A wholesale florist supplies flowers and other flower-related products to stores and individuals for use in floral arrangements. Florists may specialize in specific types of blooms, such as roses or peonies, and work with a variety of growers to source flowers for their business.
The flower trade is a highly competitive one, so flowers must be sourced in bulk to remain in demand. This can mean working with a variety of sources, such as greenhouses and nurseries.
Staff members at wholesale florists review customer orders, anticipate future requests, and communicate with vendors to find the best flower supply for the job. They also monitor flowers to ensure they are fresh and in good condition.
It is important for wholesale florists to keep a stock of different flowers in their warehouse, so they can meet changing demands. This can include special occasion flowers, seasonal flowers, and budget-friendly blooms.
Once flowers are in stock, they must be processed and packed to reduce the risk of bruising or damage on the way to the store. This can involve using wet packing or specialized facilities that assemble bouquets.
In addition, they must order and process large quantities of flowers in a timely fashion. This can require a variety of working conditions, including long hours standing and being exposed to cold weather.
Some personnel work in a refrigerated facility for overnight processing, while others may have office-based positions that require long hours fielding calls from customers and placing orders with vendors.
Depending on the size of the business, staff may be responsible for preparing and shipping flowers by hand to customers or using a fleet of refrigerated trucks. The time-sensitive nature of the flower trade means that personnel need to make sure that flowers are properly prepared for shipment and are not damaged in transit.
Many wholesale florists offer free shipping to their customers, but some may charge a fee for this service. This can add up, so it is important to check with your supplier before purchasing flowers from them.
There are a number of online retailers that sell flowers in bulk. These companies can be a great resource for people who need large amounts of flowers, such as wedding planners and brides-to-be. Some of these companies ship flowers straight from the farm, so they’re environmentally friendly.
Another place to buy wholesale flowers is in a bulk retailer, such as Sam’s Club or Costco. These stores have a florist department and often sell flowers in bulk for lower prices than retail prices.
You can also visit local markets to purchase flowers. These markets often open early, and some are even open around the clock. However, these markets can be crowded and expensive, so it’s a good idea to arrive as early as possible.
It’s also a good idea to bring cash to these markets, as some retailers do not accept credit cards. It’s also a good idea to check out other stalls or retailers before making your final purchases to get the best deal on your flowers.