How to Start a flower business in Australia 2025

Do you have a passion for flowers or simply recognise the growing demand and want to capitalize? No matter which category you fall into, starting a flower business in Australia in 2025 is super easy and profitable. 

But like any other business, if you’re not careful enough, you can mess things up. The world of business is tough, and your attempt to start a flower shop should not end up in failure. You can turn it into a blooming business and that's what we're here to help you with. By following these effective steps, you can make your flower business a successful venture in no time.

Is Owning a Flower Shop Profitable?

The profitability of owning a flower shop varies depending on a number of factors. These factors can include location, competition, marketing efforts, choice of sale items (flowers) and the owner's business ability to make business decisions. 

Let’s take a look at a few flower shop-related stats:

• Florists make around 50k - 60k a year in Australia. 
• The floral industry in Australia is worth an estimated $826 million and is expected to grow at an annualised rate of 9.9% over the next five years. 
• Flowers are usually sold at 3 to 4 times their wholesale cost

So, the simple answer is; yes, owning a flower shop is profitable. However, it’s also worth noting that flowers are very delicate and decay without water and soil, meaning they have a limited shelf life. This can make it difficult to manage inventory and ensure that flowers are sold before they go bad. As a result, you need to be careful about the pricing and make sure that you are not overstocking your inventory. This is also where a floral POS system like POSApt will help you seamlessly manage your inventory and set notifications so your inventory never goes bad.

Steps to Start a Flower Business in Australia

The process to start a florist business will not be the same for everyone. But we can summarise the general process and give you a general outline to get started. So, here is a step-by-step process on how you can start a flower business in Australia:

Step 1: Research & Planning

The first step to any successful business is the research work that goes into determining its target area, competitors and potential customers. It is essential to first understand whether there’s a demand for what you’re trying to sell. Then, it’s time to determine your business model, whether it is going to be a physical retail shop, an online store, or a combination of both. Finally, create a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, marketing strategies, budget, and infrastructural requirements.

Step 2: Legal Considerations

The second step would be to register your business. Choose a business name and register it with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). You may also need to acquire an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold.

Depending on the area that you’re operating in, you might need extra licences and permits. You can consult with your local council to determine what extra documents are needed to start a floral shop. 

Step 3: Location & Premises

If your plan is to open a physical flower shop, find a suitable location that is easily accessible. Make sure that it has adequate space for your operations and storage needs. Consider pedestrian traffic, availability of parking space, and proximity to your target market. Finally, secure a lease agreement for the premises and ensure it complies with local zoning regulations and permits.

Step 4: Set Up Operations

Purchase necessary equipment such as shelves, refrigeration units, floral design tools, vases, and packaging materials. Depending on the scale and need, set up a custom point-of-sale system for inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) transactions, and record keeping.

Step 5: Suppliers & Inventory

Now that you have your location secured and all the necessary licences to start selling, you need to first gather your flowers, right? So, research and connect with local flower growers and wholesalers to source fresh flowers and floral supplies. It’s never a bad decision to establish relationships with reliable flower suppliers, they’re the sweetest people. 

Determine your inventory needs based on market demand(from the research data of Step 1) and the types of flowers and arrangements you plan to offer. Consider the seasonality of flowers and maintain a well-curated selection.

Step 6: Marketing & Branding

Marketing is a vital part of any business’s success. So, develop a brand identity and create a visually appealing logo and signage. Establish an online presence through a website or e-commerce platform to showcase your products and bring in online orders. Make use of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to share photos and videos of your floral creations, engage with customers, and promote your business. You can also partner with wedding planners and event organisers who can refer you to their clients (whenever relevant). 

Step 7: Customer Service & Growth

Once you’re selling your flowers like hotcakes, the job’s not done just yet. You need to start listening to what your customers say about your service. Their feedback is crucial if you want your business to run for a long time. So, collect customer feedback and reviews and make appropriate changes every once in a while. 

And finally, if you’re unsure of what your next step should be, remember to consult with professionals such as business coaches or legal advisors.

Increase Your Revenue with an Online Flower Store

Setting up a flower shop is one thing, but getting people interested and bringing them into your store is another matter entirely. While we did mention marketing and branding in Step 6, we wanted to elaborate a little more on this topic. 

One of the most effective ways to increase orders at your flower shop is to create an online store. The shopping landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with people now expecting things to be even more accessible, including when it comes to shopping. We want everything to be as easy as swiping right or left and clicking a few buttons. Therefore, setting up an online store makes your flower shop more accessible to today’s online shoppers. Moreover, you can target a wider audience and can generate up to 3 times more revenue. 

Wrapping Up

Yay! You just completed the full guide on how to start a flower business in Australia. Now, it’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice. Remember our 7-step process and you will be good to go. However, running a flower business is no finish line, it’s a never-ending journey (until you end up closing the store). So, there’ll obviously be good days and bad days too. What’s important is that you’re not giving up on your project and keep investing your time and efforts to make it a success.

Also Read:

How to Become a Florist in Australia?

How to Start an Online Business in Australia?

FAQs

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Flower Shop?

On average, it costs anywhere between $10,000 and $60,000 to start a small flower shop. This may or may not include the cost of rent, electricity, inventory, marketing, and other expenses.

However, there isn’t really a definite answer to this question. The cost of starting a flower shop varies depending on a number of factors. This may include the size and location of the shop, the type of flowers you’ll be selling, and the extent of decorations you’ll be doing in your store. 

How Much Do Flower Shop Owners Make in Australia?

On average, a florist earns around $50,000 in Australia. However, this is the salary of a florist and not the profit of the actual flower shop, or in other words, not how much a flower shop owner makes. The amount of money that flower shop owners make in Australia varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of the shop, the location, and the owner's experience and skills. 

How Big is the Flower Industry in Australia?

The floral industry in Australia is valued at an estimated $826 million. It is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 9.9% over the next five years. It is definitely a very big part of the Australian economy. 

*DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information only. POSApt does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or specific results from following this advice. Consider consulting business professionals for tailored guidance.