Create a business plan for your lawn and garden store

Whether you have a street address or an online address, you need a business plan to start a business. This will help you understand what you want to achieve, and it will help you project long term financial goals

I recommend: Lawn and garden business plan software is available from companies like Interstellar Solutions and 125aDay.Com. Sample business plans are available online at MoreBusiness.com. Here you can view a sample business plan before deciding to buy the Palo Alto Software that created it.

Buy directly from lawn and garden wholesalers

To get the most lawn and garden products for your money, buy them directly from a wholesaler.

I recommend: Wholesale Garden Supplies sells only to lawn and garden distributors, not to individual consumers. They offer a large selection of products, from rakes to animal and insect control. In order to view pricing, you do need to register your business information. For specialty lawn and garden products, like planters and fountains, visit Home and Garden Wholesale. Again, you must register your company information to view pricing. AE Wholesale, Inc. also offers specialty items, like furniture and hammocks as well as birdhouses. This company only sells to lawn and garden dealers.

Remember to offer lawn and garden products that are environmentally friendly

Green products are good for the environment. Many customers will be interested in green products, especially the ones that do not use gas.

I recommend: Garden Power Corporation has a nice selection of rechargeable mowers. Planet Natural offers environment-friendly garden products, like natural pest controls. Clean Air Gardening has everything you need to go green. From an electric lawn mower to organic fertilizer, this company specializes in eco-friendly products.

Consider buying lawn and garden tractors from manufacturers

Everyone who owns a home needs a tractor or lawn mower. Home garden and lawn stores need to offer a variety of these products. If you want to carry name brands, consider buying directly from the manufacturer.

I recommend: Cub Cadet, John Deere, The Toro Company and Husqvarna are all well-known lawn and garden tractors. Consider selling well-known products. Some customers will be more inclined to buy products with which they are familiar.