How Much Do You Pay Your Team?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a business owner is how much to pay your team. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are strategies that will help you build a strong, motivated team while keeping your business profitable.

Hiring isn’t about finding the perfect budget first—it’s about booking business first and then hiring based on your needs. If you’re wondering where to start, how much to pay, and how to structure your team, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence. Listen to the full podcast episode for all the juicy details.

Step 1: Book Business Before Hiring

Many florists make the mistake of hiring first and hoping the business follows. Instead, you should:

✅ Secure contracts first – Know your revenue before setting salaries.
✅ Determine your budget – Only hire based on what you can afford.
✅ Start lean and scale up – Begin with essential hires, then expand as needed.

Hiring without a clear income stream can lead to financial stress and team instability. When you have consistent income in place, you can confidently invest in your team. Here’s another great blog on this to help you!

Step 2: Who to Hire First?

Your first hire depends on your business needs. Here are some key roles:

👩‍💻 Studio Manager – Ideal if you need someone to handle emails, client coordination, and logistics while you focus on growth.
🎓 Interns – A cost-effective way to train future full-time employees.
💐 Florists & Designers – Essential once you have steady hotel or corporate clients.
🚛 Install & Delivery Team – If you’re spending too much time transporting flowers instead of selling them.

Hiring isn’t about finding the “perfect” employee—it’s about filling the gaps in your business. If you want to learn the ins and outs of whether you should hire a freelancer vs Employee, check out this podcast episode.

Step 3: How Much Should You Pay?

There’s no universal number for every florist, but here’s how to decide:

• Pay above market rate when possible – Competitive wages attract top talent.
• Offer growth opportunities – Promotions, bonuses, and training keep employees engaged.
• Compensate based on performance – Reward efficiency and reliability.

If you’re working with a tight budget, offer non-monetary benefits like:
✔️ Flexible schedules
✔️ Hands-on training
✔️ Industry connections

People want to feel valued. If you invest in them, they’ll invest in your business.

Step 4: Setting Boundaries with Hiring & Firing

A key lesson in hiring is hire fast, fire faster.

🚀 Trial periods – Start with a 2-week paid trial before offering a long-term contract.
📊 Performance reviews – Monthly or quarterly evaluations keep your team on track.
❌ Let go of weak links quickly – A bad employee drains morale and revenue.

The sooner you create clear hiring and firing processes, the smoother your business will run.

Step 5: Pricing to Cover Labor Costs

Your pricing needs to reflect your team’s wages. When pitching to hotels and corporate clients, factor in:

• Labor costs per job – Ensure every contract covers your payroll required to execute.
• Premium pricing for premium service – Charge for the expertise of you and/or your team.
• Transparency in your business model – Hotels and corporate clients respect a well-structured business.

Pay your people what they’re worth—and price your services accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Secure Luxury Clients, Build a Team, Build a Business

Your team is the foundation of your business. If you want to scale, you need people to support you.

- First, book business.
- Then, hire strategically.
- Finally, compensate fairly to retain talent.

When you pay your team well and structure your business for success, you’ll free yourself from burnout and create a company that thrives.

Already a florist and want to feel confident in your pitch to land luxury hotels? Come join over 140 florists in the 7 Day Challenge! 

Keep blooming, Franceska

PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It's available on Amazon! Discover the “cliff-notes” of our high level group coaching program, the Hotel Florist Profit Method, where you can learn more about what flowers to use, design mechanics and more on this topic!