How to Start a Hydroponics Store

Growing plants hydroponically eliminates the need for soil, so it can be done anywhere. Many gardeners are getting into this form of gardening to grow plants they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. In order to grow plants hydroponically, gardeners need specialized equipment and supplies. Hydroponics stores sell the specialized equipment and supplies that hydroponic gardeners need.

According to IBISWorld, the hydroponics growing equipment stores industry has an annual revenue of $654 million and has been growing hat a rate of over 8 percent. There aren’t any companies with a dominant market share, leaving plenty of opportunities for new businesses.

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Start a hydroponics store by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Hydroponics Store
  2. Form your Hydroponics Store into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Hydroponics Store for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Hydroponics Store
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Hydroponics Store
  7. Get Hydroponics Store Insurance
  8. Define your Hydroponics Store Brand
  9. Create your Hydroponics Store Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your hydroponics store. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Hydroponics Store Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a hydroponics store?

The startup expenses for a hydroponics store business are sizable. Business owners must pay for:

  • Storefront: Leasing costs will likely total several thousand dollars per month.
  • POS system: This cost can be as low as a per-swipe fee with a mobile phone card reader, to thousands of dollars for a more traditional system. You may be able to finance these costs monthly.
  • Inventory: This will likely be one of your biggest costs. You will need to stock your store with enough equipment for customers to start their hydroponic gardens. You may be able to offset these costs by ordering your items via drop-shipping. This way, you only pay for what you need as you need it.
  • Store sign: These costs are highly variable.

Inventory costs alone can be significant, for businesses need a variety of complex equipment to sell. Customers may be looking for grow tunnels, greenhouses, climate control systems and irrigation equipment.

Those who open an independent store might be able to reduce their capital requirements slightly, but all of the initial expenses still aren’t cheap.

What are the ongoing expenses for a hydroponics store?

A hydroponics store business’ ongoing expenses are sizable but manageable. Rent is one of the main costs, but this can be kept low by choosing an inexpensive location. Most gardeners who need hydroponics equipment are willing to drive to a specialty store, so it’s possible to choose a location that’s in a lower-rent district. Other ongoing costs include utilities, purchasing additional inventory, insurance and employees’ salaries.

Who is the target market?

A hydroponics store business’ ideal customers are avid gardeners who want to grow plants indoors and without soil. Passionate gardeners will likely want to grow many plants and, therefore, need lots of equipment and supplies.

How does a hydroponics store make money?

A hydroponics store business makes money by selling hydroponics equipment, supplies, and nutrients. Equipment sales can be for large sums, while supplies and nutrients can provide recurring sales.

How much can you charge customers?

The cost of hydroponics equipment and supplies varies a lot. A bottle of nutrients might sell for just a couple dollars, while a complete advanced climate control system might be over $1,000. Instructables reports that a basic multi-plant kit might cost $185, while a single pot may sell for $50.

How much profit can a hydroponics store make?

A hydroponics store business can bring in six- and seven-figure sums annually. For example Seattle Hydro Spot was bringing in about $1 million annually before it was purchased by a competitor.

Because the ongoing expenses of a store are significant, profits can be much lower than revenue. A business owner who is able to run an efficient operation will still be able to realize solid returns on their investment, though.

How can you make your business more profitable?

A hydroponics store business can increase its revenue by manufacturing and branding its own equipment. This requires in-depth knowledge about hydroponics, but business owners who have this knowledge will be able to reduce their cost of goods — and, thus, increase their profits.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your hydroponics store is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your hydroponics store were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a hydroponics business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A hydroponic store  operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.  

  • If you plan to lease a hydroponic store location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a hydroponics store.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued. 
  • If you plan to purchase or build a hydroponic store location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your hydroponic store will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Hydroponics Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Hydroponics Store.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a hydroponics store

Promotional efforts for a hydroponics store business should focus on making inroads into the local gardening community. This can be done by:

  • attending seminars put on by other gardeners
  • volunteering at a local community garden
  • stopping to talk with people who are outside gardening

The more a business owner interacts with local gardeners, the better they’ll be able to share information about their store. Even if a conversation with one gardener doesn’t lead to a sale, that gardener likely knows someone else who is or might be interested in hydroponics.

How to keep customers coming back

In order to succeed, hydroponics store businesses must find a way to set themselves apart from online stores. Instead of competing on price alone, business owners can add value for their customer by sharing their knowledge (which is why it’s so important to know how to grow plants hydroponically). Business owners can share their knowledge formally, through workshops and classes, or informally by talking with customers who come in.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who enjoys growing plants and talking with people may enjoy running a hydroponics store business. Having a passion for gardening makes selling hydroponics equipment more rewarding. Customers often are looking for advice on or have questions about hydroponics, which is why being a good people person is important.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a hydroponics store?

Running a hydroponics store business mainly involves helping customers, selling equipment and supplies, and reordering inventory as necessary. In between customers, business owners or staff spend time straightening inventory, restocking items, cleaning, and tending to any plants a store has growing.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful hydroponics store?

In order to successfully sell hydroponics equipment and supplies, it’s necessary to know how to use them. Gaebler notes that most business owners grow into owning a hydroponics store, starting to grow plants hydroponically as a part-time hobby first.

Business owners who want don’t have experience with hydroponics can take courses on the subject. The Institute of Culinary EducationThe University of Arizona and other schools offer courses and workshops on various aspects of hydroponics. Alternatively, ACS Distance Education has an online Certificate in Hydroponics.

In addition to taking courses, it’s also wise to have a couple books on hand as references. Hydroponics: The Complete Guide to Hydroponics for Beginners and Hydroponics: Gardening at Home Without a Garden are just two of many titles that cover topics in hydroponics.

What is the growth potential for a hydroponics store?

A hydroponics store business may be a small, local store, or it can have several locations throughout a region. The Grow Show in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Grass Valley HydroGarden in Grass Valley, California are a couple of examples of local hydroponics stores. GreenCoast Hydroponics has several locations on the West Coast.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a hydroponics store?

A new hydroponics store business may not have everything that customers want in stock. Offering to place special orders at no additional cost — or even at a discount — could help prevent customers from going to other stores. Even if little profit is made on a special order, developing a reputation as a business that will place such orders will keep customers returning for specialized service. These customers will likely also purchase other supplies and nutrients that are in stock — ones that do provide a profit.

How and when to build a team

Most hydroponics stores start out with a small staff, sometimes just the business owner. Hiring at least one or two people as early as possible, though, is important for a business’ sustained growth. Without a staff of at least a couple people, business owners can’t take a day off for vacation or illness. They also aren’t able to spend as much time sharing their knowledge through workshops or classes.

Useful Links

Real World Examples

Further Reading