🌸 Introduction
Starting a flower business is exciting — the colors, creativity, and potential to brighten people’s lives. But without guidance, many new florists make costly mistakes that can hurt growth, reputation, and profit.
At 98 Flowers Academy, we’ve trained hundreds of students and seen the common patterns. This guide reveals the Top 10 Mistakes New Florists Make, plus actionable tips on how to avoid them so you can build a sustainable, profitable flower business from the start.
❌ Mistake #1: Trying to Sell Every Type of Arrangement
The Problem:
New florists often try to offer everything — sympathy, weddings, birthdays, balloons, preserved flowers — with no clear focus.
How to Avoid It:
🔹 Start with 3–5 signature products that solve specific gifting needs.
🔹 Example: money bouquets, flower boxes, and big-size bouquets.
👉 Learn the most profitable combos in our 3-Course Bundle
❌ Mistake #2: Underpricing Your Bouquets
The Problem:
New florists often price too low out of fear customers won’t pay.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Use a pricing formula: (Material Cost x 3) + Labor + Packaging
✅ Position your product as custom luxury, not a cheap flower.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring the Power of Wrapping & Ribbons
The Problem:
Florists focus only on the flowers and forget that presentation sells.
How to Avoid It:
🎀 Use premium wrapping, custom ribbons, and personalized cards.
🎁 Presentation = Perceived Value = Higher Prices.
🛒 Browse affordable materials in our Supply Shop
❌ Mistake #4: No Branding or Story
The Problem:
Selling flowers without a brand = forgettable florist.
How to Avoid It:
🌟 Name your product lines, tell stories, and use a consistent color theme.
💬 Let your arrangements say: “This came from a florist who cares.”
❌ Mistake #5: Not Collecting Customer Info
The Problem:
No list = no marketing = no repeat sales.
How to Avoid It:
📱 Always collect phone numbers or emails with each order.
💬 Use SMS or WhatsApp to follow up with promos, thank-yous, and reminders.
❌ Mistake #6: Not Practicing Before Launch
The Problem:
Posting low-quality designs too early damages your brand.
How to Avoid It:
🌼 Practice core styles 10+ times before offering them publicly.
📸 Take bright, well-composed photos for your online store.
❌ Mistake #7: Not Marketing Until After Opening
The Problem:
Waiting until launch to post means… no one’s watching.
How to Avoid It:
📅 Start promoting 2–3 weeks before launch.
📷 Post behind-the-scenes, teasers, countdowns, and offer pre-orders.
❌ Mistake #8: Not Learning What Customers Actually Want
The Problem:
Florists often design for themselves, not their buyers.
How to Avoid It:
🧠 Research popular trends in your city — what’s selling on Instagram, TikTok, or nearby flower shops?
💬 Ask your early customers what they love.
❌ Mistake #9: Poor Delivery & Customer Service
The Problem:
Late deliveries, smashed bouquets, or no updates = no return.
How to Avoid It:
🚗 Send photo confirmation before delivery.
📦 Use proper packaging and tracking.
💬 Always message when delivered.
❌ Mistake #10: Not Learning From Experts
The Problem:
DIY learning = years of trial and error.
How to Avoid It:
🎓 Join a course, get mentorship, follow checklists.
💡 You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Learn from those doing it already.
👉 Our students save time and avoid burnout with access to:
✅ Step-by-step training
✅ Flower sourcing tips
✅ Pricing templates
✅ Real-time feedback
→ Explore Our Courses
💐 Final Thoughts
Mistakes are part of the journey — but with the right support, you can avoid the costly ones. At 98 Flowers Academy, we help florists go from nervous beginners to confident professionals with repeat clients, stable income, and beautiful branding.
📥 Want More?
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🎓 Learn the top 3 money-making styles: Money Flowers, Flower Box & Big Bouquet Combo
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🧰 Shop essential tools & materials: 98Flowers Supply
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🌼 Need product inspiration? Browse Our Categories