How to Run a Plant Nursery

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:RunPlantNursery
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How to Run a Plant Nursery

Introduction

One of the most important aspects of running a plant nursery is knowing your target market. You must understand your client base and be aware of your competition. Catering to your clients, employing service-oriented, knowledgeable staff and keeping excellent records will help make your nursery a success. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Determine your stock. You will determine your nursery stock based on your skill, expertise, interest and growing space, as well as client demand.
2

Step Two

Determine your yearly budget and stay within it. Plan wisely, using the records from the previous year to determine the inventory for the current year. The first few years running a nursery are generally the most difficult. Start with popular stock and slowly develop a specialty line.
3

Step Three

Hire and train enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Hiring someone who is not passionate about horticulture will probably result in dissatisfaction for you, your hired help and your customers.
4

Step Four

Keep excellent records of inventory, prices, suppliers and costs. Review these records each winter and make adjustments that will maximize earning potential.
5

Step Five

Continuously work on developing new marketing avenues. Once you know your target market, find new ways to reach out to them. Sales, auctions, and coupons are a great way to keep clients coming back.

Tips & Warnings

  • Be aware of trends and determine how to use them to your advantage.
  • Running a nursery means constantly re-evaluating and finding new ways to please your customers. Be cautious when introducing new stock into your nursery. Purchase small amounts until you see how your clients respond.
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