Flowers have been a symbol of love, appreciation, and celebration for centuries. However, their beauty comes at a cost. As Mother’s Day approaches, you may notice an increase in the number of floral bouquets on your Instagram feed or Google search, which can leave you wondering why are they so expensive. In this post, we will delve into the various factors that contribute to the high cost of flowers, and explore how floral businesses work to maintain quality and meet customer expectations while keeping prices reasonable. So, if you’ve ever wondered why a bouquet of flowers can cost so much, keep reading to find out.
Cost of production
Flowers are delicate and require specific conditions to grow and thrive. Flower farmers must invest in resources such as high-quality soil, fertilisers, and proper irrigation systems to ensure that the flowers grow correctly. Additionally, flowers are seasonal, which means that they may only be available for a short period. This results in increased demand, which drives up the prices. Furthermore, the cost of labour involved in the production of flowers is often high due to the need for manual labour and specialised skills.
Logistics
Flowers are often grown in one region and sold in another. This requires transportation, which involves additional costs such as fuel, maintenance of vehicles, and labour. Furthermore, the fragile and perishable nature of flowers require careful handling and packaging. All of these factors can significantly increase the price of flowers, particularly when they are being shipped internationally. The cost of shipping can be substantial, making it difficult for florists and retailers to offer affordable prices while still making a profit. Sometimes the cost of shipping is equal to the price of the flowers. This is especially true for specialty flowers such as Orchids. Not only do these need to be shipped from around the world, they also need to be "rush" shipped which costs more and oftentimes they need to be under refrigeration.
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Picture Credits to Flourish Flower Farm and Complete Agriculture