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How to Become a Successful Christmas Tree Lot Operator

 So you want to become a successful tree lot operator?  Read on!

 My first piece of advice is this: locate a reputable Christmas tree farmer. One that will supply you with the freshest, most perfect trees possible - preferably NC Fraser firs. In the end it really is the fragrant, fresh and beautiful trees, and your friendly customer service, that will make the customers remember your tree lot and return year after year. The suggestions that follow are just suggestions, provided to assist you in planning. We hope the information is insightful and will aid in your success.

First Things First.

Well in advance...Place the order for your trees and secure with the required down payment

Establish your location. The best exposure and accessibility are very important to your success. Consider busy street corners some distance away from your competition. Negotiate the lowest lot price possible.

Secure any required business and sign permits. Check with the city clerk's office for information about where to obtain the proper permits. Follow their directions carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts about the process.

Take out a liability Insurance Policy. Any reputable insurance company can help with this.

State Sales Tax Requirements. Most states require that you collect sales tax. Request the necessary tax ID from your state early on. Again, follow the directions closely, and ask questions.

Make Sure You Can Plug in the Lights. Check with the power company about getting a temporary power. Accessing water from a good neighbor might be worked out as well - maybe in exchange for a fresh Christmas tree? 

Setting Up Shop. A few things you might need 

Safety or work lights. Spot lights on stands work well and can be held down with sand bags. String work lights are also available at most hardware stores. 

A tree display system. There are many ways to display trees. Many lot owners use tree stands, however, a new and inexpensive system has recently been made available. It consists of 2x4's or 2x6's and some simple arm clasp-type holders. There are a couple of good sources for just about anything else you will need for your tree lot –including the newest supports. Kelco Industries in Milbridge, Maine and Fraser Knoll in Laurel Springs, NC are two that we like.  Each has an online and printed catalog available.  

KEEP THE TREES WATERED AND IN THE SHADE. I can't stress this enough. Store baled trees in the shade or under a tent, out of direct wind if at all possible, and never directly laying on pavement. Use pallets or place on grass. Shade cloth can also be used to aid in tree storage.

Keep string or twine on hand for tying down trees to cars. 

Fencing, even the flimsy kind defines your lot and establishes an entry and exit point to aid in making a final sale.

An inexpensive tent – We like EZ– Up tents- great to have for your customers to write checks or to just get out of the weather. These can also be secured with sand bags. 

A chain saw, electric or gas – to make a fresh cut on each tree when sold. This will keep the customer's tree fresher for a longer period of time- thus a happy return customer! 

A Netting Machine. This easliy wraps the trees for transport. The two suppliers listed above can supply this and the netting. Well worth the investment!

Price tags – It really is easier for you when each tree height and price is displayed clearly. 

 Good signs are very important. You will need to be seen. Vinyl banners are an inexpensive way to clearly point customers to you. These are readily available almost anywhere.   Do not underestimate the value of good, visible, uncluttered signs! 

A Recent Must have for Lot Operators - A Facebook Page! If you can't do this yourself, I am sure there is a high school student, neighbor, or family member or friend that can help with this. Your business, location and all  you tree lot information will spread like wildfire if this is utilized correctly. Please don't overlook the value in this.

Getting the Job Done.

 Manpower - Someone must be in charge of things, the books, reordering trees and just day to day business. A busy lot will require two- three sales people – maybe more at busy times. Adequate staffing will make happy customers – especially if they need help selecting and loading their tree. You might also consider that you will need extra help on the day your trees arrive to unload and set up the tree lot display area. The truck drivers do not unload the trees. Having someone available to make a fresh cut on each tree at the time of sale will greatly extend the life of the tree.

Security issues. Many tree lot operators remain on their lot at night, via camper or motor home. If you cannot, a fence and good lighting is a must.

Staying power. Stay in for the long term. You will make more money each year after you have become established as a provider of fresh, great quality,  NC Fraser Fir Christmas Trees. These trees will sell themselves.

Your chosen location will dictate your own unique needs. We want you to be successful in your new retail lot venture, and a good foundation is well worth the effort. The first season will be a learning process, but it will be much easier to set up and sell in the years to come. 

We have added a link on our website  www.bestfreshchristmastree.com from a Christmas tree specialist from NC State University and our NC Cooperative Extension that addresses tree care for lot operators that you will find useful as well. 

 Wishing you great success!

About the Author

Lizabeth Roupe

Operates Reeves Ridge Christmas Tree Farm with her son Zak and daughter-in-law Miranda. Growers and suppliers of great quality NC Fraser fir Christmas trees

www.bestfreshchristmastree.com

What is up with all the crime today. I work in loss prevention and I have to admit that there is a lot of?

shoplifting going on. I have also noticed that a lot of the shoplifters are on government welfare or such. The bad thing is I will catch some and they have an envelope with several $100.00 bills. How can we stop this. This is your tax dollars being spent and they not only steal and sell the stuff they also spend the government money on booze and drugs. I have worked for several companies and see the same thing all over and that is in over 20 states. How can we as responsible people get our government to change the laws so we dont have to put up with high prices and crime everywhere. Its your money and your kids that have to go to school with the kids of these people that also teach them how to do this also. So the question is how can we change it, and how do we do it.

I don't really know how the laws on shoplifting in America really work but in England its seems that shoplifters are treated as the victims
saying that they don't know any better because of society
I think the first thing we need to do is scrap the bill of human rights because if your honest and decent then it does nothing for you whatsoever but if your the victim of a crime then you get to stand by and watch as the criminals reap all the rewards for having a tough upbringing
well i had a tough upbringing i suffered neglect on a large scale i wasn't cared for i had no clothes no food an no parents around for the majority of the time and i was brought up on a council housing estate which was considered rough by the surrounding community
but i have never once stolen or even been cautioned by the law for any other crimes such as vandalism
i believe the power to do right is in a person not in their circumstances stop putting criminals on a pedestal because all they're doing is laughing at everyone else and then re-committing the crimes because little or nothing is ever done about it
lock em up along with the p.c. brigade who brought about this criminal/victim culture in the first place

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