Navigating Tariffs: How Florists Can Stay Profitable in an Unpredictable Economy
- April 17, 2025
- 4 minutes read
Today’s economy is a maze.
Tariffs here! Tariffs there! Tariffs, tariffs everywhere!
It can all be so overwhelming, but fear not! We’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down what tariffs mean for the floral industry, which countries are affected most, and most importantly, how you can protect your profit margins and stay profitable.
WHAT ARE TARIFFS?
Tariffs are government taxes placed on imported products that come from another country. These taxes are not paid by the country of export (which sends the product), but by the country of import (which receives the product). The taxes are paid by the importer and, most of the time, are passed on to the buyer, in our instance, you, the florist.
TARIFFS IMPACTING THE FLORAL INDUSTRY.
As we are writing this article, there is a 10% base tariff on most countries’ imports and higher for some. Here is what impacts the Floral industry the most:
Netherlands – 18%
Ecuador – 16.8%
Colombia – 10%
Other countries – Base rate of 10%
More than 80% of imported flowers in the US come from Colombia and Ecuador. While the bulk of hard goods (vases, foam, tools, ribbons) come from China.
As it stands, these tariffs are continuously changing (sometimes even within the same day), and with many floral supplies still dependent on international markets. While things are changing rapidly, one thing is clear – florists need to stay flexible and focus on protecting their profit margins and savings costs.
EXPERT TIPS TO CUT COSTS AND PROTECT MARGINS.
- Be transparent with your customers
Let them know why prices may vary. Most are more understanding than ever. - Promote Flexibility
Advertise what’s in stock. Promote designers choice, encourage creative freedom, and trust in your designs. - Offer a range of price points
Create arrangements at multiple tiers to give customers options. A “starting at” collection or simple upgrades can keep shoppers engaged without undervaluing your work. - Protect your margins
Add a pricing flexibility clause to your wedding and event contracts. This gives you the option to adjust rates if product costs rise unexpectedly due to tariffs, shortages, or other supply chain issues. It’s a smart way to safeguard your profits without surprising your clients. - Look at more local options
Even partial local sourcing can save money and improve turnaround times. - Re-think your designs
Foam-free arrangements and hand-wrapped bouquets can reduce hard goods expenses and appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. - Reevaluate your operations
Review waste, inventory ROI, and what’s actually selling. Use your data and analytics to make smart adjustments that boost efficiency and profit. - Stand by your value
You’re not selling flowers- you’re offering artistry, service, and emotional connection. Don’t sell yourself short. - Stay in touch with your vendors
Many suppliers are reassessing their own sources right now, especially for hard goods like vases and packaging. Some are already handling large pre-orders, so locking in your needs early helps avoid delays. Plan ahead and keep the communication open.
HOW BLOOMNATION HELPS
We understand that the uncertainty surrounding tariffs is concerning, which is why we are here to help you cut costs, protect margins, and run a more profitable business, especially now.
Our mission is to support local florists like you, and we’re proud to be the only all-in-one platform that puts florists first.
In addition to supporting florists with the best custom websites and a cutting-edge POS, we offer:
- The lowest credit card rates in the industry
- No hidden fees
- Built-in cost-saving tools (Recipes & Stem Counter, Delivery Routes Optimization, and more)
- Marketing done for YOU without the extra cost
Schedule a consultation with one of our team members.
See how Bloomnation can help YOU!
Note: Tariff rates and policies are based on reporting as of April 16, 2025. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the trade policy, figures may change.
We are proud to say this content was crafted by our in-house team, not generated by AI. We believe florists deserve stories and resources rooted in real knowledge, experience and most importantly, heart ♥️
