In a world where DIY has become an essential trend, it’s not surprising to see a multitude of online tutorials on how to preserve flowers at home. These guides seduce with their promise to make floral art sustainable and accessible, while offering an alternative to florists’ ephemeral bouquets. But behind the attractive images and practical advice lies an essential question: does it really pay to make your own stabilized flowers?
Why is this a popular trend?
DIY allows you to express your creativity by designing unique arrangements that perfectly match each individual’s specific tastes and needs, often for special occasions such as weddings or holidays. Moreover, this endeavor can be seen as a way of saving money and having total control over the materials used, which is particularly important for those who favor more natural or eco-friendly options. The creative process itself can also be a source of pleasure and fulfillment. But as a professional, are these reasons enough to take the plunge? (No).
Why is making your own stabilized flowers a bad idea?
To answer the question of whether or not making your own stabilized flowers is a profitable idea, it’s important to look at several key aspects: cost, time and the quality of the results.
The cost outweighs the potential gains
The key materials needed are fresh flowers, glycerine, and other products such as colorants and preservatives. Although prices can vary, buying materials in small quantities for DIY projects can be more expensive than buying ready-to-use stabilized flowers in bulk or on SecondFlor.com. You may also need specific tools and equipment (such as airtight containers) for the stabilization process, which can increase the overall cost.
A tricky and long preservation process
The process of stabilising flowers with glycerine can be long and complex, requiring careful attention to detail. The time needed to prepare the flowers, apply the glycerine and wait for the process to finish can add up, especially if you’re just starting out. To achieve a satisfactory result, it is often necessary to make several attempts, which can be time-consuming. As a professional, you’ll spend (and loose) a lot of time on research and development before you find the right method to sell.
Quality problems are common
“Homemade” stabilized flowers may not achieve the same quality or longevity as those made by professionals. Technique, glycerine concentration and the type of flowers selected can all influence the final result. Very often, the results we’ve seen are bland and don’t last very long, which is self-defeating for your business.
Ultimately, the profitability of this activity depends largely on your priorities: are you prepared to invest time and potentially more money for the pleasure of creating, or do you prefer the simplicity and guaranteed quality of products purchased from your wholesaler specialized in preserved flowers and plants?