A few years ago, I met a boutique owner in Los Angeles who had just started selling preserved roses. She told me, “I thought flowers were just… flowers. But preserved ones? These tell stories.”

That stuck with me.

Preserved flowers aren’t just a trend. They’re part of a bigger shift: people want meaningful gifts, long-lasting beauty, and eco-conscious choices. If you’ve been thinking about starting your own preserved flower business, let’s talk—no fluff, just straight talk from someone who’s been in the flower trenches for two decades.

I’m Annie Zhang, CEO of Sweetie-Gifts, and I’ve helped hundreds of businesses—from Etsy shops to luxury brands—launch their preserved flower lines. Here’s what you need to know.

Is a Preserved Flower Business Actually Profitable?

Let’s keep it real. You won’t get rich overnight—but yes, it can be highly profitable, especially if you approach it the right way.

Preserved flowers are positioned as premium gifts, not everyday commodities. That means:

• Higher perceived value
• Repeat sales during holidays (think Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas)
• Strong markups (many resell for 3x to 5x their sourcing cost)

I’ve seen gift box sellers in the U.S. take a $12 preserved rose arrangement and retail it at $80. That’s the power of good branding and smart sourcing.

Plus, you don’t need a massive operation to start. Many of our most successful partners began in small home studios.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Preserved Flower Business?

Here’s the truth: you can start small and scale smart. You don’t need a flower shop or warehouse on day one.

Here’s a basic budget to get rolling:

• Initial inventory: $800–$1,500 (depending on size and variety)
• Custom packaging: $300–$700
• Online store (Shopify, etc.): $29/month
• Marketing tools & design: $100–$500
• Photography: DIY or $300–$600 for pro shoots

I recommend setting aside $2,000–$4,000 to launch with confidence. Start with bestsellers like single rose domes, heart boxes, or mini preserved bouquets. Once you know what your customers love, scale accordingly.

How to Start a Preserved Rose Business (The Heart of It All)

Alright, here’s your roadmap—from idea to first sale.

Step 1: Understand the Market

Who are you selling to?

• Young couples buying romantic gifts?
• Brides planning timeless wedding décor?
• Corporate clients needing elegant giveaways?

Identifying your audience shapes your product, packaging, and pricing.

Step 2: Learn the Product

Preserved roses aren’t just dried flowers—they’re real roses, treated through a scientific preservation process to lock in their shape, softness, and color for years.

At Sweetie-Gifts, we grow many of our blooms in Yunnan—known as the “rose valley” of China—because altitude and climate matter.

Learn the difference between:

• Head sizes (big bloom vs. petite)
• Dyeing techniques
• Arrangement trends (like gradient color roses or floral domes)

Your product knowledge will set you apart.

Step 3: Find a Trusted Wholesale Partner

This step is huge. Bad sourcing leads to faded colors, crumbling petals, and disappointed customers.

We work with over 300 global online stores—and if you want a deep dive into sourcing, I wrote a guide you’ll find useful:
👉 Wholesale Eternal Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide

You want a partner who offers:

• Low MOQs for beginners
• Customized branding
• Consistent quality, even during peak seasons

Step 4: Build Your Brand Story

Preserved roses are about emotion. So, your brand should feel personal and intentional.

Ask yourself:

• What makes your gift boxes special?
• Are you highlighting sustainability?
• Do you support causes or values people can connect with?

Use social media not just to sell, but to connect—show behind-the-scenes packaging, customer reactions, or why you started.

What’s the Shelf Life of Preserved Roses?

One of the most common questions I get is: “How long do they last?”

The answer: 1 to 3 years, depending on environment and care.

Here’s what I tell customers:

• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Don’t water them
• Avoid humidity or placing near vents

With gentle care, many of our products still look fresh after two years—and that’s why they make such meaningful keepsakes.

Where to Wholesale Preserved Flowers?

Finding the right supplier can make or break your business. That’s why we work so closely with our customers, from boutique brands to retail chains like Freshippo and FamilyMart.

If you’re just getting started and want quality you can trust, check out this guide:
👉 Wholesale Eternal Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide

At Sweetie-Gifts, we offer:

• Certified preserved flowers (REACH, CE, phytosanitary, etc.)
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Custom gift solutions

Whether you need 50 boxes or 5,000, we’ll meet you where you are.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be a Florist

This business isn’t just for floral pros. Some of the most successful preserved rose brands I’ve seen were started by teachers, stay-at-home parents, and creatives who simply loved beauty.

What matters most?

• A clear brand
• A trustworthy supplier
• And the willingness to start before you feel 100% ready

If that sounds like you, let’s talk. My team and I are happy to walk you through your first steps or help you test the market.

Email us anytime: 📩 inquiry@sweetie-group.com

Let’s grow something beautiful together.

Warmly,
Annie Zhang
CEO, Sweetie-Gifts