Florist News

Hi Guys,

With new shop, how many suppliers do you think I should hook up with? Want to use metz as being new I can time time to think orders through on internet. But how many others would I need? Want to order little and often and Metz have £200 min order, so I guess I need people I can top up with.

Advice much appreciated

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Newgirl

It's all about EGGS and BASKETS

The more avenue's you have open to you for those last minute orders the better. If a customer came into me at anytime for 100 red roses I could pretty much guarantee I could get them in 24 hours or less. Keep your options open as much as possible ....... if you can get to the point where you have access to supplies on a daily basis all the better.

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It may seem obvious, but I'll state it anyway! It helps to have different days covered by different Dutchies, preferably in between your Metz days. This hasn't quite worked out perfectly for us as we get Metz and a Dutchman on a Friday, but we've learned to split what we need between the two, esp as we've ordered Metz two days prior, and can top up from his choice when we see it.

We tend to have a standard list of favourite essentials from Metz; lisi, lilies, etc and use their Specials. Great for sundries and plants too. There are some things we never buy from them, for no reason other than we know our Dutchie always has them to choose from on the spot.

So first off, I would check what days your Dutchmen will come to you, and be wary of a Monday delivery, as it will be from over the weekend, and he'll prob try to charge you full whack regardless.

Pacific Blue..you've raised a good point there
Quote....So first off, I would check what days your Dutchmen will come to you, and be wary of a Monday delivery, as it will be from over the weekend, and he'll prob try to charge you full whack regardless.......unquote

Think about when the Auctions take place and the logistics of getting them to you. Mondays flowers will 'at best' have been through Friday's auction and 'at best' picked on Thursday.

If you need stuff for a Monday you're probably better off getting it in on a Saturday. You won't/shouldn't be getting 'left overs' and you may be able to take better care of it. It also gives you time to be sure you have exactly what you want.

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I agree with both Pacific Blue and Fly, avoid a Monday delivery if at all possible, even with Metz! Although they do advocate that their goods are picked and packed the day before delivery, they don't work on a Saturday or Sunday so most items will have been picked on Thursday and packed and shipped on Friday. We were caught like that and had quite a few Metz orders that were delivered on a Monday where items were nearly dead.

Try and source a local supplier and also a dutchie - don't rely on one.

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LilyLady

Happiness is Petal Shaped


Lily's Floral Design

We have a few suppliers, like treen said it makes it easier and allows you guarantee to fullfil any minute orders from customers

We are lucky that we have Manchester market not too far from us with a few suppliers and and really good wholesaler a bit further away that delivers to 6 days a week if we need it.

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Sarah Creating Bespoke Wedding Flowers Cheshire