Turning this hobby into a small business?

[Franco24]

Hello everyone!

My orchid collection has quadrupled this year alone (and we're only half way through it)! So i've decided to start dividing and selling plants on eBay.

I realize I won't strike it rich, but it's nice to be able to raise a plant, divide it, sell the divisions, and then buy a new plant. Thataway the hobby supports itself.

I've got upwards of 200 orchids in my collection and will be forced to size down the collection once winter gets closer ... because they all have to squeeze into my bedroom.

Has anyone else thought of doing this? I've sold 5 plants on eBay and shipped them out already and my paypal account balance is slowly rising. It's an overall good feeling. Anyone else here do this?

[WhiteRabbit]

Cool. I know of some members who do that and am beginning to think I may have to think about it as plants get big or keeping gifting me with keikis. Good luck!

[Franco24]

It's hard for me not having a greenhouse. During the summer I splurge and fill up every tree and corner with a rack and orchids. But once October rolls around i have a hard time getting everything inside. If i start selling divisions and hoarding the money, maybe in 20 years, I'll be able to buy a huge greenhouse and stuff it with all the orchids i could possibly desire.

On another note, I've heard rumors that in you can't legally sell plant materials of any type without a nursery license. Even with one you can only sell species orchids that are CITES approved and that you are responsible for having the proof of approved certificates. As for hybrids; propagation and commercial sale is illegal without a license. And one can risk getting busted big time.

Can anyone put any truth behind the above statement? My understanding was that licensing was only necessary in the event of a commercial business which brings in and sells large quantities of plants at a regular basis.

As a hobbyist growing and selling orchids out of my home and backyard - I do not need any sort of license as long as I only ship within the 48 contiguous United States. Correct?

[Wynn Dee13]

I have sold orchids on eBay before. I don't think you need any licenses if you sell a few plants here and there. I don't think there are people scanning eBay for people selling plants. Ask one of the sellers on eBay about it. A lot of people sell divisions or sell off their collections on eBay. About five years ago I had some health issues and couldn't take care of all my orchids so I sold a lot of them on eBay without any issues. I have also bought many on eBay and I doubt they all have licenses. I could be wrong though. Where did you here that you needed a license and that it was illegal without one?

[Franco24]

Someone brought it up on another forum. And upon further research, I realized that I do indeed need proper permits and licenses.

I have since ended all eBay listings and refunded all unshipped purchases.

I plan to call my NJ department of agriculture sometime tomorrow and look into getting these legal documents. I realize that I'm only doing this as a hobbyist and the likeliness of being pursued and or prosecuted for it is slim, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I'm glad this was pointed out to me before I sold anything more (and thank gosh I only sold 5 plants and shipped one of them).

This really stinks since I now have 50+ orchid divisions laying around that I realistically have no space for ...

[Wynn Dee13]

Your right! I just looked it up on the net. Thanks for letting us know! I guess it is illegal to buy plants from an unlicensed seller too. I'm glad I know now!

[Franco24]

Apparently it's illegal to ship any plant without proper documentation across state borders. And there are even regulations on shipping within your own state.

I seriously am stuck with 55 plants (i just counted) that i have divided up solely to sell. Anybody in the New Jersey area wanting some free orchid divisions? (I'm not serious, only kidding on that line). I'll have to figure out something to do with them.

[Wynn Dee13]

Then do orchid societies need permits to sell plants at their meetings?

[Franco24]

Probably not because they aren't being shipped within or out of state. It's a local sale that you are physically picking up and bringing home.

[Franco24]

The big problem is selling and shipping. Which puts people like me trying to sell divisions on eBay in a hard place. I am definitely going to contact a few sellers I regularly purchase from and inquire about permits and licenses. And also going to attempt to contact my local government.

I'll be sure to report my findings to everyone here.