Why “spring-fever” could earn you an extra R1,450 this week
Money Making Insider | 17 September, 2009 | Hot Topics:
I don’t know about you, but this is my best time of year. The days are warm but the nights are still cool. Jasmine (my favourite flower) is blossoming everywhere. And of course, those wonderful Highveld storms are starting again. There’s nothing better than waking up to the sound of thunder and lightning!But while I enjoy the flower-filled benefits of spring, I have to confess... I don’t have green fingers. I’ve nearly killed my jasmine plant on three occasions. The first was due to a lack of water. The second was due to too much water. And the third was on account of a trip I took to Cape Town. I tried to tell myself that it withered because it missed me but the truth is it was probably neglect.
Nevertheless, I’m hoping you’re nothing like me. Because today I’ve got 3 business opportunities that are perfect for this time of year. Want to know what they are? Keep reading…
Opportunity #1: How a sack of soil and 15 old yoghurt pots could make you an easy R300.
Many people simply leave it too late in the year to start planting seeds and end up forking out far more cash for seedlings or mature plants. If you have too many seedlings to plant out in your garden this year – try selling them instead. All you need is some good potting compost and a collection of old yoghurt pots with holes poked in the bottom. Fill the pots with the compost and simply transfer your spare seedlings into them. Grow them for a couple more weeks in the pots until they have reached a good size. Sell them at local church fairs or boot sales and charge between R5 and R20.
Potential weekly profit: R300
Opportunity #2: Make an easy 50% profit using your flower-arranging skills.
Selling hanging baskets is a great way to make a bit of extra money – especially if you have an eye for design or flower arranging.
1. Use peat or peat-based compost. This will make handling the baskets easier and safer.
2. Start by planting around the base of the basket first. Trailing lobelia, nepeta or antirrhinums are excellent plants for this – about six plants around the basket.
3. Then plant the top. Popular plants include:
* ivy leaf geraniums
* helichrysum silver or gold leaf
* petunias
4. Sell your baskets for R150-R200 each at flower markets and flea markets. This should be around 50-100% more than what they cost you.
Potential weekly profit: R450
Opportunity #3: How you can turn Keith Kirsten’s success into your own garden consultancy business.
You may not be Keith Kirsten. But you may have plenty of creative gardening ideas. If so, you could turn your know-how and enthusiasm into a new business venture.
1. Advertise your services by placing notices in your local newsagents and garden centres.
2. When you visit a garden to discuss a potential job, spend plenty of time with your client asking them about their needs:
* Do they have children?
* Do they want a cottage garden?
* Are they interested in growing vegetables and herbs?
* Do they prefer a low maintenance patio-style garden?
3. Type up your suggestions and make a detailed plan showing where you think things should go.
4. Include a list of suggested plants and give an estimated cost for any major purchases such as buying patio slabs, or turf for large areas.
5. You can charge upwards of R700 for this kind of service, depending on your level of expertise and the size of the gardens.
Potential weekly profit: R700
Total weekly profit: R1,450!
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Editors note
Chris Densley
Business Opportunity Guru and contributer to Insider Secrets
"Every week, I'll scour my rolodex of industry contacts to bring you the hottest, business opportunity reviews, news, scam warnings and moneymaking tips!"
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