working conditions, early morning/late nights,chapped sore hands, customer who want beautiful creations for a fiver and they want it now! it not 9-5 its not a cosy office but we enjoy it, so think carefully

I have the good fortune to be married to my accountant,,,my shop drives him to distraction!! Its not easy for financial minds to adapt to the uncertainties of this trade,,if I showed him this post he would would launch into a tirade about facts and figures and margins and profits and outgoings,,,he would scream at you to avoid it like the proverbial plague!! Trouble with accountants is theres no grey area is there,,its black or white..or red!! He thinks he could run my business his way,,aint never gonna happen!!

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live long and prosper

thanks for advice.

I would certainly recommend you train personally. It gives that security of knowledge that if staff let you down you can still complete orders! I think also knowing how to create the designs gives you insight into wastage and other variable costs.

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FAUN TO BE WILD...!!!

Several people that have opened around me in the past and not so distant past,have certainly fitted your question,they have run their "FLORIST"on there own,and judging by whats come out of the doors it certainly wasn't "FLORISTRY".........but people still paid for it?????????
Seriously though get good staff and you should be ok..

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seldom rong!!!!

One the people at my accountants bought a florist shop a few years ago. She had done an evening flower arranging course and decided she wanted to own her own florist. She told me she only kept it a few years, even though she really loved the flowers. Basically she thought it was too much like hard work for so little money. So she's gone back to accountancy.

I agree whole heartedly with what Mr Tumnus said. I have worked at a few shops where the owners weren't trained and had no intention of training properly...it make everything sooo much harder and ultimately I think unless the person is naturally talented it will limit the possibilities of the business.

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Sarah Creating Bespoke Wedding Flowers Cheshire

You say that you have the passion... is that passion for Floristry or for owning a retail establishment ?? You obviously have the head for numbers, which personally is the side to my business i HATE !! I employ my sister to do the sums for me... she far more patient than me. For me i have to be in the workroom !!! I love the flowers, the cold, the smell, the wet and getting my hands dirty !!!.. Also bear i mind that if you take on a Florist/ manager, she will need days off and holidays, what then ? Good luck with your decision.

hi Helen

I have just opened a shop, but will not be mananaging it full time, however I have undertaken the course and worked in a number of different shops at weekends to get more of a understanding. However my plan is to get involved in the business more and more, and run it 4 days a week. at the moment i will be working in the shop 2 days a week, and in the evenings. However I am really targeting the business at the asian community.
I am in bradford, I see that you are in North Yorkshire we could have a chat if you want.

staffing is really important and I have found a lovely lady who has 5 years experince.

regards
noor

Hi Helen
I am a qualified florist and am buying a shop with my accountant so it can be done. I think it will turn out rather well (fingers crossed) or maybe I'm just please I won't have to do any book keeping or wages lol!