I posted this in the Market Growers forum and haven't gotten any responses...so I'm posting in several other communities.....
I would like to get into the plant rental business, and don't have a clue about prices, contracts, etc.....
I know that restaurants, caterers, etc. rent small trees and large plants. Any advice and information would be appreciated.
renting plants
Even under the best economic times, about 80% of new businesses fail.
http://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2006/Aug06/r082306
The best advise I can give is to be as prepared as possible. Take the time to learn as much as possible about the business. Here's a link about the top reasons new business fail and how to avoid them. Realize this is just a summary.
http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/business-failure.htm
Make lists, lots of list, for example, some of the lists could be titled:
What plants will I concentrate on?
What do I know about these plants?
What do I need to know about them?
Is there a market for this type of business?
What business knowledge will I need to succeed?
Who will my competitors be?
Where will I find my plant sources?
Do I have the time to devote to my new business?
Look for a market niche. Find out if you will be able to compete with the current suppliers of plants by see how much it will cost you to supply the same plants. Go out and talk to current plant renters. Find out what they like or don't like about their present leassor. Would they be willing to switch?
Other links:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=percentage+of+new+business+failures&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=business+startup&btnG=Search
I think the most important question especially in the current economy is:
Is this money I can afford to lose should my business fail?
I hope this helps you. Good luck.