Many people use potpourri to make their homes and offices smell better or as a decorative accent. Start a business selling potpourri products to a variety of customers. Create multiple products to appeal to as many customers as possible. Customers purchase potpourri for themselves or to give as gifts. With many potpourri products for customers to choose from, you must create products that stand out from your competition. Create unique packaging for your potpourri to entice customers.
Instructions
1. Apply for a business license to start a potpourri sales business. For more information about business licensing in your area, contact the county clerk's office or Small Business Administration office. Apply for an employer identification number (EIN) to use on tax forms and other business documents. Contact the Internal Revenue Service for more information. Apply for a sales tax number from your state's department of revenue. This number allows you to collect sales tax from customers. Purchase business insurance to help protect business assets in the event of a lawsuit or to protect potpourri products from theft or damage.
2. Purchase materials needed to create potpourri gift baskets, scented sachets and loose potpourri for customers to use as they choose. Make your own potpourri using dried fruit, flowers and other natural products or purchase potpourri from a wholesale manufacturer. Purchase packaging materials such as plastic, glass containers, ribbon, bows and other decorative items.
3. Create a home office to store potpourri and packing materials. Purchase retail software to track sales and create invoices. Determine where to sell potpourri products. Lease commercial retail space in a busy shopping mall or downtown shopping district or create a website to sell products online. Other places to sell potpourri products include trade shows, mall kiosks and art fairs. Hold potpourri sales parties to attract more customers.
4. Market your potpourri products by creating a catalog or brochure, business cards and a website. Include photos and description of potpourri products in your catalog and on your website. Provide customer testimonials, contact and payment information.
