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please explain plant brokers to me
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Posted by annabellethomp Southern US Z8 (My Page) on Sun, Aug 21, 05 at 10:23
| I went to Henry's Plant Farm and it says you need to have a plant broker to order. I don't understand why. I thought plant brokers role was to locate plants for a nursery, and serve as a seller for a wholesaler that does not want to deal with the public. Here, if I have already found the plants and can order online, why do I need a broker?
I guess I am not sure I understand plant brokers in general. Would someone be so kind as to explain all this to me?
Thanks!
Lisa P. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: please explain plant brokers to me
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| In the simplest of terms, brokers are re-wholesalers. Smaller growers, like Henry's, may do business through brokers as it limits their work and effort. The brokers do the purchasing and shipping and also offer a degree of security as to credit-worthiness when dealing with small customers in other parts of the country. Obviously, the broker extracts a fee for this service, which effectively bumps up the cost of the plants. Henry's is one of my local vendors and I can assure you it is a VERY small operation and not equipped to do business with a large number of customers scattered across the country. Heck, the GM even drives the delivery truck during the busy season! |
RE: please explain plant brokers to me
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| I deal with a plug producer who only sells through brokers as well. Until my broker forgot to place a lot of orders last fall. LOL. He deals directly to me now. I use several brokers, and find that no it doesn't always drive up the prices. Brokers who do lots and lots of business with growers have a little clout. I know by choosing a few brokers carefully I got plants I doubt I'd have gotten when they were in short supply and also can beat the prices I got when dealing directly with a grower. A really good and trustworthy broker who knows his/her plants is worth their weight. |
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