How to Order Flowers Wholesale

By Suzie Faloon

  • Overview

    A business must have a Reseller's Certificate from the Sales Tax Bureau of the state in which you do business. A wholesaler will not do business with you without proof of the certificate, whose numbers identify your business. You must make a visit to the wholesaler or call the manager before your first wholesale purchase. States require that a florist be licensed, and the wholesaler may request proof. The manager or owner will discuss his requirements to allow you to do business with them. The business will have a policy on payment and accounts. The wholesaler may have a delivery route, which will be a benefit to you. It is important to establish a good business relationship with the wholesaler.

    • Step 1

      Make a list of supplies you need. You will be ordering roses and carnations in bunches of 25 in most instances. Gladiolus, chrysanthemum poms, iris and other flowers are in bunches according to crop availability and flower size. Gypsophila (baby's breath) and statice come in bunches sized according to availability. You may have a bunch of gypsophila one-quarter the size at Mother's Day compared to a week or two prior. Greenery is also available in bunches.

    • Step 2

      Call the wholesaler and ask for the prices for the kinds of flowers you need. It is wise to stick to a reasonable budget.

    • Step 3

      Go to the wholesaler's place of business as early in the day as possible. You may be able to go into the cooler and choose your own products. The cooler will be the size of a room. Be aware that the wholesaler will have orders prepared and set aside for other customers.

    • Step 4

      Be at your own place of business if the wholesaler will deliver to you. Be able to accept delivery and give the payment to the delivery driver.

    • Step 5

      Order flowers for holidays, Memorial Day, Mother's Day and weddings several weeks ahead of time to ensure that you get what you need. This helps the wholesaler to have an estimate on the inventory they must have available.
    • Skill: Moderately Easy
    • Ingredients:
    • Resellers Certificate
    • Tip: A wholesaler's day starts at night--6 to 8 a.m. can be the busiest time of the day.
    • Warning:
    • Never wait and order flowers during the week of a wedding or major floral sales day. You are taking a chance of not having the supplies you need.

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