It seems that the herb business is a growth businessthese days. In an ever increasing effort to find thenext health food to satisfy the pallet of the Americanpopulation, herbs have been receiving a lot ofattention from the media. Numerous articles are beingchurned out daily touting the health benefits ofherbs. This is a real winner, aside from the reportedhealth benefits, herbs also add to the taste of blandfoods such as potatoes, rice and vegetables.
So what does this mean to a stay at home mother withkids? A new item to purchase on the next grocerytrip, or can there be more? The answer is that theremost definitely can and is more to this. Moms at homecan now turn this opportunity into a small thrivingbusiness if implemented correctly.
How can moms implement this home-based herb businessat home? Here are a few steps that should be taken toensure success.
Who will your customers be? The most popular optionsare in the local neighborhood. Contact your localgrocers produce manager and then the local restaurantmanager. The key question is not asking them if theywant to buy from you, we know they need herbs, butrather ask them which herbs they need?
Before venturing out stop by the local library if youare not familiar with herbs and study up on how herbsgrow, what are their scientific names, what is thegrowing season, how much yield can you expect fromeach plant? Bottom line ?do your homework. Don’tlet them trip you up with a simple question. Theywill not ask a complicated question.
Study up on these herbs;
?Basil
?French Tarragon
?Peppermint
?Oregano
?Sweet Marjoram
?Rosemary
?French Sorrel
?Dill
?Chives
?Parsley
?Thyme
?Sage
Find out what the current wholesale prices are forthese herbs. You can find this data through asubscription to www.Todaymarket.com The subscriptionrate is $25/month but they do have a 7-day freeservice that you can test out. Otherwise you willneed to work with the local grocer to find out what heis willing to pay. If you have a good reliableservice he will work with you.
Decide on your packaging and labeling. Packaging andcustom labels can be cost effective when purchased inbulk, but first find out if you will have any ordersbefore purchasing supplies. You can design and makeyou own initial packaging for presentation purposeswith the help of a local arts and crafts store.
Peter Engelbrecht is President of Diagonal Street Business Services which is an operator of http://www.BestBusinesses4u.com Peter has worked on as a consultant for fortune 500 companies as a consultant and operations analyst.
