Question
Hello, and thank you for your insight and knowledge in the floral business, in advance.

This will be my first valentines day in business and am uncertain as to how many dozen roses I should buy. I am one of 3 floral shops in an area with a population of 25,000. One of the floral shops have been in business for years and are very old school, and cheap. I am very unsure about the amount of roses I should buy. I want to have enough, but I don't want to get caught with lots of roses left. Also is there any kind of insurance I could take out for the risk of buying to many and not selling them and eventually losing them to spoilage?

Thank you
Chris

Answer
Dear Chris,

It's nearly impossible to forecast your first year what will happen.  Especially given the uncertainty of walk in business and competition for supermarkets, etc.

However, if I were you I would speak to my wholesalers and see what others in the area are doing.  I would also put my marketing hat on and see what you could do for a pre-sale event... initiatives where florist have offered a benefit to ordering early have paid off well for others.  One designer I know will often feature a very unique and distinctive rose in a fabulous arrangement and have that be a signature piece that's unavailable anywhere else.  This is marketed and advertised as such and she has a good idea of what she's going to need.

To the best of my knowledge there is no perishable insurance for overstock.

Good luck.

Gina