Topic
Pricing arrangements, stock that wilts, and the counter. 2 articles.
Shop operationsReduce flower waste: perishable stock for florists
Cut shrink in the cooler with first-in-first-out, received dates, honest waste logging and buying to your order book. A practical florist guide.
October 7, 2026 · 8 min read
Shop operationsHow to price custom flower arrangements from a recipe
Price custom arrangements from stem cost, hardgoods and labor, with common markup conventions and a worked USD example you can copy.
October 2, 2026 · 8 min read
FAQ
How long do cut flowers last?
Typical vase life ranges from about 5 days for short-lived stems to about 14 days for long-lasting ones, according to general industry guidance. Actual life depends on the variety, how fresh the stems were when they arrived, cooler temperature, hydration and handling. Track your own results by variety and supplier to learn what to expect in your shop.
What is first-in-first-out for flowers?
First-in-first-out, or FIFO, means using the oldest stock first. In a flower shop it means designers pull from the bucket that arrived earliest before opening a newer one. It only works when buckets are labeled with a received date and placed so the oldest stock is easiest to reach.
What is the usual markup on flowers for a florist?
Many florists use a multiple of the wholesale cost of fresh flowers, with three times and three and a half times being commonly cited conventions. Hardgoods such as vases are often marked up by a smaller multiple, around two times. These are conventions, not rules. The right multiple for your shop depends on your rent, wages, waste and local market.
Should labor be included in the flower markup?
It is clearer to add labor as a separate line. If labor is buried in the flower multiple, a complex design with cheap stems will be underpriced and a simple design with expensive stems will be overpriced. Many florists add design labor as a percentage of the product cost or as a time-based charge.