Guide to Floral Refrigerators

If you sell flowers, you need floral coolers to keep those flowers looking fresh and attractive. Most florists have a variety of coolers and refrigerators on hand in which to store cut flowers and plants, but you many not have thought much about this important part of your business.

1. Flower coolers keep flowers at the right temperature and humidity to help them last longer.
2. Coolers can help you keep flowers from blooming too early or wilting before events like weddings and parties.
3. Flower refrigerators protect your arrangements, but let customers see those that you’ve created.

Floral refrigeration is key to any business that sells flowers, including floral shops, grocery stores and sellers at local markets.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide on the number of floral refrigerators and walk in floral coolers you need

Many florists use walk in coolers for employee use and flower refrigerators for customer use. Your space will often determine the type of coolers that you can place in each spot. Remember to measure the space you have and take into account how the cooler or refrigerator doors will open.

I recommend: SRC Refrigeration has a range of sizes and units. MEI has several self serve units that may work in tight quarters.

Buy floral coolers with adjustable temperature and humidity levels

You need the ability to adjust temperature and humidity for different types of flowers or conditions. With this option, you'll be able to make sure that the flowers you sell are always in top condition when they walk out the door with your customers.

I recommend: Refrigeration Equipment has flower coolers that help prevent browning and short shelf lives. The Walk-in Pros also have adjustable units to keep your flowers in optimum condition for resale.

Make sure the florist refrigerators you choose have adjustable shelves

Although virtually all refrigerators geared toward florists will have adjustable shelves, you'll still want to make sure that they are easy to use and can be quickly adjusted. As a florist, your creations need to be displayed and you don't want to be limited by the height of shelves when creating. Look for coolers that allow you a number of ways to place shelves so that you'll have plenty of height and width to work with.

I recommend: Floratech has a number of open floral coolers that can be adjusted for vases and floral stems. Flotaire coolers have adjustable shelves and can be customized to fit your needs.

Pay attention to aspects like lighting, self-closing doors and electricity needs

These items can make your overhead grow or remain within your budget. Look for units that will conserve energy and use eco-friendly options if at all possible.

I recommend: Walk in Cooler uses environmentally friendly refrigerants in its floral coolers. Bush Refrigeration has natural lighting and low velocity high humidity units in a range of styles.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Vending floral coolers can be a great option for after hour shoppers if you have a secure location for one. These floral coolers work just like other vending machines where the door to the particular floral arrangement opens when the individuals punches in the appropriate number and pays.

The official source of Floral Refrigerators is the Floral Refrigerators page at Business.com