A fruit and vegetable stand requires many suppliers.
During the growing season, a vegetable and fruit store can serve as a great source of income. In addition, you can sell plants and flowers when it is not vegetable and fruit season. However, Florida has pleasant weather all year round and you can earn well in all seasons. Moreover, fruits and vegetables are important food constituents and many health-conscious people strictly limit their foods to such items.
Instructions
1. Determine the size of your business. Based on size, you can decide on your funding and store location. Look for local competitors in Florida to decide the appropriate size for your store.
2. Write a business plan. Include your business overview, market research of the business climate in the food industry in your locality and details of your competitors, a marketing plan, background information regarding you and your key employees, pro forma financial statements and funding alternatives.
3. Choose a suitable location to open your vegetable and fruit store. Ensure there is enough parking space for vehicles and sufficient storage space and shelf space for fruits and vegetables. Choose a location with plenty of foot traffic. Make sure that the location meets the zoning regulations of your Florida city.
4. Obtain the necessary licenses from the local food safety department of your county and from the Florida State Department of Agriculture. Contact the food safety department of your county by phone or in person, or call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 850-245-5595 to register for licenses specific to fruit and vegetable vendors.
5. Register your business in Florida by filing with the Florida Secretary of State. According to the Florida Department of State, small businesses in Florida need to register at the state and county level.
6. Contact your local county and city offices to inquire about necessary licenses and permits if any, since every county in Florida has separate tax and licensing requirements. You can also obtain occupational licenses in Florida from your local county government.
7. Purchase the necessary wood shelves, trucks for transport, refrigerators, baskets, locks, plastic or paper bags, computers and other items necessary to set up your store. Purchase inventory last and right before you open, since these items need to be fresh. Choose your suppliers and establish more than a single supplier for an item, since the demand and supply may vary greatly for these products.
8. Market your store by placing ads in phone directories, local newspapers and local TV and radio stations and by distributing flyers.
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