Dubai may be famous for big business, but SMEs account for over 90% of all enterprises in the country.

So, if you’re looking to launch a new venture, where better to get started? In this article, I’m going to explore the potentially lucrative niche of online flower selling. If you want to know more, keep reading to find out:

• The steps to start a flower shop online in Dubai, UAE
• The cost of setting up an online flower shop
• Benefits of starting an online flower shop in Dubai
• How to get customers for your online flower shop

Steps to start a flower shop online in Dubai, UAE

When you work with the company formation experts at Set Hub, we can manage the entire setup process for you. After a short consultation to understand the unique needs of your business, we’ll guide you through the following simple three steps.

Step 1: Pick a good domain name

Your domain name is your digital shopfront. It is usually the first thing potential customers will see or hear before they go online, so it needs to pack a punch. For that reason, you should avoid anything that is hard to spell or requires customers to remember any additional information. For example, go for UAEFlowers.com instead of UAEFlowerZ.com.

And the .com is important here. It is the automatic first thought when entering a web address, so while it may be handy to get the .ae or .net domains too, .com should always be your primary aim.

You should also encourage feedback on your name. Do your research and ask as many people as possible to type the name out and read it aloud. There may be snag in there that you have not picked up on.

As part of our licensing package service, Set Hub can help with this step, registering your chosen name with the relevant government authority.

Step 2: Choose your setup type

There are several ways to start a new business in Dubai, UAE. You can set up in the mainland or in a UAE free zone. When you start a mainland business, you are free to set up anywhere in the UAE and trade directly with the local market without the help of a service agent.

When you set up in a free zone, you must operate from within that designated zone. However, you are afforded 100% tax exemption, zero currency restrictions and freedom to repatriate all capital and profits.

When starting an online flower shop, an ecommerce licence in a free zone is usually the most cost-effective choice.

Step 3: Applying for your trade licence

With all key administrative decisions made, you are ready to make your licence application. If you are setting up in the mainland, you should make your application directly to the Dubai Department of Economic Development. You may also need additional approvals in order to trade as well as a business premises.

If you wish to set up in a free zone, you will need to apply to the relevant free zone authorities. In this instance, you are free to use the free zone’s coworking and office facilities, depending on your licence package. You will not require any additional permissions to trade.

What is the cost of setting up an online flower shop?

Setting up an online flower business in a free zone such as Meydan costs in the region of AED 12,500 to AED 15,000, depending on your chosen package. This price will also fluctuate depending on the number of visas required and the type of facilities you need access to.

Setting up in the mainland is usually a little more expensive. Many other factors, such as your chosen location, also have a bearing on the total cost. For a detail and personalised quote, get in touch with the team at Set Hub.

Benefits of starting an online flower shop in Dubai

First, let’s start with the benefits of starting any business in Dubai. Out here, you benefit from an impeccable trading location at the heart of the Middle East, with easy access to Europe, North Africa and Asia.

Then there is the UAE’s incredibly welcoming business environment with minimal barriers to entry and numerous support schemes and initiatives designed to help entrepreneurs thrive. And, of course, there is the country’s attractive 0% tax rate on both personal and corporate income.

When you open an online flower shop, you can take advantage of relatively low startup and overhead costs. You can also start slow, only taking on the orders you can handle, before expanding to meet new demand once you’ve found your feet.

How to get customers for your online flower shop

When you’re looking to drive customers to an online business, the best place to start is… online. First things first, build a presence across all social media platforms, using all search tools available to home in on your target customers.

You can accelerate this process by running targeted ads to your demographic across Facebook and Instagram. Use promotions and discounts in these ads to catch the viewer’s attention and drive traffic to your site.

For a greater chance of success, spread your message offline too. Place flyers in complimentary businesses such as card and gift shops (with permission, of course). You could also run a pop-up shop for one day or one week only, showcasing your best bouquets and arrangements.

Why choose Set Hub?

As you can see, with the right support, business setup in Dubai is easy. And Set Hub can help.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life. As well as facilitating LLC company formation in Dubai, we can assist with free zone licensing, visas and bank account opening, even advising on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

In all, our expert team can establish your company on your behalf, make your licence and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin.