| You'd like your backyard plant nursery to become | | | | is going to a church, charity or cause that they |
| the profit center of your dreams. You'd like to be | | | | believe in. It makes your wallet happy, and makes |
| selling huge numbers of landscaping plants. So how | | | | your business look good too. A typical arrangement is |
| can you do that? Here are the six best ways to sell | | | | to donate 20 to 30 percent of your gross sales for |
| all the landscaping plants you can grow: | | | | the day to the organization. |
| 1. Farmers' markets | | | | 4. Sell directly to landscapers |
| These events continue to draw big crowds looking | | | | Call up local landscapers and find out what they're |
| for high quality plants. Set up a booth or stand and | | | | looking for. If you can offer them what they need at |
| get selling! Make up some flyers or business cards | | | | a competitive price, you could get a lot of business. |
| about your plant business and pass them out. Set out | | | | Put together a list of landscapers and send them |
| a mailing list and encourage people who stop by your | | | | flyers regularly with prices and sales information. |
| stand to sign up. Mailing lists are a fun, quick, and | | | | 5. Pre-sell your plants |
| easy way to keep in touch with your customers. | | | | If you're plan to wholesale plants, you'll need to begin |
| 2. Craigslist or There are many ways to advertise | | | | selling them long before they're mature. Visit local |
| your business online, such as Craigslist and These | | | | retail nurseries, landscapers and stores to let them |
| take a couple minutes and are completely free. | | | | know what you have to offer. You could even invite |
| Advertise your business, and mention what you have | | | | them out to your nursery to take a look. Selling early |
| for sale, when and where you're selling it and what | | | | will improve your business and profits. |
| your prices are. Try a "loss-leader" such as 4" ground | | | | 6. Garage sales |
| covers for $1.99 each, or buy 2, get one free, to get | | | | Maybe your town doesn't allow retail sales out of |
| customers to your nursery, as they will almost | | | | your backyard. Most towns, however, do allow |
| always buy other plants at full price when they are | | | | garage sales. A garage sale is a fun and easy way to |
| there | | | | sell your plants. Be specific in your ad, so people don't |
| 3. Fundraisers | | | | show up looking for the latest Barbie or clothes for |
| Fundraisers are a great way to make good money | | | | infants. Mention what you have for sale and what |
| and help others at the same time. People are more | | | | your hours are. |
| than willing to spend money if they know some of it | | | | |