Is a floral business from home a good idea for a single mom?

I like the idea of being home with my kids but want to make sure I'll make enough money to support us.





I live in a metropolitan area so I think there is a lot of business around here, probably a lot of competition, too.

Is a floral business from home a good idea for a single mom?
I highly recommend considering the YTB opportunity. It was presented to me as an mlm travel business; however, I discovered that it is an excellent, legitimate way to save money on travel/entertainment, and make a very nice second income.





For a very small investment, you would have your own travel website that would earn you very generous commissions when you book your own airline tickets, hotel reservations, concert and events tickets, send flowers, etc. The website site is well designed, easy to use, and equivalent to the major online booking agents, i.e. Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia. You can take a look at my website at: www.travelsmartworldwide.com.





My husband and I are both successful professionals, and we vacation in Cape Cod, NYC, and Rhode Island several times per year. We became interested in YTB just for the savings and tax advantages. Within a very short period of time, it has become as lucrative as having a home-based business and with minimal effort.





I would be very happy to share more information with you, and help you get started.
Reply:Good for you . I've seen ppl do it before.. the floral biz is great.. There is alot of ppl out there that can't afford floral store prices so keep it down since you will not have rent and store costs... Also visit many photographers, and other vendors advertise with them because they are great referral sources. Focus on a venue.. because the word of mouth is great. For example Quinceanera's are a big thing in the Hispanic community and there is plenty of $$ being spent there for floral arrangements even as big as weddings..
Reply:Not if you suffer from hayfever.
Reply:i would start out small still having your other job and doing the flural job on the weekends and if the business starts to boom and you make enough money without the other job then quite and make it your only job.
Reply:Make sure you investigate it first. Call other flower shops and see if you can ask the owners some questions. Find out how much inventory you would need to carry and how much money after expenses you can expect to clear off of each job.





Once you have the facts on paper it will look more clear to you about whether this is something that could be profitable or not.





Hope that helps,


Alicia
Reply:Yeah i think its a good idea but you'd have to look at the practical side of things too such as:- you'd need to be able to drive to the market for your flowers and supplies very very early so your kids will need someone to stay over on market days and unless that person is a very good friend or family member you'll have to pay them. Are your kids old to understand that they're not to touch your finished work or play with your stapler and spray paints? Have you got a spare room you can work from? Can you cope with a large funeral order on your own and can you deliver? As for the competition, you'd need to make a few inquiries as to their costs for various arrangements and undercut them. Its a very satisfying job and financially rewarding but its also very hard work. I hope if you do go ahead with it that it all turns out well for you, good luck.
Reply:First thing you'll need to do is go to your city gov't offices to see if your area is zoned for commercial business. You probably will have to apply for a license. Next write up a business proposal/business plan to present to your bank or loan company so you can get money to start up your business. Your home may need some remodeling to fit coolers, etc if you plan to have fresh florals. Then there is contacting floral companies for supplies, opening a bank account, finding an accountant, stocking your supplies, etc, etc, etc. Don't want to discourage you, but have you done all your homework regarding owning a business by yourself. It's not easy to do that these days--the competition is fierce out there, and unless you have a plan and the know-how, you may be disappointed. It might be easier for you to run a baby-sitting service or daycare in your home--easier to get a license, too.