Shop smart as a florist – How to save money when buying flowers

Flowers don't have to be expensive – if you shop smart. Many florists carefully select their products every day, but even small changes in ordering habits can result in big savings.

Purchasing entire crates or buckets is generally cheaper than purchasing individual bunches. Only full units are sold at auction. Smaller quantities require additional manual labor, which is directly reflected in the price. Talk to your buyer about possible alternatives. A beautiful red carnation with a second color, for example, can be an affordable, high-quality alternative to your desired rose.

Also, be open to offers. Not every sale means the flowers are old—sometimes they've simply bought too many. Maintaining close contact with your buyer will help you communicate your goals more effectively: Do you want to restock the store, create inexpensive bouquets, or purchase high-quality goods for a wedding? With this information, your wholesaler can purchase more specifically for you—and you benefit from better margins.

Do you regularly order larger quantities? Feel free to ask about alternative access or a different pricing model. You'll be surprised at how much you can save by actively collaborating with your supplier.