About Greenhouses: your greenhouse questions answered here.

So You Want To Turn Your Hobby Greenhouse a Career

If you love your hobby greenhouse and are beginning to think of turning it into a full-time business there are many things to consider. The first thing to keep in mind is this is a business and should be treated as such. A good business plan is going to be very helpful in organizing your thoughts into a profitable plan for your greenhouse business. A good business plan will also be important if you decide to approach a bank for a business loan.

For a hobby greenhouse owner considering starting a greenhouse business the biggest appeal may be the growing the crop. While this is important marketing your crop successfully is vital to the success. Greenhouses produce perishable items and must be sold when ready. If a market is not developed before the crop is ready it won't matter one bit that you have produced the most beautiful organic lettuce in three counties if no one is ready to buy. Keep these things in mind when you are developing the marketing portion of your business plan.

Who exactly is your customer?
Are your preferred crop and ideal market compatible? If not you may want to consider changing one or the other.
What is your unique selling principal? What makes you superior to the competion? How to Create a Unique Selling Proposition

There are some of resources available to help you develop a market for your product. Here are a couple on-line resources specifically tailored to greenhouses.

Texas A&M Univ. Plan for improved marketing for nursery and greenhouses
Greenhouse Bedding Plant Production and Marketing. Market Basics, Alberta Ag. Food & Rural Development
Crop King.com Commercial Greenhouse company that offers marketing support for start-up greenhouse. They will even write a business plan for you.

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