Published on 23/10/2020 by Any Business.Com.Au

The Key Things to Know About Owning a Florist before You Buy

Floristry is a timeless industry; there will always be occasions to buy flowers. But that doesn't mean that it's not a changing industry.

In fact florists, who arrange and sell flowers, are seeing dramatic changes to their industry with the rising popularity of online stores. Web-based florists can enjoy huge success, but that doesn't mean they're free from certain regulations.

Whether you choose to buy an online business or a more traditional florist, the following information is the foundation to help kick-start your research into owning a business. Below is a guide to the key things you'll want to think about before buying a floristry business.

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Important Licences and Permits for Florists

At a florist, you're dealing with retail products, fresh goods, delivery services, brick-and-mortar premises, and more. That means that you need to be careful to ensure you've got all the necessary licences and permits (which may be quite varied) to run your business.

The most important licences and permits for a florist business could include:

Licences

• Standing Vehicle/Stall Licence or a Roadside Vending Licence – If you choose to sell your flower arrangements at a market from a stall or a vehicle, you may need one of these licences from your local council.
• Liquor or Food Business Licence – Many florists offer alternative gifts to flowers. Hampers commonly feature food and alcohol. If you want to sell these products, you may need one or both of these licences.
• Music Licence – You'll need this licence if you want to play radio or television at your business. Learn more and apply with the Australasian Performing Right Association.

Permits

• Footpath Usage/Obstruction Permit – With some councils, you may need a permit to put displays on the footpath outside your shop.
• Advertising Signage Approval – You may have to seek council approval before displaying new signs or changing existing signs, even if it is a simple a-frame sign on the footpath. Check with your local council to see if it applies to you.
• Trade Waste Discharge Approval – If you're discharging any liquid other than domestic sewerage through the drains, you might need to apply for council approval. This permit isn't transferable.
• Commercial Vehicle Permit – As a florist, you'll probably deliver packages as part of your service. In that case, you may have to see if your local council supplies a permit to park in loading zones and other regulated parking spots. You'll also need an up-to-date Commercial Vehicle Registration for your business mode of transport.

If you're buying an existing business, it'll probably have all the necessary licences and permits. Most can be transferred to you upon purchase of the business. But it's still best to check that all the documents are there and valid before you commit.

Learn what licences, permits and other registrations may apply to your retail store, at the Australian Business Licence and Information Service.

Florist Staff Minimum Wage and Other Obligations

If your florist business is successful, you'll want to employ some staff to give you additional support. But employing staff in Australia isn't as simple as exchanging service for money. There are host of legal obligations you have towards your employees.

All employees in Australia are covered by the national Fair Work Act. Under this act you must pay your staff the minimum wage according to an industry award, which in the case of floristry is usually the General Retail Industry Award 2010.

Typically you also have to cover a number of other benefits, which can include penalty rates, common allowance, superannuation, possible workers compensation insurance, leave entitlements, and maybe even payroll tax.

The Fair Work Australia website tells you everything you need to know about employee management. It also provides common standards that protect your employees from unfair dismissal, discrimination, workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

Even if you think these matters will never concern your business, it's still worth familiarising yourself with the laws so you're prepared for any potential problem.

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Florists offer a valued service to consumers today. A gift of flowers or a hamper is perfect for just about any occasion, from sending well wishes to an ill friend to thanking a mother for her patience with the kids.

Naturally, a lot of hard work is involved. But if you learn about the various regulations, standards, laws and licences you need for your florist business, you'll enter the industry far more in-the-know and comfortable than otherwise.

Learn more about owning and running a florist on the Australian Flower Industry website.

AnyBusiness.com.au

Mary is the founder of AnyBusiness.com.au. She has a degree in Business from Monash University and been helping showcase businesses for sale for over 10 years. In the course of running her own business and working daily with business owners and brokers she has developed a keen sense of the Australian market for businesses for sale and shares her knowledge on this blog and others such as female.com.au

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