Is this worth $10.00

or is it worth $40.00
I actually did this for $40.00. A neighbor needed it for a dance recital. She would have paid much more through a florist, but we’re pretty small town and I’m still learning technique on what works so I like the opportunity to build.

This is the time of year this infamous post shows up on several of the flower farming Facebook Pages. A picture of a super cute bouquet, with the question……What is a fair price for this bouquet. Normally there is very little information accompanying the picture. Many will chime in with though or opinion. I see these and kinda cringe. With so many variables, the question with so little information is impossible to answer.

First, congratulations on getting out there and getting this done. It’s hard enough to put yourself out there, exposing yourself, and your talents is scary and intimidating. The fact that you’re even doing this is the first huge step and kudos to you for doing this. That’s the hardest part. Being new to flower farming this has to be one of the hardest things to determine and many times there is no set recipe, and honestly if you are turning to Facebook or other social media pages with these questions be prepared to be more confused after the post than before the post. Let’s just say you are inquiring about a mason jar market bouquet and honestly, it doesn’t really matter what’s in it. You have is priced at $20.00 with the question “Is this a fair price?” Be prepared for answers that range from “That’s way too cheap or to overpriced”. Another thing to consider when looking for that perfect answer on social media. Who is giving you the answer? Someone that has been flower farming and selling similar items for years or someone even newer than you are and possible never bought or sold anything similar, unfortunately we are only looking at names and have no idea who this person is giving you advice.

Do I know what you should charge for your bouquet???? I do not, but, I am going write out a series of questions you can ask yourself that will help you answer your own question and give some ideas for you to come up with an answer.

1. How is the economy where you live? Do you live in an area of wealth where people won’t even blink at dropping an exuberant amount of money for the perfect farmers market bouquet, roadside stand bouquet or want to support their local farmer. Or do you live in an area where people are living paycheck to paycheck but have hopefully scrimped enough that when they see your flowers and would give anything for them to brighten their day.

2. How many in your area are selling the same product as you. For myself, I live in a farming community; I have a roadside stand that I sell market bouquets at primarily on weekends. I know of about six other roadside stands that all have flowers. Some are flowers and vegetables and others are just flowers. Mine are priced very similar to the other stands in my area, but I will say, mine are a little more “finished” such as they may have a 10-flower stem bunch with a rubber band sitting in a water bucket for $15.00. I will have that same 10 stems, maybe add a couple stems of greenery and add a nice craft paper wrap. It really doesn’t cost me but a few cents more to add that, it looks much nicer, and they tend to sell out every weekend. The others really don’t. So, give yours just an extra touch. It pays off.

3. Head into your local grocery store, purchase a market bouquet, and tear into it. How does it compare to yours? Be sure to look at price, quantity and quality. Keep in mind, yours will be much fresher but it gives you an idea on what’s out there.

4. If you’re supplying to a friend, chat about giving her a discount. Remember word of mouth is going to be one of your best advertisements.

5. Check into whole sellers. That may take some googling to find. I have a couple that I check with. If you live in the PNW look at Cascade Floral in Everett, they have vessels and flowers. Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, just flowers from multiple flower farmers in the PNW. MAYESH, Boston Floral Exchange and Florabundance are three more large flower whole sellers that are worth looking into. Then you can price out if you were not growing but buying your stock and what you would have into that bouquet. Here are a couple whole sale websites to check out.

www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/bh_fv201.txt

www.ascfg.org

www.mayesh.com

www.seattlewholesalegrowersmarket.localfoodmarketplace.com

www.seattlewholesaleflorist.com

6. Some farmers charge a flat rate per stem such as $2.50 per stem. Same price for focal and fillers.

7. Sometimes it’s a game of trial and error. Figure a fair price in your head. If it sells out too fast it may have been too cheap, try not to undercut your fellow flower farmers but a bit of a discount may be a good way to start and get your name out there. If people look, turn and walk away, it may be a bit high and you’ll have to chalk it up to a learning experience.

Whatever you decide, just go for it sometimes there is no better way to figure things out unless you just dive in and go for it. Hope this helps.

What is it worth?

Sweet Pea Growing Guide

Flower Farming?