A wholesale florist carries a large variety of fresh flowers and plants from multiple suppliers. Wholesale florists may also sell floral arrangements, baskets, wreaths, and seasonal specialties. They also work with growers and vendors to coordinate orders and negotiate prices and sales terms. Some wholesale florists grow their own flowers and plants. If so, they may have a greenhouse or other flower-growing facility on the premises.
The basic skills required to become a wholesale florist include a strong understanding of the nature of flowers, including their seasonality and availability. This career option requires excellent communication skills, management skills, negotiation skills, and a thorough knowledge of the various flowers. In addition, a wholesale florist must have access to transportation methods and sufficient storage facilities.
Before opening a wholesale florist, you must obtain business licenses and permits. Depending on the state, you will need to register as a Doing Business As (DBA) or Assumed Business Name (ABN). In addition, you must apply for a Sales Tax Permit, which serves as a Wholesale Number. You may also be required to acquire an agricultural license. This is not an overly complicated process and is not required if your floral business only consists of simple floral designs.
Being a wholesale florist means working with flowers in a very delicate and time-sensitive industry. Flowers can quickly wilt and must be carefully packaged to avoid any damage. Large wholesalers will usually have their own fleet of trucks. Others will contract their deliveries to refrigerated trucks. If you want to become a wholesale florist, you need to work smart to make a profit. The best way to do this is to negotiate prices with growers and retailers.
Several wholesale floral cooperatives are in business to serve your customers. One such cooperative is the Louisiana Wholesale Florists, Inc. In Lafayette, Louisiana, a cooperative of florists has grown over the years and now employs 10 sales representatives. This cooperative provides a wide range of floral supplies and fresh flowers at the best possible price.
A wholesale florist has many different responsibilities. He oversees the daily operations of his business, including managing staff, procuring fresh floral products from different suppliers worldwide, and providing customer service. In addition, he educates his staff about the industry and the products he sells. Because the fresh flower industry is always changing, trends and new flower varieties are continually emerging. In addition, international trade and weather can affect the supply of fresh flowers.
To become a wholesale florist, you must acquire a wholesale license. Once you have your license, you can visit a wholesaler’s store or place orders by phone or through email. You can also place orders for delivery or airport pick-up. It’s important to remember that your customers are the best sources of information, so you should be able to answer their questions and offer the best service possible.
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