How to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market

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By JasneJ
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Kingston Farmers Market Flowers

This article is based on my own early farmers market experience selling flowers, plants, and produce at the ferry plaza farmers market in Kingston, Washington. If you are a good gardener and own a truck or van, here is the information you need to sell at the farmers market near you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Garden
Cut Flower knowledge
5 gallon Buckets
Van or Truck

Step 1

Benary Green Zinnia

If you are growing your own flowers, purchase your flower seed from wholesale sources. From astilbes to zinnias, seed companies sell special varieties for cut flowers. Contact commercial growers to see what young plants they sell for cut flower varieties. Plan multiple sowings and plantings for continuous blooming flowers. Plant some of the new varieties of sunflowers available in a variety of colors for fall. Separate your flowers from other vendors with a specialty niche like herbal bouquets, lavender bouquets, and single color bouquets.
Step 2

Holland Flower Clock

Consider joining or forming a cut flower cooperative if there are many flower growers nearby. Members buy collectively for better prices and can sell each others flowers. Many specialty flower growers find a cooperative lets them grow their flowers and minimizes purchasing problems. Holland flower growers are large cooperatives, with flowers sent to one of forty auctions and sold at the clock, as it is called. A flower clock also exists in Vancouver, British Columbia to sell flowers at auction
Step 3

Fresh Flowers

Rise early if you plan to sell flowers at the farmers market. Most folks cut, bundle and arrange their flowers shortly before they leave in the morning for the market. Mixed flower bouquets can be prepared the night before you leave. Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive, unload, and set up your flowers. Make sure you have enough water to fill buckets holding flowers. Make your signs simple and large enough to be read at a distance. At the ferry plaza farmers market, flowers were sold quickly as people hurried to catch their boat.
Step 4

Tulip Bundle

If you are selling cut tulips and other wholesale fresh cut flowers, make sure they have not opened. Cut flowering bulbs are sold as “bullets”. Typically flowering bulbs are sold bundled as a dozen. If you are fortunate to live near flower fields, you may be permitted to come and pick your own to resell. Contact gardening friends who may have an abundance of blooming flowers and floral greens they are willing to sell to round out your flower bouquets.
Step 5

Pike Place Market Flowers

See how other vendors are pricing their flowers and price yours accordingly. The goal is to sell out. This is a very competitive market and it is important to make a favorable, fast impression. Price flowers at five, ten, fifteen and twenty dollars to make purchasing quick and easy. Always offer a two-for price to encourage people to buy more. At the end of the day, offer market vendors great deals or trade for things you need before you leave. Donate leftover flowers to nursing homes or hospitals with a note
Step 6

Mixed Flower Bouquet

Wrap the flowers in green floral tissue and tie them with ribbon for your customer to carry home. Work with a vendor selling cards and candy to place some in you space for birthdays and other occasions to add into the flowers. Tell your customers if you make special arrangements for weddings and parties. Many vendors keep a photo album of their work to show customers. Include a business card with every flower sale and smile!