help with finding stock [Archive]

Sobie

25th February 2009, 13:05

Hi,
I started a garden centre (from stratch) over 7 years ago, I would recommend you visit GLEE trade show in Birmingham as all of the major manufactures will be their. Its in September. If you look on the GLEE website most manufacturers websites are linked to it.
Best idea is to look around shops selling products that you want to sell, and take the manufactures details of the packaging of any products you like!
Be very careful with which chemicals you purchase as it is likely that many will be banned again this year. I would also recommend you sign up for horticulture weekly mag as it will tell you all of the legal requirements.
You will need to also set up trade accounts with Wholesalers, as lots of manufacturers will only supply you products via a wholesaler. which wholesaler you use will depend on the area you live in.
Are you starting from new, or will it be linked to another business?
What sort of products do you want to sell? compost?chemicals?plants?pots? tools?
If you intend on selling plants be aware that they will require constant attention, from March to October I work seven days a week, from 7am to 9pm! then go home to do paperwork! In fact today is my last day off until GLEE in september! October to march sales depend on the weather, so we still open from 9am - 5pm Mon to sat and 10am - 4pm sundays. We close one day during the week so we get a little break. As sales are so seasonal budgets are essential to get you through the winter months!
You will not be able to compete with large stores on price (by that I mean DIY stores, variety stores, supermarkets, etc) so make sure your knowledge on the products you wish to sell is exceptional and that way your customers will have a reason to use you instead of the large stores!
Good Luck
Sobie