The retail florist industry is composed of many small businesses. A flower shop is unique as a retail outlet because it sells a highly perishable agricultural product that involves customized work requiring a high degree of product knowledge and skill. Qualifications of a successful florist include being a good businessperson, able to design, having enough capital, being a good buyer, being really interested in the business, having good interpersonal skills, knowing how to advertise, knowing how to train and handle employees, having experience, being a merchandiser, having a thorough knowledge of plants and flowers, and participating in civic affairs. A formal college education is highly desirable. Areas of study should include floriculture, floral design, and business management. The most common form of business ownership is proprietorship. Two other forms are partnership and corporation. Each form has advantages and disadvantages that the prospective florist must consider. Steps in setting up a flower shop include obtaining capital, formal training, discussion of options with a lawyer, location selection, purchase or lease of a store, application for tax number and licenses, selection of bookkeeper and accountant, interior work, purchase of supplies from a wholesaler, delivery arrangements, advertising, purchases, and customer solicitation. (YLB)