Extending Life of Cut Flowers

To keep cut flowers beautiful longer; remember that they have been removed from their source of water, the root system, and will wilt quickly if not placed in water. There's nothing like fresh flowers around the house whether they come straight from your garden or from a florist. Buying someone flowers is always a delightful gift, but usually ends up being shorter-lived than we’d like. When you take the time to put together an arrangement, you'd like it to last forever or at least for more than a few days! There are some things you can do to prolong the life of cut flowers
Re-cut stems on a slant indoors removing 1 to 2 inches at an angle under water to eliminate air bubbles that block uptake of food and water. You can also do this in a basin full of water, or even by holding the stem and the blades of the shears (or kitchen scissors) under running tap water. Certain types of flowers (including celosia, sunflower, and zinnia) benefit from scalding the stem ends in boiling water for 20 seconds or over a candle flame to stop nutrient-rich sap from oozing. To prevent decay, remove bruised leaves and foliage below the water line.
Arrange flowers.

Arrange conditioned flowers in a vase of warm (110° F) water. To slow aging, place the vase in a well-ventilated cool place (as low as 38° F). Don't store flowers near unsealed fruits and vegetables, which produce ethylene, a gas that hastens ripening, or in the case of flowers, aging.
Add water. Freshly cut flowers have enough stored sugars to survive in a vase. But if you would like to add a preservative, try a homemade version.
Keep flowers cool.
The higher the temperature, the faster flowers will deteriorate, so it is advisable to cut them early in the morning, when temperatures are cool, and to avoid exposure to heat. Don't place arrangements in sunny locations, near heaters or fireplaces, or on top of television sets. Do put arrangements in a cool place overnight if you possibly can.
Change water.

Change the water every couple of days. In mixed bouquets, some of the flowers may give off sap that is toxic to other varieties in the vase shortening their vase life, a process that is avoided by frequently refreshing the water.

Keep in mind that flowers with hollow stems do not have a long vase life.

We Care
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets likeAuctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Win customers and beat your competitors

 

You need to be better than each of your competitors in at least three ways if you want to survive. If you can compete on price, brilliant. If you can't, get on top with any combination of these areas:

Your product
1.    Better quality/longer-lasting
A great one to fight off the price wars, because it makes a higher price justified. Plus, your smallness means you can put in that extra bit of TLC that really makes a better-quality product shine.
2.    Rarer
Sick of seeing the same mass-marketed products everywhere you go? So are we. Offering something your customers can't buy anywhere else.
3.    Easier to use
If a customer can figure out how to use your floral product in two seconds rather than two hours, you've got the edge.
4.    Safer to use
This is a particularly strong one if your customers are likely to have kids - or if they are kids. It might take a bit of user testing, and it's worth getting an accreditation, but believe us, it'll work. No one wants to end up decapitated by the less-safe tin opener on the supermarket shelves to save a few pennies.
5.    More efficient
Does your product get more done than its rivals? Is it quicker? Easier to set up and dissemble?
6.    More compact
easier to carry and transport, or just all cute and diddy, and you're onto a winner.
7.    Waterproof
Apply some common sense here: this will obviously depend on what your product's used for.
8.    More retro
If your target customers are under 30, over 50, or trendy, they'll appreciate the novelty of retro.
9.    More modern
Of course, that leaves the 31 - 49-year-old bracket wide open. Either them, or anyone remotely interested in technology, cutting-edge design, or the like.
10.    Design that is more beautiful/quirky/fun/edgy/stylish/simple/patterned/non-patterned/etc
We'll give our backslash key a break - you get the idea. Something as seemingly superficial as appearance can dramatically alter a customer's perception of its worth.
11.    More beautiful/quirky/etc packaging
Ah packaging, the marketing executive's closest ally. The power of packaging allows you to dress up any product to the price point you want.

12.    Designed by someone cool or endorsed by a celebrity
Not easy to secure, but very powerful. Think celebrity perfumes - they might smell like molten plastic, but they sell like hotcakes.
13.    Quieter
Noise is annoying. Eradicate for customer zen - which equals repeat custom.
14.    Fresher/tastier/healthier/more organic
If you sell food or drink, you can do what the supermarkets can't. You can make things on-the-spot, preservative-free, and downright delicious. Do it.
15.    Greener/more ethical
Whether it's recycled, recyclable, or in some small way helps the plight of Tibetan goat farmers, it taps into the biggest consumer trend to hit the middle class.
16.    Sourced in Britain/locally sourced/home-made
This holds ever-greater sway, not just because it cuts emissions, but also because people increasingly want to know where their stuff has come from.
17.    Approved by a respected organisation
This holds similar kudos to celebrity endorsement, albeit probably with a different crowd. Jump through the hoops of a trade or standards organisation and then stick their approval seal on every bit of marketing material you've got.
18.    Not tested on animals
This holds sway with plenty of non-veggies, so it's well worth shouting about.
19.    More daring
Sex still sells. And as a small business, you can take far more risks than a large company confined by 50-year-old policies. Risqué appeals to a far-wider net of consumer than you might ever have imagined.
Your service
20.    Better customer service
This is such an easy one - and it's free.  Smile, be polite, build relationships with your customers and respond to complaints quickly and calmly. It's that simple. But it's something big companies find impossible to do well.
21.    More favourable opening hours
Whether you go 24/7 or just open Saturdays when your rivals are shut, making a customer's life more convenient and shaping your business around their lifestyle is guaranteed to bring them through the doors.
22.    Faster delivery
Hire a crew of Hell's Angels if need be, because this one can make or break a buying decision for time-poor customers.
23.    Offer online ordering where competitors don't
As we said, convenience is a number one priority for an ever-growing number of consumers these days. So let them buy your products while they're browsing the web at work - and get sales coming in 24/7 too.
24.    Your website is more efficient/reliable/quicker/simpler
We can't say it enough: websites are key these days. Get a good one, and you look professional and encourage people to get on there all the time
25.    Offer freebies that competitors don't
This can be something as simple - but as utterly charming - as offering customers a cup of tea. It really does make all the difference.
26.    Being UK-wide or international
A broader reach will win you more customers and give you an edge over those who only deliver down the road. It takes a lot of organisation and careful management, but can work wonders.
27.    The gender or age of employees
leverage age.
28.    Employees' expertise or demeanour
The best salespeople are those who know their subject matter inside-out. As a small business, you can nail this one, because you're most likely to employ people with a good dose of passion for what you're doing. Use it: train staff to know your product and be happy to explain it in-depth and make recommendations. Think of the service you get in independent wine shop for inspiration.
29.    Employees wear uniform
A small thing, but a powerful one. It makes your business look more professional and trustworthy, which can go a very long way.
Your business
30.    No frills deals
Some people like it straight-up. just strip down your premises and packaging to their bare minimum to appeal to time-poor, fuss-free individuals.
31.    Loads of frills deals
Of course, for every minimalist there is a, um, maximist. Chuck in lots of complimentary bits and bobs, pamper your customers, and make packaging nice and froufrou.
32.    Wider range of products
Variety is the spice of life - but that doesn't mean your shelves need to rival Tesco's. Go niche, then go broad within your specialism. If you have more trowels than B&Q, the gardeners will come to you.
33.    Better payment options
This is a difficult one if you're an early-stage business because cashflow is so key to your survival, but if you're longer-established and have enough in the bank to allow a 100-day payment period, you have a big edge over more stringent companies.
34.    Better located
That can mean nearer public transport, or with parking facilities, right through to having a beautiful view. Or simply being the first of your kind in an area. Location, location, location applies just as much to commercial premises as private property.
35.    More pleasant premises
Whether you go for a super-sweet old-fashioned tea-shop vibe, a vibrant wall mural, or ultra-chic interior design, surroundings doth maketh the experience. Make your premises memorable and beautiful, and customers will want to come back.
36.    Having an outdoors
Sell food and drink? Have a garden or a pavement? Great - you've just doubled your covers for every single month of summer. And winter too, if you get a gas heater and a couple of pretty lamps.
37.    Being charitable
Put in an hour or two a week at your local old people's home, donate 5% of your profits to charity, sponsor the local kids' football team - anything along these lines, modestly publicised, will win customers' hearts.
We Care
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Opening a flower shop know

Opening a flower shop, like any new business, requires lots of hard work, love, and dedication. What do you wish you knew when you decided to open a flower shop? Here are some things we have learned. Let us know your tips also!
Florist Marketing
•    Online reputation is critical – Stay on top of Yelp, Google Places, and other review websites. Customers are turning to online outlets to express their praise / frustration – stay in control.
•    Low cost/No cost marketing – if often the best – community activity gets free marketing.
•    Email marketing – send out coupons and discounts at least every month. Make sure your florist website supports this.
Florist Wire Services
•    Avoid Wire Service Lock-In – Don’t get stuck with long-term commitments for florist POS and florist websites. Flexibility is key for any small business.
•    Wire Services Ads – your money is going to fund ads running against your business in your local area.
•    Statements – Review you statements with an accountant or bookkeeper to see if you’re actually making money.
•    Codified Products / Containers – Know your options.  Sometimes the minimum purchase of these expensive containers far outweighs the earning potential.  Many florists team up to split a box or you can choose to not buy the codified container and instead purchase something similar from your trusted vendor.  In that case you can still fill wire-in orders that allow for a keepsake substitution without breaking the bank.
Florist Credit Card Processing
•    Big Costs – Credit card processing is an unexciting but critical part of your business. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by choosing the right merchant account. Compare processors.
•    Statements – Compare your statements to be sure you’re getting a good deal.
•    Contracts – Contracts can be okay, but avoid early termination fees and similar lock-ins.
Florist Software
•    Floral POS pays for itself – Good floral software increases productivity and has built-in marketing – you will save on time, labor and get more orders.
•    Independent solutions – think independent for your floral software – you will get lower prices and more flexibility.
•    Florist websites – Make sure your website looks unique – it’s a critical part of your brand.
Flower Shop Operations
•    Delivery Confirmations – are practically expected by customers these days as a part of basic customer service.
•    Check your work – Have a checker on all designs that leave the store.
•    Handling complaints – create an action plan for your staff so everyone feels empowered to help that occasional sour customer with a smile and grace.
Holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day)
•    Record keeping – it’s essential to predict future years – keep notes on sales, prices, weather.
•    Planning – Make a game plan weeks before any holiday for staffing, buying, and marketing.
•    Be aware of your competition – See what the wire services and other florists in your area are offering and offer up something unique and/or comparable.
Flower Care
•    Keep buckets clean - change water and recut any flowers that haven’t sold within 3 days of arriving.
Florist Staffing
•    Do not over staff – use part timers for flexibility.
•    Staff smart - Experienced designers will require a higher wage than a General Shop worker.  Schedule designers enough hours to fill orders and create some designs for the display case then let the general help take it from there.
Working with Vendors
•    Share information – don’t be afraid to ask other florists who they get their supplies from.
•    Check invoices – to be sure you are paying a reasonable price for your supplies and check each delivery to be sure you have received everything you paid for.  Mistakes happen!
•    Know what you are paying – and what you need to charge with your mark-up .  Be sure your staff knows this too!
•    Communication - with vendors is key. Let them know when you receive unsatisfactory product or when they deliver in a timely manner.  These relationships will help you stand out against other shops.
Florist Community
•    Florist Advice – Lean on other florists for advice with free Facebook florist communities. Some are invite-only, so be in touch with other florists to find the most popular communities.
We Care
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

How to start a florist business

Floristry is hard work. You'll be working long shifts, weekends, and all the big days of the year (Valentines, Mother's Day, and so on). You also need to be a natural early riser: you need to get to the flower market at least three times a week for 4:30 am, if not earlier, to snap up the best produce. Then you head back to your premises to make everything look beautiful for the day ahead.
Floristries are normally open from 8 am/9 am until 5 pm/6 pm. Your day will involve putting together custom bouquets as well as ready-made bunches, and you may be managing deliveries too. If you cater for events, which are where the highest profits are, you'll be designing the layout, negotiating prices, and coordinating transport and set-up. You also need to keep the shop looking lovely and tend to the flowers throughout the day, as well as welcoming customers and managing your stock and any suppliers.
Vigilant stock control is crucial - watch our life in the day of a florist video to find out more about it. Flowers wilt fast and you only want to display the best, so you'll need to become an expert in buying wisely and anticipating your orders. You'll also need to be very organised with your waste - talk to your local council to find out what you should be doing with it and how much you'll be charged.
The industry and market
The floristry industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and moving online. But there are still many florist shops in the world, and even more florist businesses. It's an industry made up mainly of very small business: one in four florists have no employees, and 66% employ between one and nine. Most small businesses then team up with a much bigger relay company such as Interflora, becoming part of their relay network. This means you can offer customers nationwide delivery - you place their order with the most local florist in the network to the destination address, and you each take a cut of the profit. You may need to pay to be part of the scheme, but you usually get marketing and sales support included in that price.
The competition you face will depend entirely on how many other florists there are in your area, and how wealthy your area is - obviously richer towns and cities are going to spend more on flowers.
You need to be aware of the online side of things, which has really picked up in the last couple of years. Online floristry is a pretty saturated market, so unless you have a big budget for PPC and SEO it's unlikely you'll be able to break it.
That means you do need to have a clear plan for how you're going to get customers to use you rather than an online service - whether that's better prices, more personal and friendly service, or a wider range of flowers and styles
Natural skills
•    A natural eye and flair for creativity.
•    Good with your hands.
•    Good with people too - not just because you'll be dealing with them in-shop all day long, but for occasions like funerals and weddings where emotions are running high.
•    Physically fit - there's lots of heavy lifting involved.
Training
•    You definitely need training to become a florist, and you get it either on the job, in a college or horticultural school, or through a combination of both.
•    On-the-job training is the most valuable, because it gives you deeper understanding of the commercial pressures of floristry.
•    If you're totally inexperienced and looking for an entry-level job before starting up solo, expect to start on or near minimum wage sweeping floors and having to work your way up gradually.
•    Courses can teach quite outdated methods of arranging, and miss out on vital lessons such as how to dress cheaper flowers and foliage up to look expensive (to protect your profit margins).
•    apprenticeship-based training to cater for those who want to get a combination of on-the-job and college training.
•    Many councils and local education authorities run introductory floristry courses which are perfect for dipping your toes in the water, and there are plenty of more in-depth courses available elsewhere. Check out the resources at the bottom of this guide for more info.
Premises
•    Most florists choose premises in a visible location at street level, with a high footfall of shoppers or commuters. That means premises will be pricey.
•    Cut premises costs by starting with a stall near a busy train station or street to start generating revenue before committing to a full property lease.
•    You don't need massive premises - most florists have a fairly small floor area and most stock is kept on display rather than in the back room.
•    Make sure there is some way to control the temperature of the room to prevent your flowers wilting or shrivelling.
•    Rental prices vary widely across the country.
•    If you decide to sell online or only do flowers for big events, just make sure you have enough space to keep your stock as and when you need it.
Staff
•    As mentioned earlier in this guide, one in four florists have no employees, and it's a business you'll be able to run on your own if you need to.
•    If you do want to take on staff, which will save you from some of the long hours, make sure they have plenty of hands-on commercial experience - this is more valuable than training.
•    Inexperienced staff is usually only paid minimum wage or close to it.
Money
•    Start-up costs vary massively according to whether you have premises and where they are.
•    Starting without a shop will allow you to lower those costs significantly.
•    Expect to need two to three times your purchase price in cashflow over your first year.
•    Factor in the cost of a van to transport your flowers - along with all the normal costs such as accountant, solicitor, marketing spend and shop fittings.
•    Most business owners can expect to earn somewhere between those figures if they successfully fine-tune their business model - although earnings will obviously depend on your business nous.
First steps
•    Get at least a year's worth of commercial experience working for someone else before starting up solo.
•    Look at commercial property prices and availability in your area, and see if distances to the nearest flower market are feasible.
•    Talk to your bank early.
•    Get advice from the places listed in the support and resources section of this guide.
•    Read our feature: How to start a business: the ultimate checklist.
Tips
•    Be prepared for seasonal peaks and troughs. Valentines and Mother's Day are your obvious highs, while January and August are normally dead.
•    Events are the biggest profit-makers as you can make things look great with plenty of foliage.
•    Aim to earn at least double on your stock prices.
•    Learn to use foliage cleverly to cut costs.
•    Find a speciality - fairtrade flowers, orchids, potted plants, really knowledgeable staff - anything that makes you stand out from online and offline competitors.
•    Establish good relationships with flower market traders to get the best deals.
•    Buy stock which lasts, such as potted plants, to stand alongside your perishable stock, to help control your stock levels and cashflow.
•    Get a website - your customers are online, you need to be too.
•    Consider joining relay networks to broaden up your market.
•    Figure out early on how you'll transport glassware and bouquets.
•    Hire staff with in-shop experience.
Common pitfalls
•    Buying too much perishable stock and having to throw loads away each day.
•    Not abiding by your council's waste disposal guidelines.
•    Mismanaging your annual cashflow so you get hit by the January and August sales troughs.
•    Not having enough commercial experience.
•    Not being able to compete with the big online names - which mean you have to create a reason for customers to come into your shop.
We Care
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Insight on the Floral Industry

This is an industry full of hardworking, creative and dedicated people. The industry includes growers, exporters, importers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, designers, florists, educators and others. There are many Florists organizations across the world. They conduct research, lobby congress on our behalf, produce marketing materials, provide educational materials, publish excellent magazine, conduct and archive market research and much more. If you do nothing else to prepare yourself to be the best florist you can be, visit their website and read all about it. Possibly one of the best resources a florist can have, from the first day they open the doors, to their 50th anniversary in business, is their local or state Florist Association. Not all associations are created equally, but the best of them will provide education, marketing and buying co-ops, insurance discounts, delivery pools, and the general synergy of florists working together.
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Market Research For Your New Flower Shop

Florist shops are an ever popular industry and before you invest time, money and energy into opening a flower shop, first, make sure there is a market for your flowers. In other words, take time to think about who your customers will be, how much of what they will buy and when. As such, we want to provide you with a current industry overview, trends and challenges as well as provide some research resources for those interested in the florist shop business.
Answer these questions:
•    How many consumers are there in your marketplace?
•    What is their income?
•    How old are they?
•    What do they do for a living?
•    Where do they live?
•    Are they professionals, families, college students, seniors, etc?
•    Are they likely to buy by phone, in person or over the Internet?
•    How often do your target customers buy flowers?
•    On what occasions?
•    How much will they spend in each case?
•    Are flowers a status symbol in your community?
•    What roles do funerals and religious ceremonies and cemeteries play in your community?
•    What role do flowers play in those ceremonies?
•    What role do flowers play at the cemeteries?
•    What industry is in your community and what role do flowers play in their business?
•    Do they send flowers to their employees, clients, and partners? Do they use flowers in their offices?
Now that you have answered these questions, move on to the competition section. Competition
In many cases, there will already be businesses that are selling flowers in your community. And regardless of local market conditions, there will be a certain segment of consumers who prefer to purchase flowers at an online retailer. Having researched the market and what segments of the market buy flowers for what reason, now Consider the following:
Who is your competition-in the floral market?
•    Retail flower shops
•    Garden Centers
•    Super Markets
•    Farmer’s Markets
•    Farm Markets
•    National Order Gatherers
•    Big Box Retail
•    Big Box Home Centers
•    Studio Flower Shops
What portion of the market is the competition selling to?
Are they satisfying that market?
What advantage does the competition have?
Location, relationships with key customers, reputation, and volume
What advantages will you have?
Will you compete for the same segment of the market or will you target another segment?
What other products compete with flowers in your market?
Gifts, jewelry, candy, bakery items, crafts
Make sure the scope of your market research is sufficient and don’t rush any stage because both can limit your success. Researching your market need not be a costly exercise, because there are many sources of inexpensive or even free information. And there is also much you can do yourself.
Remember that once your business is up and running, continuing your research regularly will allow you to remain aware of your customers’ needs and stay one step ahead of the competition.
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Floral Shop Marketing - Advertising Ideas for Florists

As a local floral shop owner, it's important to connect with residents and fellow business owners in your area. Residents and businesses rely on local floral shops for flowers for weddings and funerals, networking and charity events, as well as to celebrate anniversaries and popular holidays such as Valentine's Day.
Running a floral business can be enjoyable and rewarding, but also has its challenges. The floral market can be very competitive, and florists need to continually be alert to ways to make their business stand out among the competition. Marketing ideas that put your flowers in front of your target consumers can yield good results for your floral shop. Weddings and Special Events
If you create floral designs for weddings and events, connect with other professionals, such as event planners, photographers and venue managers. Many of these business owners will be willing to let you leave business cards or brochures to pass on to their customers, especially if you will agree to do the same for them.
Consider investing in a booth at your local bridal show. Create sample bouquets and be sure to take plenty of brochures and business cards. You can also place an ad in local bridal magazines, which are typically distributed free to brides who visit wedding dress boutiques, bakeries and other wedding-related retailers.
Distribute Flyers and Brochures
Create a brochure offering weekly delivery of fresh floral arrangements to corporate offices and hotels.
Flower Stands
A street corner flower stand is a good way to draw attention to your business just before peak floral-purchasing seasons, such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Include a discount coupon for the upcoming holiday with every flower or bouquet purchased. Check with city hall for permits and regulations before setting up your stand.
Donating Flowers to Community Events
Sponsor a local business event by providing flowers, or donate flowers to a charity event to help market your floral shop. These events will help put your business name and logo in front of potential clients through signage. You'll also get an opportunity to showcase your design talent with centerpieces and other floral decor you create for the event.
Advertise Online
Create a simple website with photo galleries that showcase a variety of your designs. Print your web address on your business cards and marketing materials so customers can browse your online portfolio to get an idea of the designs you can create. You can also list your company in several free online business directories. Many of these directories will include a map of your location and allow you to upload photos.
Be Creative
There are several other innovative tactics to grow his floral business, including email marketing, giving corporate clients free mouse pads imprinted with a floral arrangement and his company’s contact information, in addition to distributing a DVD showcasing the company’s best designs.
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Cut Flower Care Guide

A Guide to Cut Flower Care And Handling for Your Flower Shop
Coolers..
Flowers must be kept cool. Ideally a flower cooler is 34 degrees. You should have a cooler that allows customers to see the loose flowers and arrangements that you have for sale. You may also need a cooler to use for storage of bulk amounts of flowers and greens, arrangements for delivery in the near future. Some flower shops have their designers pull flowers for designs from the display cooler, some keep them separate. There is no argument for or against these two ideas-as long as you are keeping a good rotation on your flowers. The first in should be the first out!
Keep your coolers clean and free of plant material debris. Spores of fungus and bacteria will multiply in an unclean environment. These are the enemy of long lasting beautiful flowers! The freshest flowers will not perform well when mildew, fungus and bacteria are attacking them. A mild solution of bleach and water should be used to disinfect cooler surfaces and all buckets that are used to store flowers.
Change the water in your cooler buckets at least weekly. Bacteria will thrive in dirty water.
Use Preservatives..
Use Preservatives! Try “post harvest care solutions”. Post harvest is a fancy term that is currently being used when referring to any process that is done to flowers once they have been cut from the plant.
Carefully follow the instructions of your Wholesale Florist on the use of preservative solutions. These solutions contain not only the food (sugar) that flowers need to develop, but also antibacterial agents and in many cases citric acid for hydration. Specialized solutions contain other agents that have been proven to solve aging problems in specific flowers. There are many manufacturers of post harvest solutions. Each has a branded line of products. For the most part, they all have the same elements but they are packaged and marketed differently. Here are some sources of manufacturers. You will not be able to buy from them directly, but any Floral Supply Wholesaler will carry one or more of these lines. If the wholesaler does not carry preservatives–don’t spend a penny with them!

Do not store fruit in your coolers. Fruit produces ethylene gas-this is a natural plant hormone that causes aging of plant material…. As fruit ripens, it gives off ethylene… that ethylene triggers the early death of fresh flowers. It can cause curling of petals in many ethylene sensitive flowers.
Educate yourself on proper care and handling. Up to date compilation of the best practices for handling flowers from the grower to the consumer for longest life and value. Research is on-going and recommendations change as more is learned. It pays to stay informed.
Educate your customers on proper care and handling. Take time to read … especially the about Flower Care. When your customers have great results with the flowers they buy from you, they will come back!
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Choosing asupplier for your florist shop

A Florist Supplier is the most important supplier you can have. Eagle-Link Flowers daily exports fresh cut flowers worldwide to many florist and flower shops and is a good source for information regarding the Floral Industry. Here are the top 10 reasons to consider when choosing your wholesale supplier: The Supplier Should
1.    Stand behind their products, even if that means replacement or a full credit.
2.    Offer the flexibility that allows retailers to buy in either small or large quantities.
3.    Offer price discounts for quantities purchased in bulk or standing orders.
4.    Provide reasonable credit terms.
5.    Introduce retailers to new products and services to help them stay competitive.
6.    Allow retailers to see the product before they buy.
7.    Educate retailers about important crops – from the field to the retail market – especially at holiday times.
8.    Host design seminars and distribute product materials.
9.    Jointly support consumer marketing programs with retailers.
10.    Identify, process and assemble products for retailers. Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

wholesale-importer

 

What to consider when starting a Wholesale Importers of Cut flowers Business
Importing Cut flowers from overseas is a lot more complex than picking up the phone, placing your order and waiting for the goods to arrive. There are a lot of factors to consider before you go ahead and place your first import order. A Wholesale Importers of Cut flowers needs to decide whether the allure of cheaper prices or better products from overseas is as attractive a proposition as it might appear to be at first glance.
Wholesale Importers of Cut flowers import for resale and always must answer the basic question "Is there a local market for the goods you want to import?" They identify the potential target customers and conduct a survey among them to get a feel for whether importing will be profitable.
Focus On The Market
Focusing on your customers specific interests will ensure that you are not only supplying your customer the right product, but also that you’re supplying exactly the right kind of product that fits your customers needs!
For instance, is you market more concerned with quality or price? Is there a certain feature that dominates their purchasing decision? Is color and size an issue? The more you focus in on what matters to your customer, the more successful your import business will be!
Focus On The Source
Now that you’ve done your research, you are now ready to start looking across the waters (or, at least, the border - we import more from Kenya). Just as if you were sourcing domestically, there are a number of ways to find someone who will sell you exactly what you’re looking for. You can directly contact the flower farm, find a regional sales representative, find a distributor, deal with a retailer, etc.
There is no right or wrong answer - it mostly depends on you and your marketplace. For instance, if your client relationships are time-intensive, you may want to use a middleman to find your products for you, or you may find the products and let the import agent handle all the delivery details.
The good news is that there are a variety of places available today that will help you find product suppliers for your import business. Trade publications, trade shows, import/export departments, economic development agencies, Chamber of Commerce - the list goes on.
Focus On The Relationship
Once you’ve found a good source, maintain that relationship like you would any other. Be professional, keep your commitments, and hold them to theirs. Once you’ve established a reputation with the company, you may be able to get extended payment terms, suggest product improvements, and receive preferential treatment that can give you an edge in the marketplace.
Again, starting an import business isn’t much different from starting one that sources domestically. Make sure you’re ready, make sure your business is ready, know your market, know your supplier or agent - then go for it!
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Beautiful Supermarket flowers

Cut flowers are widely sold in supermarkets all over the world. These outlets offer a limited selection, usually in the form of mixed bouquets and roses by the dozen. Flowers purchased at these outlets are generally less expensive than the flowers purchased at a florist shop. Professional florists may offer a greater selection, higher flower quality, or more skillfully arranged flowers.
Picking up flowers at the end of your weekly supermarket run is often an impulse purchase, but Nothing sets the mood quite like fresh flowers. Whether you’re taking home one of our arrangements or selecting fresh-cut stems, you’re sure to find a show-stopper in our floral department. Planning a wedding? Have a big prom date? Forget Mom’s birthday? Get the perfect floral arrangement or balloon bouquet for your special occasion is as convenient as your nearest Supermarket display
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality to Our Clients Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers

Florists and Flower Shops

Generally, a florist's shop will contain a large array of flowers, sometimes displayed on the street, or will have a large plate glass window to display the flowers. To keep them fresh, the flowers will be refrigerated and kept in water, generally in glass or plastic vases or other containers. Most shops have a refrigerator/chiller cabinet/cooler near the front of the shop/store with large glass doors so that customers can easily view the contents. Some shops also have another cooler out of the customers' view where they keep extra stock and arrangements for customers' orders. Most stores have a separate work room in which the design florist or designers can work on orders with more privacy. The flowers sold in florist shops typically represent the varieties abundantly available in the season but also include blossoms flown in from around the world. Basic varieties include Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers. Fashion sometimes plays a role in floristry; what is considered the flower that everyone needs to have today can change very quickly.
Some shops also stock gift baskets, fruits, and chocolates as well as flowers, whereas some shops will purchase these things only when needed for an order. Floral business is seasonal and is heavily influenced by the following holidays and events: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Administrative Professionals' Day, Mothers' Day, All Souls Day, Advent, Easter, weddings and funerals. These occasions make up the largest part of the business, with the sale of house plants and home decor being a smaller, but more constant, part. Flowers for personal enjoyment as well as those selected to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, thank-you and get well wishes are also a significant portion of a florist's business.
You can rely on your local Florists and Flower Shops for the best floral gifts. Many of them have a website for a variety of options – from fresh flower arrangements to customized gift baskets. When you find the perfect gift, you can easily order online or call them directly. No matter what your taste or budget, Florists and Flower Shop deliver beautiful flowers to friends and family sharing happiness in their areas of operation.
Eagle-Link Flowers Exports Flowers of Premium Quality Worldwide. Fresh cut flower like Roses, Spray Roses, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Lilies & Fillers; for Major Floral Outlets, Supermarkets, Wholesale Markets like Auctions, Florists and Flower Shops, weddings and Events Planners, Resorts and Individual Customers.

Beautiful Leather ferns

 

Leather fern is grouped into the Polypodiaceae family, the genus classified by the Italian, Giuseppe Raddi, who specialized in the flora of Brazil. All species are native to the southern hemisphere. Like so many other ferns it has been repeatedly regrouped due to the fact that these plants, as with all ferns, do not flower and therefore lack the reproductive structures upon which nomenclature and classification system is based. This fern's common name, leather leaf, refers to its ability to resist wilting, which has made it a valuable commodity among commercial florists.
Leather ferns are excellent combinations for shade gardens to cover up the legs of upright Elegans Splendor Camellia, or mixed with the lighter variegated clustersof contrasting sedges: Fox Red Curly Sedge and Variegated Japanese Sedge. Also stunning with Black Bamboo and Jack Spratt New Zealand Flax.
Leather leaf fern is a common green in floral arrangements because of its fine foliage, easy availability in all seasons, and long-lived lush look in a vase. It is also an excellent plant to grow as a specimen, border or ground cover plant, particularly in the shady areas of your landscape. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, a leather leaf fern can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. You can plant this fern any time of year.

How to plant Leather leaf fern
1.    Locate a good area to plant a leather leaf fern. It grows well in the shade, though dappled light or some morning sun is OK. Avoid areas with sea spray, because it does not tolerate salt. Provide each fern with at least 18 to 24 inches of space to grow.
2.    Work the soil with a tiller, garden fork or spade, turning it approximately 8 to 12 inches deep in an area that is about 12 inches in diameter.
3.    Incorporate 3 or 4 inches of leaf mold, created by decaying leaves, into the soil, working the organic matter into the soil with a trowel or garden fork. Leather leaf ferns prefer soil that contains leaf mold, according to University of Florida, although other organic matter such as compost could be used instead. Otherwise, the plant tolerates most types of soil.
4.    Dig a hole in the amended soil that will allow you to plant the fern at the same depth at which it is planted in its nursery container.
5.    Take the leather leaf fern out of its pot, slicing the nursery container with a knife or squeezing it out. Place the fern into the prepared hole, backfilling it with the removed amended soil until it is at the same depth as it was planted in the pot. Water the fern with 1 inch of water after planting.

The great value of this Fern is its ability to hold its deep green color and frond integrity under less-than-ideal circumstances. Works great as a cover-up for slab foundations or under low windows. Combine with annual flowers and group under clusters of Palm or beneath overhead shade structures, atriums and even in baskets. Best in north exposures inland but does stand up well to heat.

Beautiful Fillers- Ruscus

Ruscus is a genus of six species of flowering plants, native to western and southern Europe (north to southern England), Macaronesia, northwest Africa, and southwestern Asia east to the Caucasus. It grows well in shade to dappled sunlight and is extremely tolerant of root competition. Though there are around 20 species of Ruscus, only three are most commonly cultivated. The obvious differences are in the leaves (called cladodes) and the flap over the flower.

Three commonly Grown Ruscus.
I.    Ruscus hypoglossum – From Italy, Czechoslovakia and Turkey. Flowers occur on both sides of cladodes. Has a more pronounced second ‘leaf’ (flower bract). Spineless dull green cladodes with a pointed tip. Occasionally grown in the subtropical Australia but more commonly seen in cooler temperate regions of Australia and overseas. It is actually an evergreen perennial although it looks more like a shrub and it grows to about 1metre tall and as wide. What looks like foliage is in fact cladodes (modified stems that function as leaves) and the tiny green and purple flowers that from a distance look like small insects sit in the centre of each cladode.
II.    Ruscus hypophyllum – From northwest Africa, Sicily, southeast of France and south of Spain. Flowers appear on both sides of cladodes. Has a less pronounced second flower bract. Spineless shiny green cladodes with a pointed tip. Grows up to 70 cm high. Most widely grown in the subtropical Australia.
III.    Ruscus aculeatus – From the Mediterranean regions of Europe. Pinkish-mauve flowers appear on the upper-side of cladodes. Upright ‘stems’ are branched. Shiny green spine-tipped cladodes. Ruscus a low evergreen Eurasian shrub, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, and are borne singly in the center of the cladodes. The female flowers are followed by a red berry, and the seeds are bird-distributed, but the plant also spreads vegetatively by means of rhizomes. Ruscus aculeatus occurs in woodlands and hedgerows, where it is tolerant of deep shade, and also on coastal cliffs. It is also widely planted in gardens, and has spread as a garden escape in many areas outside its native range.
Other Species
•    Ruscus colchicus- Caucasus.
•    Ruscus hyrcanus - An endemic and relict bush in the Talish Mountains, Azerbaijan. Protected in the Hirkan national Park
•    Ruscus microglossus- Southern Europe.
•    Ruscus streptophyllus - Madeira.

What appear to be shiny deep green leaves are in fact flattened leaf-like stems or cladodes. People are often amazed to see the small white flowers with violet centres emerging from the centre of these ‘leaves’,  Making this a great curiosity garden or pot plant.

Oriental Lilies

Among the most spectacular of perennials, Oriental lilies (Lilium orientalis) grow from 2 to 6 feet tall and offer prettily speckled flowers, heavy fragrance and an ability to bloom in late summer when most other bulbs have long since finished. Oriental lilies are hybrids, hence they don't come true from seed, but those propagated from bulb scales should be clones of their mother.  The Oriental Lilies prefer acid soil and temperate, moist summers. These conditions can be provided by shade, mulching or container culture if necessary. Their enormous flowers, heavenly fragrance and late summer bloom time are worth the extra efforts!   
Oriental Lily Care.
i.    Choose a position where Oriental lilies will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant the bulbs in the fall, 8 inches deep and 6 to 12 inches apart, in soil that is half organic matter, such as compost. Make part of that organic matter peat, if the soil is alkaline; as Oriental lilies prefer a pH lower than 6.5. ii.    Add bulb fertilizer to the planting hole, using the amount specified on the bag and covering it with a little soil before placing the bulbs.
iii.    Make sure the bulbs get at least 1 inch of water per week, and add 5 or 6 inches of mulch to help keep the soil damp. Dig up and divide your lilies every three years or so in autumn after the stalks have died back.

Oriental hybrid flowers bloom for two to three weeks in July and August, producing 6- to 8-inch fragrant flowers that are white, pink, purple or red depending upon the variety, and growing from 2 to 6 feet tall.
Stargazer is the best known lily in the world, with up facing crimson flowers with a white edge. For more than 25 years, it has remained a cut flower of choice, and makes a terrific garden plant, too! Its 3 foot stems are an excellent choice for containers.
Perennial Bulbs
Oriental hybrid lilies develop from herbaceous perennial bulbs, meaning the plant dies back in the winter and the bulb grows new stems in the spring. Spreading about 4 inches of mulch over the planted bulbs during the winter months protects them from varying colder temperatures.

Propagation by Scales
i.    Dig some of your lily bulbs in fall after the foliage has withered, and peel off the largest scales from the outside of each bulb. Retain a bit of the flat base of the bulb on each scale. Replant what is left of the original bulbs.
ii.    Fill a terra cotta bulb pot with a mix of half peat and half sand. Insert the scales into the mix so that their lower halves are covered and their pointed upper halves protrude. Place the pot in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse
iii.    Make sure the soil stays damp over the fall and winter so that the scales can make bulb lets (tiny bulbs) in the warmer months and send up leaves during the cooler months. Transplant the seedlings into individual 3-inch seedling pots in the spring. Set the pots of seedlings outdoors in a partially shaded location over the summer months, watering them as needed and fertilizing them every two weeks with a water-soluble plant food.
iv.    Set the bulb lets in the ground in autumn, at a depth three times their diameter. Expect them to bloom two years later.

Lily flowers can be stored for 4 to 6 weeks after harvesting and have a vase life of 7 to 14 days if harvested at the right stage and given the proper treatment.

Beautiful calla lily

Calla lilies are one of the most beautiful flowers with a unique flower form. Calla lilies come in a wide array of colors viz., shades of green, pink, purple, yellow and orange. Calla lilies are native to Southern Africa, easy to grow and are generally grown from a bulb or rhizome. A Calla lily is not a lily, and it is in the Araceae family and is actually poisonous.
The actual meaning of the flower is beauty and it has sort of a femme fatal look to it. However, it is also a very popular flower that you will find at funerals and events that are celebrating death. So, make sure that you understand this flower before you are handing it to anyone.
Uses for the Calla Lily Flower
You will find it in a lot of bouquets, however, it is very important to understand that this flower is not only expensive because it doesn’t grow in a lot of places, but it also has some underlying meanings.
Calla lily is also found at a lot of funerals as it is a symbol of death in some cultures, so if you are going to give it away as a gift or in a bouquet, make sure that the person you are giving it to understands that it does have this dark meaning and that they are ok with it.
Calla lilies Care
• In cooler areas, take the rhizomes after the first frost; clean the bulbs, if there is soil.
• Dry them in direct sun for a few days.
• Store in a dry location that remain between 50 and 60 degrees F.
• Plant the calla lily bulbs in spring after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.
• Fertilize monthly, and keep well watered.

Facts about Calla lilies
• Though called a lily, Calla lilies are not really lilies.
• Calla is a flowering genus of twenty-eight species originating in Africa and growing mostly in marshy areas.
• The Calla lily is a perennial bulb.
• Calla lilies are grown from bulbous roots with finger-like growths. These are known as tubers.
• The blooming time of Calla lilies is late spring.
• The word Calla comes from the Greek term for beautiful.
• The Calla lily roots are poisonous.

The elegant calla lily has been the muse of artists for centuries. Not surprisingly, the glorious flower is tied to magnificence and beauty and is a traditional symbol and gift of marriage.

Gypsophila Flowers.

Gypsophila is a genus of flowering plants in the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. The genus name is from the Greek gypsos ("gypsum") and philios ("loving"), a reference to the gypsum-rich substrates on which some species grow. They are native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Turkey has a particularly high diversity of Gypsophila taxa, with about 35 endemic species.
Varieties of Gypsophila
There are many varieties of Gypsophila available with the main difference being the flower head size;
• Million Stars Gypsophila- is a small headed variety.
• Gypsophila Perfecta and Double Time -are larger headed varieties.
• Gypsophilia elegans- Tall annual summer flower with clouds of tiny blooms.
• Gypsophilia paniculata (Baby's Breath) - Perennial variety with tall, multi-branched stems and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers, which can be good filler in bouquets.
Clusters of tiny, double flowers bloom on branching stems 3 to 4 feet tall. White is the most commonly used color; however, it is also available in pale pink, Gypsophila lives up to a week and dries well.
Climate and Origin of Gypsophila.
Gypsophila flowers can grow in any well drained, fertile soil and they thrive well in regions exposed to sufficient sunlight. Unlike other plants and flowers, gypsophila can do well in sandy soil though they do not prefer hot weather and may wilt if temperatures are too high.
The flower name is derived from Greek terms gypsos meaning gypsum and philos that mean friend. This refers to the flower’s affinity for alkaline soil containing a high amount of lime, gypsophila came to North America around the 19th century. It has flourished and naturalized in several parts of the world and some areas regard it as a noxious weed.

Tending the Flowers in the Farm
Gypsophilia plants grow 1 to 2 feet, bearing a profusion of white or pink flowers. The stems separate into many branches, giving it a light appearance, perfect for accenting bouquets.
The flowers can be used as filler in the garden between other annuals like Poppies, Lupines, and Larkspur. When half of their bloom opens, they should be cut for use in various bouquets. They can last for more than two weeks in the vase and can possibly stay for a longer time. It is easy to dry the gypsophila flowers and you can achieve this by hanging the bundle upside down and in a cool environment until the blooms dry out fully. The duration of this will depend on the level of humidity in the place they dry from.

Facts about Gypsophilia
• Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.
• Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
• Gypsophilia is available year round.
• Gypsophila is primarily used as a filler flower to accent greens and fill voids between flowers.
• Baby's Breath makes a very nice dried flower that can be used to decorate anything from wreaths to craft projects.
• "Baby's Breath" is available in either pink or white varieties. Perhaps the most popular variety is called Million Star. Two other varieties commonly found are New Love and Party Time.
• The dainty flowered Gypsophila is commonly used in floral arrangements and gypsophilia plants bring beauty to the garden when grown in clumps.