Start a Herb Garden Home Business
by Peter Engelbrecht
It seems that the herb business is a growth business these days. In an ever
increasing effort to find the next health food to satisfy the pallet of the
American population, herbs have been receiving a lot of attention from the
media. Numerous articles are being churned out daily touting the health benefits
of herbs. This is a real winner, aside from the reported health benefits, herbs
also add to the taste of bland foods such as potatoes, rice and vegetables.
So what does this mean to a stay at home mother with kids? A new item to
purchase on the next grocery trip, or can there be more? The answer is that
there most definitely can and is more to this. Moms at home can now turn this
opportunity into a small thriving business if implemented correctly.
How can moms implement this home-based herb business at home? Here are a few
steps that should be taken to ensure success.
Who will your customers be? The most popular options are in the local
neighborhood. Contact your local grocers produce manager and then the local
restaurant manager. The key question is not asking them if they want to buy from
you, we know they need herbs, but rather ask them which herbs they need?
Before venturing out stop by the local library if you are not familiar with
herbs and study up on how herbs grow, what are their scientific names, what is
the growing season, how much yield can you expect from each plant? Bottom line,
do your homework. Do not let them trip you up with a simple question. They will
not ask a complicated question.
Study up on these herbs; Basil, French Tarragon, Peppermint, Oregano, Sweet
Marjoram, Rosemary, French Sorrel, Dill, Chives, Parsley, Thyme, Sage.
Find out what the current wholesale prices are for these herbs. You can find
this data through a subscription service. Typically these services cost a few
dollars per month and may even include a free trial service. Otherwise you will
need to work with the local grocer to find out what he is willing to pay. If you
have a good reliable service he will work with you.
Decide on your packaging and labeling. Packaging and custom labels can be cost
effective when purchased in bulk, but first find out if you will have any orders
before purchasing supplies. You can design and make you own initial packaging
for presentation purposes with the help of a local arts and crafts store.
To continue to enjoy success you should actively monitor which herbs customers
are purchasing. You can either speak to the grocer who can see which herbs are
selling best or ask the manager if you can speak with customers in the store.
Additionally it would be good to create some excitement out of cooking with
herbs; many people do not know how to cook with them or what the benefits may be
gained from herb cooking. Try running in store cooking classes for an hour or
two. Provide demonstrations along with supplying free recipes that customers can
take home to try themselves. Of course have some herb samples available to hand
out and others to sell.
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