Artificial Flowers Import Business Plan
Artificial Flowers Import Business Plan
Executive Summary
1.0 Executive Summary
Fantastic Florals, Inc. (FFI) imports exclusively handmade flowers by artisans from Indonesia. The firm's
main office is in Anytown, Oregon, and has a customs house broker in Seattle, Washington to deal with
related matters.
FFI quality products are unique and exclusive, and its target consumers are women with upper-middle to
upper-end incomes. FFI's competitive edge is that the products are 100% handmade, unlike competitor's
products. By this fact, the firm hopes to attract people that value the artistry of producing silk flowers.
Since FFI products are mostly silk flowers and silk hair accessories, it considers itself to be in the retail gift
market, although some consumers purchase the product for themselves.
For the starting year 1995, the company plans to attract manufacturer reps and retailers to distribute the
products by attending the Silk '94 trade show in Chicago, Illinois. This trade show is where suppliers of silk
flowers and other silk products and buyers meet and arrange deals to sell the product. FFI projected sales
are approximately $1.1 million by the end of the first year of operation. Also during this year, FFI plans to
open an exclusive gift shop for our product in Anytown at the Third Street Public Market, leasing for five
years.
For the following year, the company plans to expand to direct mail catalog sales by being in an established
catalog, with a similar target market. FFI projects sales of $1.5 million in 1996. During the third year, FFI
plans to do both selling through suppliers, catalogs, and the exclusive gift store in Anytown, projecting
sales to be nearly $2 million.
The FFI family will expand in 1997 by adding 10 different kinds of flowers and flower arrangements.
Maintaining an average gross margin of 25 percent is very realistic. The projected rate of annual growth in
sales is 25 percent.
Highlights
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Mission
FFI's mission is to become a recognized importer of artisan quality silk gift items in the United States. The
company guarantees 100 percent customer satisfaction and values friendly service.
FFI's purpose is to increase customer appreciation of handmade silk flowers and other silk products and to
provide customers with beautiful unique artistic decorations.
1. Product quality.
2. Customer service.
3. Access to manufacturers and distribution channels.
4. Controlling fixed and variable costs during first two years.
Company Summary
2.0 Company Summary
Fantastic Florals, Inc. imports silk flowers and other silk accessories products from artisans in Indonesia
and distributes the products to customers in the United States. The customers are retail stores and
wholesalers who want imported silk flowers and accessories products, targeting women in middle-upper to
upper-end income as the end user of the products.
Fantastic Florals, Inc. is a privately held Anytown corporation. Suzy Rosemadder, FFI's founder, is the
majority owner. Several members of the board of directors also hold minority stock positions.
Start-up costs are approximated at $75,000, which primarily consists of product costs and expenses
associated with establishing a marketing program and opening up FFI's first distribution center.
Start-up
Start-up
Requirements
Start-up Expenses
Legal $1,000
Insurance $600
Rent $1,300
Other $200
Total Start-up Expenses $3,100
Long-term Assets $0
Total Assets $70,000
Total Requirements $73,100
Funding
Investment
Investor 1 $35,000
Investor 2 $0
Other $0
Total Investment $35,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $3,100
Current Borrowing $35,000
Other Current Liabilities $0
Current Liabilities $38,100
Long-term Liabilities $0
Total Liabilities $38,100
Start-up
FFI's headquarters are located in Anytown at the founder's home, 1234 Main Street, Anytown, OR 97440. It
will also have a 600-square foot retail store at the Third Street Public Market, which will serve as both an
outlet and test market.
Products
3.0 Products
FFI imports silk flowers and other silk accessories. These products provide consumers with a wide variety
of product lines and allows for individual customization of orders.
Fantastic Florals, Inc. has a variety of silk flowers and products from which to choose. During the first two
years, the product line will include:
Fantastic Florals, Inc. products contain these features that distinguish them from those produced by
competitors:
• FFI products are 100 percent handmade by Indonesian artisans and are then imported into the
United States, which will be emphasized in all marketing efforts.
• The quality of the silk flowers is obvious, even to the untrained eye. There is no use of plastic
stems, which makes FFI products look more realistic.
• FFI silk hair accessories are unique, and no similar product is available in the domestic market.
These products will be protected by owning a patent. The product features beautiful embroidery
on its edge, which will cost much more if it were to be produced in the United States.
Copies of FFI products, more specifically bouquets and other arrangements are included. Upon production
of advertisements and brochures, these will be added.
3.4 Sourcing
FFI imports products from artisans in Indonesia and then hires brokers in Seattle to take care of the legal
requirements and paperwork. Currently, there are no significant obstacles in importing the products into the
United States. According to the U.S. Customs Office in Seattle, there are no quotas for artificial products
imported from Indonesia. FFI will benefit from the duty-free treatment under the new GSP rules.
3.5 Technology
Some FFI products are protected by patents, although the majority of products and services are not
dependent on patentable inventions nor process technology.
3.6 Future Products
Fantastic Florals, Inc. plans to introduce ten new kinds of flowers and silk products every year for the first
four years, with aggressive advertising at the beginning of each year that introduces these new flowers.
After establishing a firm reputation, FFI plans to import products other that silk products, but all will still
be related to flowers. These will be produced by Indonesian artisans in various cities in the original region,
all managed by the same artist. The products will include silk jewelry boxes, mirrors, and china, all with
hand-painted flowers.
Currently, the market for permanent floral products is rapidly expanding. According to 1993 statistics, the
value of permanent floral products for the 1992 fiscal year was over $2.2 billion, and it still continues to
grow.
The gift industry is also growing, as households headed by 45- to 54-year-olds are the biggest gift
purchasers.
Since Fantastic Florals, Inc. only deals with a few, select products, segmentation is minimal. Two segments
currently exist:
1. Gift purchasers-mostly women over 30 with a relatively large amount of discretionary income.
2. Floral collectors-same target as above, but with higher standards of quality.
There are two industries for Fantastic Florals, Inc.: the gift market industry and the silk flower and
accessories industry.
In 1991, the average American household gave 5.8 percent of its total spending to gifts, a 0.3 percent
increase from 1988. Households headed by 45- to 54-year-olds are the biggest gift-givers. These consumers
spend an average of $1,450 on gifts, which is 62 percent more than the average household. In addition,
married couples without children are the most generous gift-givers. These households spend 48 percent
more than average on gifts. Households with incomes of over $65,000 spent 135 percent more than average
on gifts, while they also account for 58 percent of the glassware gift market and 62 percent of the plant and
flower gift market. By the year 2000, it is estimated that households headed by 35- to 54-year-olds will
account for 63 percent of the gift market.
In the silk flowers and accessories industry, flowers alone accumulated sales over $1.95 billion in 1992.
This category still continues to grow.
Considering the information and analysis of both industries, FFI believes that its products have the
opportunity to be successful in the market. The growing gift industry and silk flower and accessories
industry imply that there is a growing demand for these products. Because there is no similar product
currently available in the U.S. market, FFI has a huge opportunity in the silk accessory industry.
There are currently no direct competitors in the silk hair accessories market, and the silk flowers industry is
very unconcentrated. Few wholesalers distribute directly to the consuming public, and the majority of retail
stores only offer a minimal selection with varying quality.
Both industries, however, are predicted to develop further, while the gift industry also continues to grow. As
the markets evolve, the key issue will be relations with suppliers. As there are few suppliers of silk flowers
and accessories, competition is likely to increase substantially.
According to the information from Silk '94, the wholesale buyers of silk flowers and accessories are:
• Flower markets.
• Floral wholesalers.
• Craft stores.
• Gift shops.
FFI focuses on providing high-quality products to consumers with outstanding service. Customization of
orders and specialization of services will create a competitive advantage.
FFI is developing the organization by beginning with few employees to reduce costs. All current employees
are very motivated, resulting in a positive and strong company culture. This culture will carry over to all
new trainees, which is a prime objective for the expansion of FFI.
The first year of service will be the most important, as FFI plans to establish strong relations with both
suppliers and buyers. These relationships will help FFI to grow and evolve in this industry.
• FFI is focusing on silk flowers and accessories, targeting women with upper-end income as the
end customers, and targeting sales reps that distribute to exclusive gift retail stores and mail-order
catalog companies.
• FFI plans to be an exhibitor at Silk '95, having already collected all the necessary information at
Silk '94. This trade show is the largest international silk flower and accessories exhibition attended
by multiple buyers including, but not limited to, catalog/mail-order, floral wholesalers, chain
stores, craft stores and wholesalers, visual display companies, etc. This will be a good opportunity
to start and get exposure to FFI's product. FFI plans to attract the right sales rep and mail-order
company for its products through this trade show, which is realistic since Silk '95 is the biggest
and most reputable permanent and silk accessories trade show in the United States.
• For the first year, FFI will both lease a space for a retail store at the Third Street Public Market and
supply its products to buyers that FFI attains though Silk '95.
• FFI will also send some samples to "Blossom" catalog, who does mail orders for silk flowers and
other silk accessories. The purpose of this is to reach more customers while doing only minimal
research.
FFI sets standard prices for each product line. These prices are not expected to experience significant
change over the next three years.
The goal of FFI is to promote its products as fine collectibles, either for the collector or the gift-buyer. This
will be done through in-store promotions, direct-mail advertisements, appearances in related catalogs, and
publicity events.
Products will be distributed through the retail store in Anytown at Third Street Market or by pre-orders
until FFI is able to further expand. Sales is one area that needs to be developed in order to better serve the
consumer and meet objectives.
As indicated in the table, sales are forecasted to remain relatively constant throughout 1995, with growth
predicted in both 1996 and 1997. Sales, however, will tend to fluctuate depending on the month and the
season.
Sales Monthly
Sales Forecast
Sales Forecast
Unit Sales 1995 1996 1997
Tulips and Roses 28,300 35,165 45,714
Arranged Flowers 1 5,000 6,501 8,451
Arranged Flowers 2 5,000 6,500 8,450
Silk Scarf 10,800 13,910 18,083
Other hair
12,000 15,600 20,280
accessories
Other/Seasonal
8,200 10,660 13,858
bouquet
Catalog sales 0 20,000 30,000
Other 0 0 0
Total Unit Sales 69,300 108,336 144,836
• Floral wholesalers: Develop awareness about the quality of FFI's products in order to create
demand within the first two months. For the next year, provide incentives and price-promotions to
encourage wholesalers to purchase FFI products.
• Retail Stores: Offer low-priced products in exchange for significant shelf space and access to
consumers. By the end of the first year, have FFI products distributed in selected stores with
minimal constraints on price and location.
• Manufacturers/Assemblers: Provide FFI products at a reduced rate corresponding to volume of
purchase.
Management Summary
6.0 Management Summary
Fantastic Florals, Inc. will start with three qualified and experienced employees. An increase to six
employees will likely be needed in three to five years. FFI will continue to have a customs-house broker in
Seattle to take care of the import-related matters and sales representatives who are compensated based on
commission.
Fantastic Florals, Inc. will be a Subchapter-S corporation. Legal matters and written agreements are being
handled by an FFI consultant lawyer.
Each of the three employees is responsible for managing his or her area of expertise. The problems with
having only one individual in charge of a department are as follows:
• Production/Fulfillment.
• Sales and Marketing.
• Administration.
Beginning in 1996, there will be two employees in both Sales and Marketing and Administration.
Personnel
Personnel Plan
1995 1996 1997
Production $14,400 $16,000 $18,000
Sales and Marketing $14,400 $32,000 $54,000
Administration $14,400 $32,000 $36,000
Other $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0
Total People 0 0 0
Total Payroll $43,200 $80,000 $108,000
Financial Plan
7.0 Financial Plan
• Fantastic Florals, Inc. projects the gross margin to be at approximately 25 percent. Sales projection
for 1995 is at $1.1 million, increasing to $1.5 million in 1996 and $2 million in 1997.
• FFI is looking for an investor who would invest $75,000 for 20 percent of the company.
• Cash-flow analysis, balance sheet, business ratio, break-even analysis, and other financial details
are shown in the appendix.
General assumptions in FFI's financial plan indicate the assumption of a stable economy without any major
recessions or booms in both the U.S. and Indonesian economies.
General Assumptions
General Assumptions
1995 1996 1997
Plan Month 1 2 3
Current Interest Rate 15.00% 15.00% 15.00%
Long-term Interest
10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Rate
Tax Rate 39.17% 40.00% 39.17%
Sales on Credit % 50.00% 50.00% 50.00%
Other 0 0 0
Benchmarks
7.3 Break-even Analysis
FFI's break-even analysis indicates that the firm has a strong balance of costs and sales. The break-even
point is at just over 1200 units and close to $21,000.
Break-even Analysis
Break-even Analysis
Break-even Analysis:
Monthly Units Break-even 1,228
Monthly Revenue Break-even $20,870
Assumptions:
Average Per-Unit Revenue $17.00
Average Per-Unit Variable Cost $11.00
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost $7,366
Fantastic Florals, Inc. projects profits for every month of 1995 and on into both 1996 and 1997, in addition
to positive growth margins for the same time periods.
FFI's cash balance is expected to increase each year, providing the necessary capital for expansion into
different product lines and distribution channels.
Cash
Cash Flow
Pro Forma Cash Flow
1995 1996 1997
Cash Received
Cash from
Operations:
Cash Sales $571,533 $758,505 $990,553
Cash from
$485,730 $730,435 $955,716
Receivables
Subtotal Cash from
$1,057,262 $1,488,939 $1,946,268
Operations
Additional Cash
Received
Sales Tax, VAT,
$0 $0 $0
HST/GST Received
New Current
$48,889 $0 $0
Borrowing
New Other Liabilities
$0 $0 $0
(interest-free)
New Long-term
$0 $0 $0
Liabilities
Sales of Other
$0 $0 $0
Current Assets
Sales of Long-term
$0 $0 $0
Assets
New Investment
$0 $0 $0
Received
Subtotal Cash
$1,106,151 $1,488,939 $1,946,268
Received
Additional Cash
Spent
Sales Tax, VAT,
$0 $0 $0
HST/GST Paid Out
Principal Repayment
$62,221 $13,332 $8,336
of Current Borrowing
Other Liabilities
$0 $0 $0
Principal Repayment
Long-term Liabilities
$0 $0 $0
Principal Repayment
Purchase Other
$0 $0 $0
Current Assets
Purchase Long-term
$0 $0 $0
Assets
Dividends $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Cash Spent $1,090,413 $1,414,475 $1,814,074
Net Cash Flow $15,738 $74,464 $132,194
Cash Balance $85,738 $160,203 $292,396
The balance sheet indicates a positive and ever-increasing net worth for FFI, expected to reach close to
$440,000 by 1997.
Balance Sheet
Pro Forma Balance Sheet
Assets
Current Assets 1995 1996 1997
Cash $85,738 $160,203 $292,396
Accounts Receivable $85,803 $113,873 $148,710
Inventory $133,182 $177,784 $232,168
Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0
Total Current Assets $304,723 $451,859 $673,273
Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
Accumulated
$2,400 $5,040 $7,944
Depreciation
Total Long-term
($2,400) ($5,040) ($7,944)
Assets
Total Assets $302,323 $446,819 $665,329
Liabilities and
Capital
Current Liabilities 1995 1996 1997
Accounts Payable $142,300 $169,950 $220,496
Current Borrowing $21,668 $8,336 $0
Other Current
$0 $0 $0
Liabilities
Subtotal Current
$163,968 $178,286 $220,496
Liabilities
Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0
Total Liabilities $163,968 $178,286 $220,496
Paid-in Capital $35,000 $35,000 $35,000
Retained Earnings ($3,100) $103,355 $233,533
Earnings $106,455 $130,179 $176,301
Total Capital $138,355 $268,533 $444,834
Total Liabilities and
$302,323 $446,819 $665,329
Capital
Net Worth $138,355 $268,533 $444,834
The ratios illustrated in the table indicate strong, consistent growth. Business ratios for the years of this
plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code
5193, Flowers and Florist's Supplies, are shown for comparison.
Ratios
Ratio Analysis
1995 1996 1997 Industry Profile
Sales Growth 0.00% 32.71% 30.59% -8.50%
Percent of Total
Assets
Accounts
28.38% 25.49% 22.35% 6.70%
Receivable
Inventory 44.05% 39.79% 34.90% 10.40%
Other Current
0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 26.40%
Assets
Total Current
100.79% 101.13% 101.19% 43.50%
Assets
Long-term
-0.79% -1.13% -1.19% 56.50%
Assets
Total Assets 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Current
54.24% 39.90% 33.14% 19.50%
Liabilities
Long-term
0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 21.40%
Liabilities
Total Liabilities 54.24% 39.90% 33.14% 40.90%
Net Worth 45.76% 60.10% 66.86% 59.10%
Percent of Sales
Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Gross Margin 30.29% 30.51% 30.97% 50.80%
Selling, General
& Administrative 21.06% 21.93% 22.19% 34.40%
Expenses
Advertising
1.05% 0.89% 0.76% 0.20%
Expenses
Profit Before
Interest and 16.03% 14.45% 14.66% 1.50%
Taxes
Main Ratios
Current 1.86 2.53 3.05 2.09
Quick 1.05 1.54 2.00 1.03
Total Debt to
54.24% 39.90% 33.14% 40.90%
Total Assets
Pre-tax Return
127.18% 80.80% 65.15% 1.10%
on Net Worth
Pre-tax Return
58.20% 48.56% 43.56% 1.90%
on Assets
Additional
1995 1996 1997
Ratios
Net Profit
9.31% 8.58% 8.90% n.a
Margin
Return on Equity 76.94% 48.48% 39.63% n.a
Activity Ratios
Accounts
Receivable 6.66 6.66 6.66 n.a
Turnover
Collection Days 43 48 48 n.a
Inventory
8.00 6.50 6.43 n.a
Turnover
Accounts
Payable 7.26 7.46 7.48 n.a
Turnover
Payment Days 26 45 43 n.a
Total Asset
3.78 3.40 2.98 n.a
Turnover
Debt Ratios
Debt to Net
1.19 0.66 0.50 n.a
Worth
Current Liab. to
1.00 1.00 1.00 n.a
Liab.
Liquidity Ratios
Net Working
$140,755 $273,573 $452,778 n.a
Capital
Interest
25.13 97.42 464.55 n.a
Coverage
Additional
Ratios
Assets to Sales 0.26 0.29 0.34 n.a
Current
Debt/Total 54% 40% 33% n.a
Assets
Acid Test 0.52 0.90 1.33 n.a
Sales/Net Worth 8.26 5.65 4.45 n.a
Dividend Payout 0.00 0.00 0.00 n.a