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Tree Type
In recent years there has been a move to 'non-drop' trees like the Nordmann Fir away from the traditional and cheaper Norway Spruce. The Nordmann Fir have around 80% of the market, although the Norway has a greater share in poorer areas. I suggest having a choice but the split is something you must decide. We also stock the architectural and almost electric blue Blue Spruce for people who want something a bit different. We suggest a 80% Nordmann, 20% Norway Spruce mix unless you you know the demand is different in your area.
Tree Size
The most common sizes are 5-6ft and 6-7ft sizes although if you are in an area with lots of bigger houses they may be a demand for larger 7-8ft trees. There is always a demand for smaller trees (2,3,4ft) but this is usually very small. We can supply trees up to 20ft.
Display
Customers like to see a selection and to be able to choose their tree. All trees are supplied netted but you will need to remove the nets to display the trees properly. You will need stands or some other forms of support to display a good number of trees. It is a good idea to offer stands for sale at the same time. We have never found it worth selling other accessories such as baubles and lights on temporary sites
Netting
Trees will need to be netted again for customers to easily handle and put in their cars so you will need a netting machine. These cost about £180. They are very simple and last for years. Nets are around £6 each and each will net about 100-150 trees. Alternatively we can offer netting machine hire and sell nets. Hire charge is £75.00 plus a returnable deposit.
Tree Quality
All trees are supplied as 'cut' trees i.e. without roots. All the trees we supply are all top quality and are exactly the same as we will be selling on our own retail sites. Beware there are many different grades available. Be very careful when comparing prices. If you are quoted a particularly cheap price there is a reason for it. The trees are likely to be poor quality. You get what you pay for. Remember in your first year you are trying to attract new customers and tempt them away from other retailers. People are very fussy with Christmas Trees. If you offer them a poor tree they will either walk away to the next retailer or remember next year and never return. It is not worth the risk to save a couple of pounds. We welcome customers to inspect our trees before delivery so they can see the quality they are buying.
Payment Terms
Payment would be cash on delivery before unloading or cleared cheque in advance. We are unable to take credit cards.
Retail Prices
Actual retail sales price rather depends on the location, both in terms of the wealth of the area and the level of competition. Typically in Surrey a 6ft Nordman Fir will retail at around £30, more in central London. A 6ft Norway sells for around £15. In central London a 6ft Nordman may fetch £42. We suggest visiting local garden centres to see what they are charging.
Selling Dates
We normally start selling the first weekend in December and trade 7 days a week from then. The very last weekend before Christmas is usually surprisingly quiet. Beware having much stock left by the last weekend. You will have to judge how many trees you may need. We can usually re-supply within 48 hours, often 24. We cannot take back any unsold trees. The first weekend is usually quite quiet but you need to be there to get noticed. It is up to you whether you trade during the week. It depends on the location and passing trade. Weekends two and three are the busiest.
Location
Passing trade is important as you are a new business and people need to see where you are. Decent quality printed signs attract more people than something written on a piece of cardboard. There does need to be easy parking. Trees are bulky and awkward to carry. People will not want to carry them 200 yards and will simply not stop if they cannot park next to you.
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