How to Start a Garden Supply Business

If you love gardening and lawncare then starting a garden supply business could be a great way to become self employed while doing something you love. There are several ways to get things started but specializing in a particular niche may give you an advantage over any competitors.

Find A Niche

• Do your homework and find out what supplies most people are looking for especially in your local area.


• Go to the local small home and garden stores to see which products they push the hardest and where they spend their advertising dollars.


• Use your list to check their inventory and see if you can find needed products that they do not carry or are not stocked.


• Make a new list of items that are sought after but not carried by your competitors. Stock any items where the difference between supply cost and retail price is very wide and a profit can be made. Make sure to also stock the most commonly purchased garden supplies so your customers can always find what they need at your store.

Customer Service

• Take the time to hire an employee who has vast knowledge in the products you sell. This will go a long way when customers need advice and know they can get it at your establishment.


• Make sure that your product return and exchange policy is very clear. A happy customer is a return customer.


• Greet people as they arrive but do not be overbearing. Be available when customers have questions without bothering them.

Advertising

• Spend some advertising money by including leaflets in the local newspaper to let people know about your store.


• Advertise on local websites that review business online. Use free internet yellow page ads to expose your business using keywords people search for to find products you sell.


• Find local coupon distributors to get the discounts you offer to the public.