The quickest inquiry is not always the shortest one. “Please quote roses” looks simple, but it leaves the supplier guessing about variety, stem length, quantity, packing and destination. Each unanswered point can change availability, carton planning or freight.
A useful first message does not need to be perfect. It only needs to separate what has already been decided from what can still be discussed. That gives both sides a workable starting point instead of a long exchange of one-line questions.
Start with the destination and required arrival window, then list flowers, specifications, quantities and acceptable alternatives.
Begin with the order context
Destination is not a formality. The country, city or receiving airport affects route planning, documentation and the time available after arrival. If the flowers are for an event, give the event date as well as the preferred arrival window; these are not the same date.
- Company and buyer type
- Destination country and city or airport
- Preferred arrival window
- Event or sales date, if relevant
Describe flowers in buying language
Include product name or Item Code, colour, stem length or head size, quantity and unit. For carton orders, state stems per carton and carton dimensions. For stem orders, provide the total stem count and discuss packing with the sales team.
- Product name or Item Code
- Colour and acceptable colour range
- Stem length, head size or grade
- Quantity with a clear unit
- Required or preferred packing
Say where you can be flexible
Fresh flowers are agricultural products, so exact availability can move with season, crop condition and order timing. If a specific variety is essential, mark it as fixed. If a similar colour or flower form is acceptable, say so. Flexibility should be agreed, never assumed.
A message you can actually send
“We are a flower wholesaler in Dubai. We are checking supply for arrival between 12–14 October. Please quote 1,200 stems of red standard roses, 60–70 cm, and 600 stems of white spray carnations. Please advise available varieties, packing options, carton dimensions and the information needed for air-freight coordination. Similar red rose varieties may be discussed before confirmation.”