Artificial Flowers Import Business Plan

Fantastic Florals, Inc. (FFI) imports exclusively handmade flowers by artisans from Indonesia. The firm’s main office is in Anytown, Oregon, and has a customs house broker in Seattle, Washington to deal with related matters.

FFI quality products are unique and exclusive, and its target consumers are women with upper-middle to upper-end incomes. FFI’s competitive edge is that the products are 100% handmade, unlike competitor’s products. By this fact, the firm hopes to attract people that value the artistry of producing silk flowers. Since FFI products are mostly silk flowers and silk hair accessories, it considers itself to be in the retail gift market, although some consumers purchase the product for themselves.

For the starting year, the company plans to attract manufacturer reps and retailers to distribute the products by attending the Silk trade show in Chicago, Illinois. This trade show is where suppliers of silk flowers and other silk products and buyers meet and arrange deals to sell the product. FFI projected sales are approximately $1.1 million by the end of the first year of operation. Also during this year, FFI plans to open an exclusive gift shop for our product in Anytown at the Third Street Public Market, leasing for five years.

For the following year, the company plans to expand to direct mail catalog sales by being in an established catalog, with a similar target market. FFI projects sales of $1.5 million in Year 2. During the third year, FFI plans to do both selling through suppliers, catalogs, and the exclusive gift store in Anytown, projecting sales to be nearly $2 million.

The FFI family will expand in Year 3 by adding 10 different kinds of flowers and flower arrangements. Maintaining an average gross margin of 25 to 30 percent is very realistic. The projected rate of annual growth in sales is 25 percent.

1.1 Objectives

1. Achieve Year 1 sales of $1.1 million.
2. Open gift shop in Anytown at Third Street Public Market with five-year lease.
3. For Year 2, expand into direct mail catalogs.
4. Maintain gross margin of 25 percent.
5. Establish annual growth rate of 25 percent.
6. Expand product family by adding 10 different kinds of flowers and flower arrangements in Year 3.

1.2 Mission

FFI’s mission is to become a recognized importer of artisan quality silk gift items in the United States. The company guarantees 100 percent customer satisfaction and values friendly service.

FFI’s purpose is to increase customer appreciation of handmade silk flowers and other silk products and to provide customers with beautiful unique artistic decorations.

1.3 Keys to Success

Keys to success for Fantastic Florals Inc. are:

1. Product quality.
2. Customer service.
3. Access to manufacturers and distribution channels.
4. Controlling fixed and variable costs during first two years.

Fantastic Florals, Inc. imports silk flowers and other silk accessories products from artisans in Indonesia and distributes the products to customers in the United States. The customers are retail stores and wholesalers who want imported silk flowers and accessories products, targeting women in middle-upper to upper-end income as the end user of the products.

2.1 Company Ownership

Fantastic Florals, Inc. is a privately held Anytown corporation. Suzy Rosemadder, FFI’s founder, is the majority owner. Several members of the board of directors also hold minority stock positions.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Start-up costs are approximated at $75,000, which primarily consists of product costs and expenses associated with establishing a marketing program and opening up FFI’s first distribution center.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

FFI’s headquarters are located in Anytown at the founder’s home, 1234 Main Street, Anytown, OR 97440. It will also have a 600-square foot retail store at the Third Street Public Market, which will serve as both an outlet and test market.

FFI imports silk flowers and other silk accessories. These products provide consumers with a wide variety of product lines and allows for individual customization of orders.

3.1 Product Description

Fantastic Florals, Inc. has a variety of silk flowers and products from which to choose. During the first two years, the product line will include:

• Tulips and roses.
• Two kinds of flower arrangements.
• Silk scarf and silk hair accessories.
• Seasonal bouquets.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

Fantastic Florals, Inc. products contain these features that distinguish them from those produced by competitors:

• FFI products are 100 percent handmade by Indonesian artisans and are then imported into the United States, which will be emphasized in all marketing efforts.
• The quality of the silk flowers is obvious, even to the untrained eye. There is no use of plastic stems, which makes FFI products look more realistic.
• FFI silk hair accessories are unique, and no similar product is available in the domestic market. These products will be protected by owning a patent. The product features beautiful embroidery on its edge, which will cost much more if it were to be produced in the United States.

3.3 Sales Literature

Copies of FFI products, more specifically bouquets and other arrangements are included. Upon production of advertisements and brochures, these will be added.

3.4 Sourcing

FFI imports products from artisans in Indonesia and then hires brokers in Seattle to take care of the legal requirements and paperwork. Currently, there are no significant obstacles in importing the products into the United States. According to the U.S. Customs Office in Seattle, there are no quotas for artificial products imported from Indonesia. FFI will benefit from the duty-free treatment under the new GSP rules.

3.5 Technology

Some FFI products are protected by patents, although the majority of products and services are not dependent on patentable inventions nor process technology.

3.6 Future Products

Fantastic Florals, Inc. plans to introduce ten new kinds of flowers and silk products every year for the first four years, with aggressive advertising at the beginning of each year that introduces these new flowers.

After establishing a firm reputation, FFI plans to import products other that silk products, but all will still be related to flowers. These will be produced by Indonesian artisans in various cities in the original region, all managed by the same artist. The products will include silk jewelry boxes, mirrors, and china, all with hand-painted flowers.

Currently, the market for permanent floral products is rapidly expanding. According to 1993 statistics, the value of permanent floral products for the 1992 fiscal year was over $2.2 billion, and it still continues to grow.

The gift industry is also growing, as households headed by 45- to 54-year-olds are the biggest gift purchasers.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Since Fantastic Florals, Inc. only deals with a few, select products, segmentation is minimal. Two segments currently exist:

1. Gift purchasers: mostly women over 30 with a relatively large amount of discretionary income.
2. Floral collectors: same target as above, but with higher standards of quality.

4.2 Industry Analysis

There are two industries for Fantastic Florals, Inc.: the gift market industry and the silk flower and accessories industry.

In 1991, the average American household gave 5.8 percent of its total spending to gifts, a 0.3 percent increase from 1988. Households headed by 45- to 54-year-olds are the biggest gift-givers. These consumers spend an average of $1,450 on gifts, which is 62 percent more than the average household. In addition, married couples without children are the most generous gift-givers. These households spend 48 percent more than average on gifts. Households with incomes of over $65,000 spent 135 percent more than average on gifts, while they also account for 58 percent of the glassware gift market and 62 percent of the plant and flower gift market. By the year 2000, it is estimated that households headed by 35- to 54-year-olds will account for 63 percent of the gift market.

In the silk flowers and accessories industry, flowers alone accumulated sales over $1.95 billion in 1992. This category still continues to grow.

Considering the information and analysis of both industries, FFI believes that its products have the opportunity to be successful in the market. The growing gift industry and silk flower and accessories industry imply that there is a growing demand for these products. Because there is no similar product currently available in the U.S. market, FFI has a huge opportunity in the silk accessory industry.

4.2.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

According to the information from Silk ’94, the wholesale buyers of silk flowers and accessories are:

• 53 percent – Floral Wholesalers.
• 19 percent – Craft Chain Stores, Floral Chain Stores, Gift Chain Stores, Variety Chain Stores, Fabric Centers.
• 19 percent – Manufacturers/Assemblers.
• 9 percent – Home Centers, Membership Clubs, Nursery and Garden Centers, Catalog/Mail Order, etc.

4.2.2 Main Competitors

Fantastic Florals, Inc. current competitors in the surrounding area are:

• Flower markets.
• Floral wholesalers.
• Craft stores.
• Gift shops.

4.2.3 Industry Participants

There are currently no direct competitors in the silk hair accessories market, and the silk flowers industry is very unconcentrated. Few wholesalers distribute directly to the consuming public, and the majority of retail stores only offer a minimal selection with varying quality.

Both industries, however, are predicted to develop further, while the gift industry also continues to grow. As the markets evolve, the key issue will be relations with suppliers. As there are few suppliers of silk flowers and accessories, competition is likely to increase substantially.

4.2.4 Distribution Patterns

Distribution channels are currently relatively simple. There is one artist in Indonesia who provides all products for FFI. The products are shipped directly to FFI facilities, which are then sold to consumers. There are no significant obstacles to importing these products, and there are no import quotas.

FFI focuses on providing high-quality products to consumers with outstanding service. Customization of orders and specialization of services will create a competitive advantage.

FFI is developing the organization by beginning with few employees to reduce costs. All current employees are very motivated, resulting in a positive and strong company culture. This culture will carry over to all new trainees, which is a prime objective for the expansion of FFI.

The first year of service will be the most important, as FFI plans to establish strong relations with both suppliers and buyers. These relationships will help FFI to grow and evolve in this industry.

5.1 Marketing Strategy

• FFI is focusing on silk flowers and accessories, targeting women with upper-end income as the end customers, and targeting sales reps that distribute to exclusive gift retail stores and mail-order catalog companies.
• FFI plans to be an exhibitor at Silk ’95, having already collected all the necessary information at Silk ’94. This trade show is the largest international silk flower and accessories exhibition attended by multiple buyers including, but not limited to, catalog/mail-order, floral wholesalers, chain stores, craft stores and wholesalers, visual display companies, etc. This will be a good opportunity to start and get exposure to FFI’s product. FFI plans to attract the right sales rep and mail-order company for its products through this trade show, which is realistic since Silk ’95 is the biggest and most reputable permanent and silk accessories trade show in the United States.
• For the first year, FFI will both lease a space for a retail store at the Third Street Public Market and supply its products to buyers that FFI attains though Silk ’95.
• FFI will also send some samples to “Blossom” catalog, who does mail orders for silk flowers and other silk accessories. The purpose of this is to reach more customers while doing only minimal research.

5.1.1 Promotion Strategy

The goal of FFI is to promote its products as fine collectibles, either for the collector or the gift-buyer. This will be done through in-store promotions, direct-mail advertisements, appearances in related catalogs, and publicity events.

5.1.2 Pricing Strategy

FFI sets standard prices for each product line. These prices are not expected to experience significant change over the next three years.

• Tulips and Roses – $2.25
• Arranged Flower 1 – $18.99
• Arranged Flower 2 – $39.99
• Silk Scarf – $15.99
• Other hair accessories – $9.99
• Other/Seasonal bouquet – $59.99

These prices exhibit quality products at reasonable costs to consumers.

5.2 Sales Strategy

Products will be distributed through the retail store in Anytown at Third Street Market or by pre-orders until FFI is able to further expand. Sales is one area that needs to be developed in order to better serve the consumer and meet objectives.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

As indicated in the table, sales are forecasted to remain relatively constant throughout 1995, with growth predicted in both 1996 and 1997. Sales, however, will tend to fluctuate depending on the month and the season.

5.2.2 Sales Programs

• Floral wholesalers: Develop awareness about the quality of FFI’s products in order to create demand within the first two months. For the next year, provide incentives and price-promotions to encourage wholesalers to purchase FFI products.
• Retail Stores: Offer low-priced products in exchange for significant shelf space and access to consumers. By the end of the first year, have FFI products distributed in selected stores with minimal constraints on price and location.
• Manufacturers/Assemblers: Provide FFI products at a reduced rate corresponding to volume of purchase.

5.2.3 Sales Goals

• End of 1995 – Sales of $1.1 million.
• July 1995 – Open exclusive gift shop at Third Street Market in Anytown.
• 1996 – Sales of $1.5 million.
• July 1996 – Expand distribution into catalog/direct mail.
• 1997 – Sales of $2 million.

5.3 Milestones

Sample Milestones topic text.

The milestones table and chart show the specific detail about actual program activities that should be taking place during the year. Each one has its manager, starting date, ending date, and budget. During the year we will be keeping track of implementation against plan, with reports on the timely completion of these activities as planned.

Fantastic Florals, Inc. will start with three qualified and experienced employees. An increase to six employees will likely be needed in three to five years. FFI will continue to have a customs-house broker in Seattle to take care of the import-related matters and sales representatives who are compensated based on commission.

6.1 Organizational Structure

Fantastic Florals, Inc. will be a Subchapter-S corporation. Legal matters and written agreements are being handled by an FFI consultant lawyer.

The company is organized into three main functional areas:

• Sales and marketing.
• Finance and administration.
• Communication.

6.2 Management Team

• Suzy Rosemadder: President and founder. Graduated from the University of North Carolina (major: management). Originally from Indonesia and has worked for a silk flower company there for five years. Familiar with the Indonesian government and key people there.
• Angela Stalks: On Board of Directors. Previously manager of an exclusive gift shop in Dallas, Texas for ten years. MBA in Finance from University of Minnesota.
• Steven Gardener: On Board of Directors. Will be in charge of marketing and sales. Graduated from Cornell University with B.S. degree in marketing and public relations.

6.3 Management Team Gaps

Each of the three employees is responsible for managing his or her area of expertise. The problems with having only one individual in charge of a department are as follows:

1. Lack of understanding of other departments.
2. Minimal management experience.
3. Sole control over all operations.

6.4 Personnel Plan

The personnel plan indicates one employee for each department:

• Production/Fulfillment.
• Sales and Marketing.
• Administration.

Beginning in 1996, there will be two employees in both Sales and Marketing and Administration.

• Fantastic Florals, Inc. projects the gross margin to be at approximately 25 percent. Sales projection for 1995 is at $1.1 million, increasing to $1.5 million in 1996 and $2 million in 1997.
• Cash-flow analysis, balance sheet, business ratio, break-even analysis, and other financial details are shown in the appendix.

7.1 Important Assumptions

General assumptions in FFI’s financial plan indicate the assumption of a stable economy without any major recessions or booms in both the U.S. and Indonesian economies.

7.2 Start-up Funding

The owner will contribute $35,000 to finance the start-up requirements. FFI is also seeking a short-term loan of $35,000, to be repaid by July 1997 (two and a half years), for the remainder of necessary start-up funding.

7.3 Key Financial Indicators

Key financial indicators for Fantastic Florals, Inc. include:

• Constant gross margins.
• Sales on credit.
• Net worth.
• Return on equity.

7.4 Break-even Analysis

FFI’s break-even analysis indicates that the firm has a strong balance of costs and sales.

7.5 Projected Profit and Loss

Fantastic Florals, Inc. projects profits for every month of 1995 and on into both 1996 and 1997, in addition to positive growth margins for the same time periods.

7.6 Projected Cash Flow

FFI’s cash balance is expected to increase each year, providing the necessary capital for expansion into different product lines and distribution channels.

7.7 Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet indicates a positive and ever-increasing net worth for FFI.

7.8 Business Ratios

The ratios illustrated in the table indicate strong, consistent growth. Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 5193, Flowers and Florist’s Supplies, are shown for comparison.