How to Sell Plants Wholesale
- 1). Research to find your potential customers. Visit the potential customers in person or by phone to find out what plants they buy most often, in what size containers, and at what time of year.
Wholesale means you are selling to people who are going to sell the product to retail customers, so you will be visiting businesses. Make an appointment to speak to the owner or drop by in late summer, when business is slow. Get exact information on how plants are delivered at the location. For example, in the back of the store or at a central processing location.
Find out if they only take delivery on certain days and on what days they prefer to order. Also, find out if they prefer to order by phone, fax, or on-line and what is their average order amount. You will also need to know if they want tags, labels and bar code information on the containers. - 2). Write a business plan that includes accurate information on the type and variety of plants you plan to grow and the space needed for each plant. Don't forget fertilizer expenses, pesticide requirements and labor costs. You may need a special type of covered delivery van as well as a tractor or other mechanical device, especially if you are growing plants in a field to be dug up. A greenhouse helps protect tender seedlings and gives you space to work out of the weather. A dependable source of cheap, clean water is very important, because water quality and frequency of application impacts the health of the plants.
- 3). Calculate a budget. Take into account all the expenses and how much money you have available before beginning your project. By calculating a budget you will know how big to make your nursery according to the reliable customer base you have identified with your research and cost analysis.
- 4). Call your local county extension service agent and ask about licenses or inspections you will need to get started. You will need a license in every state where you sell horticultural products. A business will not buy from you if you do not have the correct horticultural vendor licenses.
- 5). Grow plants to the specifications your customers require. Some customers will prefer potted plants in 4- or 6-inch containers, while others may require a larger container or a finished plant.
- 6). Deliver plants in perfect condition with no insect damage, broken limbs or damaged foliage. This is why you need a covered delivery vehicle to prevent wind damage to plants. Deliver plants at the correct time and place specified in the agreement between you and the customer. Bring along a few extra attractive and different plants that your wholesale customer may buy on impulse.
- 7). Keep good delivery, expense and billing records. Many wholesale customers prefer to work on a credit basis, paying accounts due in 30 days or more. Only extend credit to established businesses. If a customer cannot pay, do not deliver more product until the account is settled.
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