This depends on how much time you want to put in. But, if you are operating from your home, about three hours on a daily basis is enough.

You ideally take about 20-30 minutes to complete a basket or bouquet. You can do about 10 of them in four hours.

This is at a very basic level. If you want to scale up your business, you can expand it to any level and even own a store eventually.

Win-Win Situation

"This depends on the kind of flowers you are using. If you use roses you get a 100 percent profit. But again, if you go for specialised ones like the Chinese or Dutch, they are expensive. So you cannot make more profits here," says Shobna.

Profits also depend on the season. For example, during festivals and the wedding season, the flowers are very costly, so you may need to invest more.

But overall, initially you make about 25 percent of profits and on an average about 40-50 percent.

After a year or two you can expect to make about 50-60 percent. But if you are into decorations as well, you cannot make more than 20-25 percent.

Spread the Word

Shobna suggests printing and distributing leaflets and advertising in papers to grow your business.

Even the telephonic information services and the yellow pages help a great deal. You can even advertise on your cable network and go in for the conventional mouth publicity.

Exhibitions are a must as they help spread the word due to the many footfalls. Also, "advertising just before the season is very helpful," advices Shobna.

You can also approach the 5 star hotels with your presentation. They usually work on a contract basis and you would be required to fill in your details. If your work scores, you will land up with a good deal.

Other ways to get contracts is to approach MNCs, corporates, lifestyle stores, high-end boutiques, etc. These establishments need such services for any functions, inaugurations or occasions they have.

Also, some people prefer dried flowers over fresh ones. So, even though flower arrangement and flower making are two separate art forms, both are in a way connected to each other.

You can even branch into teaching the art if you are confident enough.

A Word of Caution

If all this sounds exciting and you decide to take the plunge, it is important to know that you cannot survive unless you have a good flow of clients.

"This does not give you a good profit. You need to branch out into decorations if you want to make a good profit," says Shobna.

Another thing to remember is that you have to work with themes. Otherwise, you won't be able to meet the client's requirements, so getting as creative and imaginative as possible is very important.

And finally, remember to click pictures of your presentations and exhibits. Also, mark them with the pricing. They help you get more clients and hike up your profits.

Author: Jayshree Mulherkar

(The author is a freelance writer)