9 Simple Steps To Sell Plants Online

In this post, we will explore 9 straightforward steps that empower you to sell plants online successfully. 

Key Takeaways

• Selling plants online successfully involves several 9 key steps. However, the most crucial step is choosing the right platform to sell online, as it significantly impacts how you connect with customers.
• Shopify is highly recommended for plant selling with a user-friendly interface that empowers you to build, customize, and manage your online store seamlessly. 

More and more people are buying plants on the Internet. In fact, the value of the US plant and flower growing industry is estimated to be around $15.6 billion.

One of the primary advantages of selling plants online is the ability to reach a much wider audience compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Furthermore, online platforms offer comprehensive information about each plant, including care guidelines, species specifics, and images, helping customers make well-informed choices before purchasing.

How To Sell Plants Online

Selling plants online involves several steps to successfully set up and manage your business. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Step 1: Market Research and Planning

To begin, conduct comprehensive market research to comprehend current plant trends and demands with tools like Google Trends and delve into plant forums for insights. This research aids in identifying plants with high selling potential.

Next, pinpoint your target audience, such as indoor plant enthusiasts or gardeners. Determine who your potential customers are to tailor your strategies effectively.

Analyze your competitors within the plant market. Perform Google searches with relevant plant niche keywords to grasp competition dynamics. Study their approach, target audience, and pricing strategies.

You would also need to construct a well-defined business plan outlining your objectives, tactics, and financial projections. This will set a ground base for your venture’s success, facilitating informed decision-making.

Lastly, navigate state, regional, national, and international industry regulations for your online plant business. This comprehensive understanding ensures compliance and prepares you for a successful launch.

Step 2: Sourcing Plants

Figuring out how to start your online store might seem tricky. The first thing you need to do when setting up your online plant business is to find the right plants to sell.

Here are a few essential things to think about at this stage:

• Deciding What to Sell: Think about which types of plants you want to sell and find out where you can get them from.
• Figuring Out the Cost: Decide how much money you’ll need to buy the plants you want to sell.
• Getting Reliable Suppliers: Make sure the people who will give you the plants are trustworthy and can provide your needs.
• Your Time and Effort: Consider how much time and work you will spend growing and caring for the plants yourself.

When your plants are healthy and well-cared for, it not only makes customers happy but also plays a significant role in the success of your online plant business. Healthy plants and variety can bring more customers and keep them returning.

Here are a few plant supply choices to consider as you begin:

Grow Your Own

If you want to have a lot of control over the plants you sell, you can think about growing them yourself. This way, you can grow the kinds of plants you know people want to buy. It can also save you from dealing with many different suppliers, which can be confusing and cost more.

But, if you choose to grow your plants, you need to figure out how much money and time you’ll need for things like equipment and care for the plants. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to buy plants from big plants seller or local plant stores because they can make plants for less money.

Partner with a Wholesaler

If you work with a company that sells plants wholesale, it can be perfect for a reasonable price.

But, when you grow your plants, you can decide which ones to sell. If you use a wholesaler, you can only sell their plants. This means your online store might not have as many choices, and you might not always have the plants your customers want.

Work with a Local Nursery

Why not find a plant seller near me? It is a perfect idea. Getting plants from a nearby plant shop can be helpful. They usually have lots of plants you can buy at a reasonable price, so you can earn more money when you sell them. 

If you often buy plants from this shop, you might even get to suggest what kinds of plants they should grow. This way, you can have the plants your customers want without spending money on growing them yourself.

Drop Shipping

Drop shipping is a bit different. You don’t need to keep plants in stock. Instead, you partner with a company that has the plants. When a customer orders a plant from your online store, you tell the company, and they send it directly to the customer. You don’t have to handle the plants yourself.

Step 3: Choosing a suitable platform to sell online

Best Platforms To Build Your Ecommerce Store

If you want to make plants sell online, you can make your online store. You can do this using helpful and simple websites like Shopify or Wix. These websites make it easy to create your store and decide how you want to sell your stuff. Remember, having your store gives you control, but you must spend time and money to make it work well.

• Shopify: Shopify offers a range of subscription plans for creating an ecommerce store, with prices varying from $39 to $2000+ per month businesses of all sizes can take advantage of its powerful e-commerce tools. With Shopify, you can easily list your plants, manage inventory, and process orders. It also offers over 8,000 apps to enhance your store’s functionality, like integrating with social media and managing customer reviews.
• Wix: Wix offers five plans with price ranges from $16 per month to custom pricing, depending on the features. The platform can help you create a beautiful and functional plant store. Wix provides customizable templates, making it easy to design your store to match your brand. The platform’s user-friendly interface lets you manage your products, inventory, and orders hassle-free.

Marketplaces

eBay and Etsy are places where you can sell your plants online. These are good when you’re starting because they have ready-made audiences and provide advertising options to promote your store.

When you sell on these marketplaces, they usually take some commission. So, it might be harder to earn a lot from selling plants. Many businesses sell on these marketplaces to reach new customers, not to make it the primary selling channel.

Social Media

Facebook and Instagram are popular online platforms where numerous people spend their time. These platforms offer opportunities to engage with potential customers. If you have a strong presence on these sites, you can channel that attention into sales.  Nowadays, it’s become significantly simpler as social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest) allow in-app purchases.

Step 4: Setting Up Your Online Business

Now, let’s make your online store. It’s like your digital shop where people can buy your plants. We’ll guide you through the process.

Build an online store

You need a website builder to build and launch your store. We recommend you use Shopify or
Wix.

Both of these platforms are user-friendly. You can drag things around on your screen to edit or add sections. Plus, there are many ready-made themes and templates you can choose from and edit to match your brand identity. Here are some primary steps to build an online store:

• Visit your chosen ecommerce platform and sign up
• Think of a unique name for your online store and make sure it is plant-relevant.
• Pick a design that matches your brand and plant selling
• Upload your plant pictures and set prices.
• Setting payment methods
• Launch your store

Sell on marketplaces

eBay and Etsy are big marketplaces where many people go to buy things. Selling on these markets can help you find customers easily as you are putting your plants in a place where many plant lovers are already looking. 

You can follow these steps to sell on marketplaces:

• Create an account on the online market
• Take nice pictures of your plants and upload them on your profile, set prices, and provide detailed descriptions.
• Decide payment and shipping methods
• Start selling and be ready to provide great customer support

Sell on Social media platforms

Selling plants on social media can be a fruitful endeavor. Here’s a brief overview of the steps to get started:

• Create an account and a business profile on the social platform you choose
• Capture High-Quality Photos and engaging posts
• Start selling

Step 5: Showcasing Your Plants

Whether you’re selling through your online store, a marketplace, or social media, effectively presenting your plants can catch customers’ eyes and boost sales. 

Here are 5 tips for showcasing your plants online:

• Include High-quality Product Photos: Take clear, colorful pictures of your plants with good lighting. This helps people see the plants’ beauty and details, almost like looking at them in person.
• Use Detail Product Descriptions: Write simple explanations about your plants, like their size, care needs, and unique features. This helps buyers understand what they’re getting and how to care for their new plant friend.
• Categorize Your Plants: Organize your plants into groups, like “Indoor Plants” or “Succulents.” This makes it easier for visitors to find the types of plants they’re interested in.
• Add a Virtual Tour: Make a video where you show people around your plant space. It’s like inviting them into your garden through their screens, so they can get a better sense of what you offer.
• Leverage customer reviews: Share previous experiences of people who bought your plants. It’s like hearing from friends about their plant journey, which can help others decide if they want to buy from you.

Step 6: Setting The Price And Shipping Methods

When pricing your plants, it’s important to strike a balance between profitability and attracting customers. Consider factors such as the plants’ rarity, their size, your brand value, and the current market demand. Research the pricing of similar plants in the market to get a competitive understanding.

Additionally, you should ensure safe plant shipping by using quality packaging and reliable methods with tracking. Customize shipping rates and communicate clearly about delivery. Have a clear return policy for damaged plants to build trust. Regularly adjust pricing and shipping strategies based on customer feedback and market trends to ensure plants reach customers in excellent condition.

Step 7: Packaging and Shipping

Packaging and shipping plants with care is crucial to ensure the safe arrival of your plant products to customers. Proper packaging safeguards plants during their journey and demonstrates your commitment to delivering quality. 

Here’s a detailed guide on adequate plant packaging and shipping:

• Choose Protective Packing Materials: Opt for materials like biodegradable packing peanuts, shredded paper, or bubble wrap for cushioning.
• Ensure Adequate Watering: Hydrate plants well before packing to reduce stress during transit. Avoid overwatering to prevent moisture-related issues.
• Remove Excess Soil: Gently remove extra soil from roots to reduce weight and mess.
• Secure Wrapping: Wrap each plant in tissue, newspaper, or horticultural paper for protection and humidity retention.
• Proper Labeling: Mark packages as “Live Plants” or “Fragile” to ensure careful handling.
• Choose Suitable Shipping Methods: Select the right shipping method considering distance, time, and cost. Consider standard ground, expedited, or local delivery services.

Step 8: Marketing and Promotion

Creating a solid marketing strategy is crucial for your plant business’s success. This strategy involves using channels like social media, email marketing, and collaborations to engage your target audience effectively. 

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest can serve as virtual showrooms where you exhibit captivating visuals that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of your plants. High-quality images and videos that capture the intricate details of each plant’s foliage, colors, and textures can enthrall potential customers, sparking their interest and prompting them to explore further.

You should leverage email marketing as a powerful tool for direct customer communication. Start by building an email list through your website or social media platforms, allowing you to share valuable plant care tips, exclusive promotions, and updates about new arrivals. Create compelling newsletters that showcase your products and provide valuable insights into gardening and plant care, fostering engagement and loyalty among your audience.

You can co-host events, run joint promotions, or create exclusive bundles to showcase your plants in diverse contexts, enhancing their appeal. Use limited-time offers, discounts, or bundle deals to attract and retain customers, emphasizing value and urgency. For added relevance, you can also align these promotions with specific occasions or holidays.

Step 9: Customer Service, Monitoring, and Improving

Once your online plant store is up and running, providing exceptional customer service is crucial for building trust and loyalty. Respond promptly to customer inquiries and address any concerns they may have. Offer clear communication about order processing, shipping, and delivery times. Make sure your customers feel valued and supported throughout their buying journey.

Regularly monitor your sales and customer feedback to gain insights into your plant business’s performance. Pay attention to which plants are popular, which ones are less so, and whether customers are satisfied with their purchases. Positive feedback can highlight your strengths, while constructive criticism can guide improvements. Use analytics tools to track website traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior.

Based on the insights you gather, make continuous improvements to your online plant business. If certain plant varieties aren’t selling well, consider adjusting your inventory or marketing strategies. Enhance your website’s user experience based on customer feedback to make navigation and shopping smoother. Keep an eye on industry trends and adapt your offerings accordingly.

How to Start an Online Plant Business: Checklist

Starting an online plant business can be fulfilling but demands meticulous planning. Ask yourself these questions before you kick off:

• What kind of research will you conduct?
• What types of plants are you planning to offer for sale?
• How do you intend to acquire your plant inventory?
• Which e-commerce platform will you choose to list and sell your plants?
• How will you manage the photography and crafting of plant descriptions?
• What approach will you use to determine the prices for your plants?
• What methods will you employ for packaging and shipping your plants?
• What strategies will you implement to promote your online store?
• How will you establish systems to track and refine your business strategy?

Bottom Line

As we wrap up this guide, you’ve got all the steps you need to start making plants sell online successfully. Try Shopify or Wix to kickstart your selling journey!

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