Freelancers vs. Employees

When you start working with luxury corporate clients, especially in the hotel industry, the commitment can be daunting. You might find yourself managing multiple contracts that require your presence every week. Naturally, as your business grows and you take on more clients, the need for a reliable team becomes apparent. But how do you expand your team in a way that supports your growth while maintaining flexibility? This is where the decision between hiring freelancers vs. employees comes into play.

The Importance of Team Support: 

As florists, especially those working with hotels, we are often required to provide regular services—sometimes as often as every Monday or Tuesday. When you’re managing multiple clients, the need to hire additional help becomes crucial. There are two primary ways to expand your team: hiring freelancers or employing workers. Both have their advantages, but understanding the differences is essential to making the right choice for your business.

Freelancers: Flexibility and Specialized Skills 

Freelancers are ideal for tasks that require specialized skills or for projects that are not ongoing. For example, when I was still handling wedding installations, I often hired freelancers to assist with intricate designs or large-scale installations that I wasn’t familiar with. This approach allowed me to say “yes” to more clients and projects, without having to turn down work or learn new skills on the spot. The flexibility of hiring freelancers is a huge advantage, especially for one-off projects or seasonal work.

In the U.S., freelancers are also financially flexible, as you are not required to report payments under $600 to the IRS. This can simplify your bookkeeping and give you more freedom in managing short-term projects.

Contractual Employees: Consistency and Commitment 

On the other hand, contractual employees provide a more consistent level of support for your business. These individuals are hired on a more regular basis, often for a specific number of hours or days each week. For example, if you have a hotel contract that requires weekly maintenance, hiring a contractual employee ensures that you have someone reliable to handle the work every Monday and Thursday. This consistency is vital for building long-term relationships with your clients and maintaining high standards of service.

Contractual employees also come with legal and insurance benefits. For instance, if they’re using their vehicle for deliveries, they’re covered under your business insurance. They are also bound by a non-compete clause, protecting your business from potential conflicts of interest.

Making the Right Choice: 

Choosing between a freelancer and a contractual employee depends on your business needs and the scope of work required. For florists just starting out, beginning with freelancers might be the best option. It allows you to test the waters, build a team, and gauge the fit before making a long-term commitment. However, as your business grows and you find yourself needing consistent support, transitioning to contractual employees can provide the stability and protection necessary to sustain your business. 

Want to hear more on this topic? Dive into the full episode of Freelancers vs. Employees here! 

Inside the Hotel Florist Profit Method, I provide the exact contracts I use for both freelancers and employees. These contracts are designed to protect your business while ensuring a smooth working relationship.

Conclusion:

Expanding your team is a significant step in growing your floral business. By understanding the differences between freelancers vs. employees, you can make informed decisions that align with your business goals and ensure the success of your partnerships. Remember, the right support system is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and thriving in the competitive floral industry.

Already a florist and eager to expand into luxury hotels and create consistent income? Check out our free masterclass! It’s packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.

Keep blooming,
Franceska

PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It’s available on Amazon!