By: Hannah Scott
Flower shops can be magical places with their vibrant blooms and sweet fragrances. Yet, backstage, keeping tabs on a florist’s stock can often feel more like crunching numbers than handling blossoms.
Flowers, as beautiful as they are, can be equally delicate. They are perishable items prone to wilting if not handled with care. That’s why florists constantly struggle with how much to order and keep in-store. If they order less, customers may leave. On the other hand, if they order more, resources may be wasted.
That’s where Danny Sanchez, a seasoned florist with 17 years of experience, comes in. As the founder and CEO of South Florals Group, he offers some insights on how florists can keep their inventory in check without losing their petals.
First and foremost, Danny emphasizes the importance of organization. “You’ve got to keep everything in its rightful place,” he says. “That means categorizing your flowers by type, color, and size.” This way, not only can you quickly locate what you need for those orders, but keeping an eagle eye on your stock becomes a breeze.
But the organization doesn’t stop there. Danny advises keeping a detailed inventory log. “Every time you receive a new shipment of flowers, log it in your inventory system,” he suggests. Include important details like the quantity, date received, and expiration date, if applicable. This way, you’ll always know exactly what you have on hand and when to restock.
Speaking of restocking, Danny stresses the importance of staying ahead of the game. “You never want to run out of popular flowers like roses or lilies,” he warns. “Keep an eye on your inventory levels and reorder before you start running low.” By staying proactive, you can avoid disappointing customers and ensure you always have what they want.
Of course, managing inventory isn’t just about keeping track of what’s in stock—it’s also about minimizing waste. “One of the biggest challenges for florists is dealing with perishable inventory,” Danny acknowledges. That’s why keeping a close eye on expiration dates and rotating your stock regularly is crucial. Using the oldest flowers first and minimizing waste can maximize your profits and reduce your environmental impact.
But what about those unexpected surges in demand, like around holidays or special occasions? Danny recommends planning and ordering extra inventory in anticipation of busy periods. “It’s better to have a little extra on hand than to risk running out when you need it most,” he advises. By forecasting demand and adjusting your inventory accordingly, you can ensure you’re always prepared for whatever comes your way.
Technology can also be a florist’s best friend in terms of inventory management. “I know there aren’t many tech solutions available for us florists. Still, try to find and use digital tools that suit your operations best,” Danny points out. These tools can help you track your inventory, manage orders, and analyze sales trends to make more informed decisions. To that end, Danny has also launched his new venture called NuFlorist, which develops and delivers software solutions tailor-made for florists.
Last but not least, Danny stresses the importance of communication. “Your inventory management doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” he reminds us. Ensure you’re communicating regularly with your suppliers to get the best deals and the freshest flowers. By building solid relationships with your suppliers, you can ensure a steady supply of high-quality inventory to keep your customers happy.
Ultimately, managing inventory as a florist is all about balancing organization with flexibility, planning with adaptability, and efficiency with creativity. With insights from Danny Sanchez and careful attention, you can keep your flower shop blooming year-round.
Published By: Aize Perez
