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
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.
1.3 Keys to SuccessKeys to success for Fantastics Florals Inc. are:
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.
2.1 Company OwnershipFantastic 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.
2.2 Start-up SummaryStart-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 | |
| Requirements | |
| Start-up Expenses | |
| Legal | $1,000 |
| Insurance | $600 |
| Rent | $1,300 |
| Other | $200 |
| Total Start-up Expenses | $3,100 |
| Start-up Assets Needed | |
| Cash Balance on Starting Date | $70,000 |
| Start-up Inventory | $0 |
| Other Current Assets | $0 |
| Total Current Assets | $70,000 |
| 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 |
| Loss at Start-up | ($3,100) |
| Total Capital | $31,900 |
| Total Capital and Liabilities | $70,000 |
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.
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.
3.1 Product DescriptionFantastic 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:
Copies of FFI products, more specifically bouquets and other arrangements are included. Upon production of advertisements and brochures, these will be added.
3.4 SourcingFFI 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 TechnologySome 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 ProductsFantastic 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.
4.1 Market SegmentationSince Fantastic Florals, Inc. only deals with a few, select products, segmentation is minimal. Two segments currently exist:
Market Analysis (Pie)
| Market Analysis | |||||||
| Potential Customers | Growth | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | CAGR |
| 6% | 275,000 | 291,500 | 308,990 | 327,529 | 347,181 | 6.00% | |
| Floral Collectors | 4% | 250,000 | 260,000 | 270,400 | 281,216 | 292,465 | 4.00% |
| Other | 3% | 175,000 | 180,250 | 185,658 | 191,228 | 196,965 | 3.00% |
| Total | 4.56% | 700,000 | 731,750 | 765,048 | 799,973 | 836,611 | 4.56% |
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.
4.2.1 Industry ParticipantsThere 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.
4.2.2 Distribution PatternsDistribution channels are currently relatively simple. There is one artist in Indonesia who provides all products for FFI. The products are shipped directly to FFI facilities, which are then sold to consumers. There are no significant obstacles to importing these products, and there are no import quotas.
4.2.3 Competition and Buying PatternsAccording to the information from Silk '94, the wholesale buyers of silk flowers and accessories are:
Fantastic Florals, Inc. current competitors in the surrounding area are:
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.
5.1 Marketing StrategyFFI sets standard prices for each product line. These prices are not expected to experience significant change over the next three years.
These prices exhibit quality products at reasonable costs to consumers.
5.1.2 Promotion StrategyThe 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.
5.2 Sales StrategyProducts 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.
5.2.1 Sales ForecastAs 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 | |||
| 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 accessories | 12,000 | 15,600 | 20,280 |
| Other/Seasonal bouquet | 8,200 | 10,660 | 13,858 |
| Catalog sales | 0 | 20,000 | 30,000 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Unit Sales | 69,300 | 108,336 | 144,836 |
| Unit Prices | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
| Tulips and Roses | $2.25 | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Arranged Flowers 1 | $18.99 | $19.00 | $19.00 |
| Arranged Flowers 2 | $39.99 | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Silk Scarf | $15.99 | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Other hair accessories | $9.99 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Other/Seasonal bouquet | $59.99 | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Catalog sales | $0.00 | $2.25 | $2.25 |
| Other | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sales | |||
| Tulips and Roses | $63,675 | $70,330 | $91,428 |
| Arranged Flowers 1 | $94,950 | $123,519 | $160,569 |
| Arranged Flowers 2 | $199,950 | $260,000 | $338,000 |
| Silk Scarf | $172,692 | $222,560 | $289,328 |
| Other hair accessories | $119,880 | $156,000 | $202,800 |
| Other/Seasonal bouquet | $491,918 | $639,600 | $831,480 |
| Catalog sales | $0 | $45,000 | $67,500 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Sales | $1,143,065 | $1,517,009 | $1,981,105 |
| Direct Unit Costs | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
| Tulips and Roses | $1.50 | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| Arranged Flowers 1 | $11.99 | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| Arranged Flowers 2 | $27.99 | $28.00 | $28.00 |
| Silk Scarf | $8.50 | $8.50 | $8.50 |
| Other hair accessories | $6.50 | $6.50 | $6.50 |
| Other/Seasonal bouquet | $42.00 | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Catalog sales | $0.00 | $1.49 | $1.49 |
| Other | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Direct Cost of Sales | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
| Tulips and Roses | $42,450 | $52,748 | $68,571 |
| Arranged Flowers 1 | $59,950 | $78,012 | $101,412 |
| Arranged Flowers 2 | $139,950 | $182,000 | $236,600 |
| Silk Scarf | $91,800 | $118,235 | $153,706 |
| Other hair accessories | $78,000 | $101,400 | $131,820 |
| Other/Seasonal bouquet | $344,400 | $447,720 | $582,036 |
| Catalog sales | $0 | $29,800 | $44,700 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales | $756,550 | $1,009,915 | $1,318,845 |
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.
6.1 Organizational StructureFantastic Florals, Inc. will be a Subchapter-S corporation. Legal matters and written agreements are being handled by an FFI consultant lawyer.
The company is organized into three main functional areas:
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:
The personnel plan indicates one employee for each department:
Beginning in 1996, there will be two employees in both Sales and Marketing and Administration.
| 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 |
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 | |||
| 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | |
| Plan Month | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Current Interest Rate | 15.00% | 15.00% | 15.00% |
| Long-term Interest Rate | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% |
| Tax Rate | 39.17% | 40.00% | 39.17% |
| Sales on Credit % | 50.00% | 50.00% | 50.00% |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Key financial indicators for Fantastic Florals, Inc. include:
Benchmarks
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: | |
| 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.
| Pro Forma Profit and Loss | |||
| 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | |
| Sales | $1,143,065 | $1,517,009 | $1,981,105 |
| Direct Costs of Goods | $756,550 | $1,009,915 | $1,318,845 |
| Shipping etc. | $40,235 | $44,260 | $48,688 |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | |
| Cost of Goods Sold | $796,785 | $1,054,175 | $1,367,533 |
| Gross Margin | $346,280 | $462,835 | $613,573 |
| Gross Margin % | 30.29% | 30.51% | 30.97% |
| Expenses: | |||
| Payroll | $43,200 | $80,000 | $108,000 |
| Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses | $84,455 | $118,860 | $162,302 |
| Depreciation | $2,400 | $2,640 | $2,904 |
| Leased Equipment | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Utilities | $2,400 | $2,640 | $2,904 |
| Insurance | $7,200 | $7,920 | $8,712 |
| Rent | $15,600 | $17,160 | $18,876 |
| Payroll Taxes | $7,776 | $14,400 | $19,440 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | |
| Total Operating Expenses | $163,031 | $243,620 | $323,138 |
| Profit Before Interest and Taxes | $183,249 | $219,215 | $290,435 |
| Interest Expense | $7,292 | $2,250 | $625 |
| Taxes Incurred | $69,503 | $86,786 | $113,509 |
| Net Profit | $106,455 | $130,179 | $176,301 |
| Net Profit/Sales | 9.31% | 8.58% | 8.90% |
FFI's cash balance is expected to increase each year, providing the necessary capital for expansion into different product lines and distribution channels.
Cash
| Pro Forma Cash Flow | |||
| 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | |
| Cash Received | |||
| Cash from Operations: | |||
| Cash Sales | $571,533 | $758,505 | $990,553 |
| Cash from Receivables | $485,730 | $730,435 | $955,716 |
| Subtotal Cash from Operations | $1,057,262 | $1,488,939 | $1,946,268 |
| Additional Cash Received | |||
| Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| New Current Borrowing | $48,889 | $0 | $0 |
| New Other Liabilities (interest-free) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| New Long-term Liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Sales of Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Sales of Long-term Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| New Investment Received | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Subtotal Cash Received | $1,106,151 | $1,488,939 | $1,946,268 |
| Expenditures | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
| Expenditures from Operations: | |||
| Cash Spending | $134,076 | $160,127 | $207,751 |
| Payment of Accounts Payable | $894,116 | $1,241,016 | $1,597,987 |
| Subtotal Spent on Operations | $1,028,192 | $1,401,143 | $1,805,738 |
| Additional Cash Spent | |||
| Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing | $62,221 | $13,332 | $8,336 |
| Other Liabilities Principal Repayment | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Purchase Other Current Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Purchase Long-term Assets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 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.
| 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 Depreciation | $2,400 | $5,040 | $7,944 |
| Total Long-term Assets | ($2,400) | ($5,040) | ($7,944) |
| 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 Liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Subtotal Current Liabilities | $163,968 | $178,286 | $220,496 |
| 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 Capital | $302,323 | $446,819 | $665,329 |
| 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.
| Ratio Analysis | ||||
| 1995 | 1996 | Industry Profile | ||
| Sales Growth | 32.71% | 30.59% | -8.50% | |
| Percent of Total Assets | ||||
| Accounts Receivable | 28.38% | 25.49% | 22.35% | 6.70% |
| Inventory | 44.05% | 39.79% | 34.90% | 10.40% |
| Other Current Assets | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 26.40% |
| Total Current Assets | 100.79% | 101.13% | 101.19% | 43.50% |
| Long-term Assets | -0.79% | -1.13% | -1.19% | 56.50% |
| Total Assets | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| Current Liabilities | 54.24% | 39.90% | 33.14% | 19.50% |
| Long-term Liabilities | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 21.40% |
| 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 Expenses | 21.06% | 21.93% | 22.19% | 34.40% |
| Advertising Expenses | 1.05% | 0.89% | 0.76% | 0.20% |
| Profit Before Interest and Taxes | 16.03% | 14.45% | 14.66% | 1.50% |
| Main Ratios | ||||
| Current | 1.86 | 2.53 | 3.05 | 2.09 |
| Quick | 1.05 | 1.54 | 2.00 | 1.03 |
| Total Debt to Total Assets | 54.24% | 39.90% | 33.14% | 40.90% |
| Pre-tax Return on Net Worth | 127.18% | 80.80% | 65.15% | 1.10% |
| Pre-tax Return on Assets | 58.20% | 48.56% | 43.56% | 1.90% |
| Additional Ratios | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | |
| Net Profit Margin | 9.31% | 8.58% | 8.90% | n.a |
| Return on Equity | 76.94% | 48.48% | 39.63% | n.a |
| Activity Ratios | ||||
| Accounts Receivable Turnover | 6.66 | 6.66 | 6.66 | n.a |
| Collection Days | 43 | 48 | 48 | n.a |
| Inventory Turnover | 8.00 | 6.50 | 6.43 | n.a |
| Accounts Payable Turnover | 7.26 | 7.46 | 7.48 | n.a |
| Payment Days | 26 | 45 | 43 | n.a |
| Total Asset Turnover | 3.78 | 3.40 | 2.98 | n.a |
| Debt Ratios | ||||
| Debt to Net Worth | 1.19 | 0.66 | 0.50 | n.a |
| Current Liab. to Liab. | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | n.a |
| Liquidity Ratios | ||||
| Net Working Capital | $140,755 | $273,573 | $452,778 | n.a |
| Interest Coverage | 25.13 | 97.42 | 464.55 | n.a |
| Additional Ratios | ||||
| Assets to Sales | 0.26 | 0.29 | 0.34 | n.a |
| Current Debt/Total Assets | 54% | 40% | 33% | n.a |
| 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 |