Candy Bouquets
There is always a need for new and innovative gift giving ideas. The newest trend that has begun to emerge on the market is candy bouquets. These bouquets substitute traditional floral arrangements and gift baskets for any and all special occasions.
This type of small business idea is very easy to start, and the only talent you will need is an eye for design.
How To Get Started
The first thing you will need to do is register a name for your company and apply for any licensing that you will need. Because your business handles food, even packaged food that will not be opened, you may be required to apply for additional permits.
Once you have registered your name, you will need to establish a website and domain name, a phone number for the business and create a home office. Your website will be used to promote your business, and if you desire, sell your products. Consumers feel more confident when purchasing items from a company that has an established website, even if it is for informational purposes only.
You will need to establish suppliers for your candy and other novelties that you may include in your bouquets. Make sure that you have created a relationship with more than one distributor so you are never left without product.
The final thing you will need to do is create a product line. At this time you should make samples of the bouquets that you will offer and photograph them for your catalogue and website. You will need a clear product line and price guide for your potential clients.
One of the best things about this type of business is that you can be very creative with your bouquets, creating arrangements to fit any holiday, life event, or personality.
Who Is The Potential Client?
Everyone has an occasion in their life where they desire to give flowers. Baby and wedding showers, birthdays, anniversaries, school dances, promotions, retirements, and the list goes on and on. Because of this, everyone is your potential customer.
Do not forget corporate gifts. Many businesses send out corporate gifts to their major clients, key personnel and vendors during the holiday season. You can approach these corporations and offer to create specialised bouquets that incorporate their logos.
You can even offer sugar free candy bouquets for people that are watching their weight or are diabetic. The potential is there, all you need is the desire to succeed.
Supplies Other Than Candy
You will need to purchase other supplies than candy. Some of these will include:
- Vases
- Baskets
- Ribbons
- Floral wrapping paper
- Balloons
- Other little goodies to decorate your bouquets
You will be able to find these items in many different craft stores and wholesale suppliers. Keep your eye open at tag sales and second hand stores. These places are often filled with very inexpensive baskets, vases and unique knick knacks that you can use in your bouquets to make them more unique.
Things To Remember
When you begin this type of business you must remember that many of the customers that will seek your product will do it on a last-minute basis. All too often important dates are forgotten, and in an effort to make themselves look good, they opt for a bouquet instead of a gift. You will find that many customers will pressure you to make very quick deadlines.
While this is not the pleasant part of the business, it is a reality that you must be willing to deal with. All of your customers will not be this way, and when you make a rush customer happy, they often promote your company to all their friends. Word-of-mouth advertising is the best form of advertising your business can receive. Always try to make your customers happy, even the ones that require hectic deadlines.