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  • From: Dave Miller <recycler AT eclipse.net>
  • To: market farming <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Selling Flowers
  • Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2000 00:57:37 -0500


Rose,

Last fall I passed a person selling cutflowers from home. I turned my
van around to see up close what flowers were in water on a table by the
mailbox. I was amazed at the color, price, variety and pride this woman
displayed. She was not on a very busy road but she clearly had good
intentions.

I bought a wonderful handful and drove them 50 miles to deliver them to
my girlfriend (ok, I was heading there anyway). I will always remember
her desire to succeed despite being on a country road. But that was part
of the charm.

On to suggestions: Have you contacted local florists? Or party stores?
How about restaurants? Many like fresh flowers for their tables. You
could create a niche market by delivering fresh flowers twice a week,
ready to pop in their vases. Groceries sell flowers, where do they get
them from, surely local is better. How about those who do home parties,
catering and such? Caterers often like the flowers to help whet the
appetite but don't have a wholesale source (ie. they go to the food
store or local florist).

Flowers for all occasions - sell your flowers to those who do
candygrams, home deliveries and such. Seems silly but again a niche. You
may need to plant a "seed" in the mind of others. There are those who
never thought of flowers but might consider, ex. someone who does
professional birthday parties.

Did I forget to mention weddings and wedding halls? Who supplies them?
If you don't do arrangements, find someone who will. And hotels, their
lobbies always have fresh flowers. You can contract with them to supply
fresh flowers every so many days. Maybe they will put them in their
guest rooms or hospitality suites or conference areas.

Bridal shows - Go to the reception halls that hold these spring/summer
events. You could become their major supplier. If they link to you, they
basically lock in YOU as their major source and hence do advertising FOR
YOU!

Hospitals, hospice care, nursing homes, realtors, lawyers, dentists,
etc. often buy flowers to spark up the place of business. Why aren't
they buying from you on a contractual basis? Again, a trip into town
might make a delivery worthwhile. And be sure to have a placard with
your name of business contact.

You never know just who might be your next customer!

Dave,
NJ Zone 6 (when the weather cooperates)
remodeler, drummer, farmer, soapmaker
Got peppers started, going for tomatoes soon



  • Re: Selling Flowers, Dave Miller, 03/01/2000

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