How to Buy Flowers at Florist Overstock Auctions
Sometimes a florist will have an overstock auction. Are those plants ruined somehow? No, the florist might have had a wedding cancellation or simply made a boo-boo when ordering roses. You can save some money and get perfectly good flowers when you buy at a florist overstock auction. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate an auction locally or regionally. Sometimes they are advertised in the newspaper, but sometimes you have to call the florist to get a location and time. There are also auctions online which can be located through search engines. For online auctions, you will have to trust the quality of the flowers.
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Attend the local auction with cash in your pocket. Some auctions do not accept credit cards or checks. Have a budget in mind.
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Check out the flowers before the auction starts. Examine the bloom. Any bruises or wilting spells no deal; same thing with missing petals.
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Note the color of the petals. You're looking for good intensity with little or no fading. Check the fragrance. Not all blooms smell pretty, but if the flower is noted for its nose-appeal, take a moment and breathe in the aroma.
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Look at the cut end of the stem. A clean cut here extends the shelf life because the flowers are able to draw water freely.
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Check the overall condition of the stem. A crushed stem makes it more difficult for the flower to draw water and reduces the shelf life.
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Step back and compare the flower to others of its type. A "good one" stands out in a crowd.
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Bid on the flowers you want. Many auctions simply have "buy it now" options, but you may have to engage in a silent or called auction.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy younger blooms, ones that haven't fully opened yet.
Get your purchases in water as soon as possible. Cut off the bottom 1 inch of the stems to allow for better water flow.
Beware of dyed flowers. Sometimes the dye runs or covers up imperfections in the bloom.
Stay within your budget. Its easy to get carried away at an auction.
