"Grass is always greener on the other side" – is an old saying. However, if it's not green, you have a business opportunity (make it green). And what do you need for that? Soil, seeds, and a place to plant 'green'. Still, it will be your side that will be greener, as there is nothing greener than green bucks, an easy business accompanied with a lot of satisfaction.
'Herb kits' is what we are talking about. With the rising population, people living in cities don't have space for a garden. Fresh herbs, planted in small pots, are the next best option for these people.
What you would be selling is a herb kit that would include:
1. A wooden plant box about 2 x 2 foot
2. A selection of herbs
3. A packet of soil to plant the herbs in
Group the kits into various categories based on either the type of herbs or their use e.g. medicinal herbs, ornamental herbs, kitchen garden plants, bonsai plants, country based (e.g. 'Herbs from India') etc. Another idea is to include exotic herb selections such as Chinese herbs or some kind of rare herbs. Also, include instructions on how to care for the herbs. In fact, you could classify your herbs based on the amount of care needed for them e.g. high, medium, and low care levels. Besides the herb kits, you can also offer accessories like growing lights for indoor plants.
Include some interesting facts about the herbs as a bonus to your customers such as how the herb was first discovered, since when it has been in existence on earth, its use as a medicine, food value, etc. However, do not include too many botanical facts or names. You could compile the most amazing facts into a 4-5 page book. This could be just simple printouts with pictures of herbs and amazing facts about them (and of course your contact information).
The wooden plant box, herbs/seeds, and soil, can be procured from wholesale dealers that operate in your local area or in nearby locations. You could also act as a reseller by buying these over the internet and selling them locally (taking advantage of large quantity discounts offered by internet shops).
You will surely need a website since that is the most convenient way of reaching out to prospective customers. A simple website with pictures of various herbs, amazing facts and pricing details should be sufficient. Listing advertisements in the yellow pages will help people in finding you. Also print attractive flyers and post them to bulletin boards at residential buildings/complexes and/or at laundry mats, grocery stores near them. Print and distribute brochures at busy business places, flower shows, local fairs, and offices of environmental organizations.
When pricing the herb kits, do not forget to take into account the advertising costs, delivery costs (for people wanting home deliveries) and procurement costs.
This is a wonderful business idea where you could make money while making a very positive contribution to the environment.
*Resources:
http://www.herbkits.com/
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_herbs/article/0,,HGTV_3595_1381280,00.html
*Exotic herbs:
http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/
http://www.goestores.com/catalog.aspx?StoreName=premierstarcompany&DeptID=46410
*Interesting facts about plants:
http://www.naturespressed.com/products/botanicals/herbs
http://herbsspices.suite101.com/
October 25, 2008
