Van-based trade flower supplier

Independent florists, wedding and event businesses, hotels, cafes and supermarkets' small local competitors that want fresh stock without travelling to a market.

You sell at a trade price above what you paid, with the margin covering wastage, fuel and your time. Regular weekly standing orders make income more predictable.

• Knowing flower varieties and quality
• Early starts and reliable driving
• Building trade relationships
• Stock and order planning

• Flowers are perishable, so unsold stock is lost money; start with pre-orders
• Public liability and goods in transit insurance, plus the right van cover for business use
• Check GOV.UK rules on importing plants and cut flowers if you buy from outside the UK
• Check whether you need cool or refrigerated storage and any home-use permissions if stock is kept at home
• Late payment from trade customers; agree terms and credit limits up front
• VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold, which can come quickly in wholesale

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the van, cool storage and your opening stock. These are estimates, so start with pre-orders to limit the risk of unsold flowers.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many florists, event businesses and cafes you supply and how often. Treat this as an estimate, as unsold stock can reduce what you keep.

Check goods in transit and business van insurance, GOV.UK rules on importing plants and cut flowers, and cool storage including any home-use permissions. Also agree payment terms and credit limits, and check when VAT registration applies.