Do any of you have problems buying small amounts of materials? A lady came into my shop today and bouqht some bits and pieces off me. She was surprised when I told her that I had no problem selling whatever floristry accessories I use myself to her. She told me that she had found florists were not usually so willing to sell her the bits and pieces she needed for arrangements. She bought off me a twiggy wreath frame, a few wires, tape, ribbon and cones so that she could make herself a country door wreath. I cannot understand why she would have problems buying her bits and pieces.

It's definitely the case Rainbow. I used to stock everything i could lay my hands on and it accounted for quite a lump of turnover. I didn't have a problem selling it. If they really wanted it they would find it somewhere else anyway, so it's money in the till.

I quite agree Rainbow. A lot of florists won't sell bits and pieces because they think they will lose a bigger sale, but the customer will only find them somewhere else or else won't bother, but as long as you are making your profit on the bits you sell what does it matter. After all it works for wholesalers selling to us!

I had a woman come in on Saturday who spent £36 on dishes and oasis. I'd just put all my prices up the day before and she had a bit of a shock at the prices but still took them! I am willing to sell whatever is in my shop as long as I make a profit on them. I don't see customers who buy dishes off me as a threat.. they'll never be as talented as me!

I used to get mine off e-bay. Bought a job lot of stuff from a wholesaler who had closed down and had some stuff left in their garage (14 large boxes). Used some of it, and re-sold a load of it on ebay. I still have a fair bit in the garage which'll come in handy at some point in the future I hope.

I don't go into florists and buy because I have found they dont like it, so started buying on e-bay if I wanted to do anything for mum or family.

Bel x

i have had trouble buying from florist for things that i need for florist course,its hard to get florist wholeseller as they seam to be trade only,only want learn seam to be punish

Never used to sell sundries but now will sell anything if I can make a profit on it - including my soul

I get loads of stuff off ebay and i'm pretty luck as i live near lavenders of london but try not to go there to much or i'll have no money left