Now Exotic plants could be as simple as African violets or as complicated as tropical air plants. It depends on the level you want to get into with this business idea.
Your first step should be to check out plants on the internet and source the ones you want to sell, or build up your stock if you already have an existing supply of plants you cultivate yourself.
Depending on your start-up capital, you may want to begin with just one or two lines and expand later or open your business with a complete range of plants.
Some exotic plants require virtually no special care while others are so fussy you are better off leaving them alone to begin with.
You need to choose between growing your products from seed, or buying them as starter plants and reselling them once they have reached a decent size.
Again, research the plants you wish to carry, to find out which method is more suitable to the level of commitment you want to make.
You will need the usual plant stuff, soil, fertilizer, pots, etc. plus any special equipment your species needs.
Most exotic plants do not survive well outside during their early months, if at all. Therefore, you will need to use a large, warm, well-lit, room or greenhouse to grow in.
Advertising is another big must. Since you are selling a specialized product, you need to define your market.
Are you selling easy-yet-exotic plants to homemakers, or are you aiming to sell the more difficult plants to plant connoisseurs?
Once you have defined your target market; submit an advertisement in the local newspapers, and/or hang flyers in areas where your future customers would hang out.
Don’t overlook internet marketing and
selling on eBay
either, although you may want to keep to your area of the world if you aren’t sure how to ship plants safely.
Print up some business cards and hand them out every time you meet someone and talk your business up any chance you get.
Now, you have your new little tropical air plants and birds-of-paradise and lilies all lined up in the greenhouse, how do you get them out there to your markets?
Although you could open a storefront, it is costly and probably not a great idea unless you live very far from the city you are targeting.
Instead, bring people to your greenhouse. Put up a nice sign at the end of the drive and put your home address on the ads you print. Just keep things tidy.
Your clients will be thrilled to actually see where the magic goes on. Just make sure that you are not violating any zoning or licensing requirements for your city or town.
You could also sell at local farmer's markets and flea markets during warmer weather.
Another option, if you wish to keep the operation very small or if you want to expand your existing business; sell exotic seeds.
Either gleaned from your personal growing stock, or bought specially and repackaged with your logo, people will love to try their hand at growing strange and beautiful plants.
Just be sure to include detailed instructions and a difficulty level on the packet.
You can also expand on this business idea by offering consulting services – become an exotic plant doctor of sorts.
You can go to people’s houses and businesses that buy your beautiful exotic plants, and provide care and maintenance services or doctoring if the plants are having any problems.
And be sure to take photos of your stunning plants.
This is one of those small business ideas that could create a recurring revenue stream for you by creating calendars, note cards and more with your photos.
You could sell these through
Cafepress
and local small shops and booksellers, and also to use on
your website
if you decide to build one.
