Hi All,

I’m currently thinking to open my own plant shop. I love collecting and taking care of plants. I have 80 plus plants in my house and I have also started selling plants on fb marketplace as well.

I work as a robot technician and have a good salary but I’m not really interested to work in this field so reading a lot about starting a small business. I already have 70k saved to buy my own house but now, I’m seriously considering opening a plant shop. I have got my business number and checked few stores for leasing. I also contacted few wholesalers to buy more common plants but can’t really buy in bulk yet because of no place to store. Honestly I don’t have much knowledge about business but I used to work at a convince store few years ago so have some idea about dealing with customers. Renting a commercial space and then, surviving on this business seems very risky. Can anyone give me few tips or suggest me any book to not to self doubt. Also, any tips related to opening your own store.

​

Thanks,

​

  • Bob-Roman@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    If you want to start up a plant shop, you need to solve the location problem first.

    This means mirroring traditional brick and mortar business model. Find a suitable location, create a storefront, and then drive traffic to it.

    You can find suitable location with help of real estate agent and/or consultant.

    Average cost to outfit small retail store is between $100K and $125K. You will also need inventory (i.e. $25K) and capital (i.e. $50K) to cover operating expenses until business is cash flow positive.

    So, total start up expenses may reach $200K.

    Driving traffic cost money too.

    Attracting pass-by traffic (pedestrians, motorists) requires a great location. Great locations usually command high rents. So does effective advertising and promotion.

    Finally, after you get them in the door, you have to close the deal (personal selling).

    Consequently, this brings up the notion of best fit.

    Are your traits as robot technician a good match with the requirements for shop keeper?