Florist News

Hi Everyone

I am fairly new on here but after a bit of advice. For those of you who own shops or businesses from home, how do you source good quality flowers at the right price?

This will seem a silly question for those of you who are experienced.

Do you go to a local wholesaler, in which case do you pay a lot more?
How do you go about registering to go along to a flower market?
If you buy diret from holland how do you find this works for you quality wise and do you have any recommendations of companies to use.

I have been looking on flowersforflorists and their order process seems very good (internet based)

I'd be interested to hear from those of you who have "tried and tested" various methods and found which is best for you.

Thanks again - this forum is great!

Hi Kelly

I think most shops buy from more than one place, you shouldnt just have one supplier in my opinion.

Making friends with a local wholesaler is good, as you can go there and grab a bunch of something quick and easily, ordering direct from Holland normally means ordering in advance, but you get fresh flowers normally bought from the auction that same day.

I dont know how the flower market in Birmingham works, but in Covent Garden in London anyone can go there and buy flowers, they just charge an entrance fee.

Most ways work well, you should try them all out and see whats best for you, but starting off its probably best to go to a local wholesaler or market.

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Hi Kelly, I suppose it depends where you are, we use the london market, mainly for the cheaper pick-up sales for the front, a local wholesaler,who is brilliant, it's a bit more expensive,but very good quality, then there's the good old faithful dutchman, who calls twice a week. I enjoy haggling with him. Your trade will need to pick up to spend enough with them all to make it worthwile them calling, but hopefully it won't take too long, good luck

Hiya Kelly
I'd definately agreed with using a few suppliers. Don't put all your eggs in one basket and all that.
You'll soon find out which suppliers are best for which things and more importantly what days they get they fresh stock, so you know when it's best to buy from each one. We have about four suppliers, they are all good for different reasons. Our market at manchester doesn't charge to get in, you just pick up what you want which is handy if you need to make an early morning dash for something. When they know you well enough they'll put your bill on account.