FAQ

General
Where are you located?

We are located at the Royal FloraHolland auction in Aalsmeer. The address is Legmeerdijk 313, Location C145-20, 1431 GB in Aalsmeer.

Can I visit you?

Of course! Please do make an appointment beforehand so we can make sure we can give you all the attention you deserve –  though there’s always a cup of coffee waiting for spontaneous visitors too!

How do I get to Farm Direct?
Follow the instructions on this video for the fastest route to our office!
How can I get in touch?
You can send us an e-mail, give us a call or reach out on WhatsApp.

Send your query to info@farmdirect.nl and we will reply within a working day.

Need a more speedy reaction? You can call us on +31 (0) 297 445 006. We answer the phone every working day between 05:00 en 17:00 hours. Calling outside of those times? Leave a voicemail and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Prefer to use WhatsApp? You can always reach out to your contact person.

I have a question about administration.
Administrative questions can be e-mailed to info@farmdirect.nl. You can also contact the administration department by calling + 31 (0) 297 445 006, every working day between 8:30 and 17:00 hours.
What languages do you speak?

All together we are fluent in Dutch, English, German and Spanish. Our French and Russian are a bit rusty, but in writing we get along quite well.

Do you speak another language? No problem. Whatever language you speak, we will always do our best to assist you in the best possible way – using translation software or a translator if necessary.

What is your postal address?
Our postal address is Postbus 1012, 1430 BA Aalsmeer. Please note, parcels are not accepted on that address. Looking to send one? Please contact our team to discuss the possibilities. 
Import & Product Origin
How do you buy abroad?

We can buy optimally in Latin America thanks to our own office in Ecuador, our extensive network and the fact that we speak Spanish fluently. In Kenya we work closely with a trusted boutique farm.

From which countries do you import?

We import premium roses from Ecuador, premium spray roses from Kenya, high-end carnations from Colombia and preserved roses from Spain and Ecuador. Our Moluccella laevis and Pampas grass also come from Ecuador.

Why are your premium roses from Ecuador?

Ecuador’s unique geographical location creates the perfect soil and weather conditions for growing roses. The result? A breathtaking palette of colours, hundreds of unique varieties, long stems and strong flower buds. Large-flowered, colourful and impressive. Rightly so: the queen of roses. Read more about our roses from Ecuador here.

Why are your spray roses from Kenya?

Also for our spray roses we selected the best of the best. The final choice fell on the Kenyan boutique farm Groove, where quality and uniqueness are central. You can read more about our spray roses here.

Why are your carnations from Colombia?

Colombian carnations are known worldwide for their size, stamina and long vase life. Thus, the carnation every quality florist needs. You can read more about our carnations here.

Do you have your own nurseries?

No, we consciously chose not keep our own nurseries. As we are completely independent, we have no pressure from production. This means we can always buy from the growers who on that moment deliver the best quality of a certain variety.

Certifications & Sustainability
Are your roses certified?

All our Ecuadorian growers, and therefore all our roses, are certified by Flor Ecuador. This quality mark stands for a safe working environment, in accordance with all legal labour standards, and for the use of natural products to ensure maximum environmental protection. In addition, various growers have additional certifications, such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Global G.A.P.

How sustainable is import?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a 100% emission-free cut flower without any ecological footprint. There is always an impact, for example through transport or the use of energy for cultivation.

Nevertheless, it turns out that the impact of imported roses, in terms of emissions and compared to local production, is not as high as people think. In general, emissions from aviation appear to be lower than emissions from greenhouse heating, thus meaning the footprint of imported roses can be equal or even smaller to locally grown roses. You can read more about the sustainability of Ecuadorian roses here.

What does sustainably sourced mean?

In floriculture, corporate social responsibility starts with the grower. That is why we only work with sustainable growers who are friendly to people and the environment. Read more about our CSR here.

Why do you use a plastic sleeve for your flowers?

Unfortunately, experience has shown that the sleeves are necessary to protect the bunches throughout their journey. Without a cover, the roses arrive damaged at the wholesaler or florist. In addition, this does not benefit the recognisability of our roses.

To minimise waste, we use sleeves in 3 different sizes. This way we always have a perfect fit and can use as little packaging material as possible.

We have extensively tested with recycled paper sleeves, but so far without satisfactory results. Our current sleeves are 100% recyclable. Please hand them in at the correct recycling station so together we can minimise our footprint and reuse materials as much as possible.

Product Range
What do you sell?

Premium flowers of the very best quality. On the page about our product range you will find all flower types and the corresponding information.

How do you select your products?

We specialize in premium flowers. This means flowers of the highest quality, but uniqueness is also very important to us. That is why we are always looking for the most beautiful flowers with which you can surprise your customers. The selection is (very) strict and we test everything thoroughly before we offer it to our customers.

Do you have a catalogue?

We do not have a fixed catalogue. Our range is flexible and depends on the seasons, demand and availability. On the demo of the webshop you can see everything we currently have in stock.

Is your favourite flower not on offer (anymore)? Don’t worry, we can (re)order everything.

In what lengths are your roses available?

Our premium roses are available in lengths between 40 and 90 cm.

In what lengths are your spray roses available?

Our spray roses come standard in a length of 70 cm. Yes, you read that right!

In what lengths are your carnations available?

Our carnations are available in lengths of 60 and 70 cm.

Do you have a price list?

No, we don’t use price lists. Prices fluctuate depending on availability, the season, transport costs, demand, et cetera.

The current prices are visible on the webshop for logged in customers. Want to become a customer? Use the form at the bottom of this page to request a login.

Stock Management

Do you use flower food?

Certainly, we add flower food for transport, made by Chrysal. This ensures that the flowers receive the necessary nutrition to arrive at the florist nice and strong, without blooming prematurely.

How do you keep the fresh flowers in stock?

Most of our stock is kept on water. This allows the flower to drink, regain its strength and thus arrive at the florist optimally. On request we can also keep the flower packed in the box. This is, for example, desired by customers who, after purchasing, transport the flowers a lot longer.

How do you package the flowers?

We let the flowers come in without a sleeve, which means we already save 50% plastic in the journey from the grower to us. The bunches are then packed in Farm Direct’s 100% recyclable sleeve and the flowers are placed in water with flower food made for transport.

Our sleeves are made in 3 different sizes, so that we always have a perfect fit. This allows us to minimise the use of packaging materials.

When is your stock refilled?

Our flowers come in several times a week. As soon as the new stock arrives, we immediately clear out the previous stock. This way you can be sure that the flowers at your disposal are always fresh. Want to be notified when the new stock arrives? Sign up for the Whatsapp service.

How do you check your flowers during the quality control?

Our quality control is – to say the least – thorough. Each bush is personally checked 5 times by different team members. When unpacking from the box, when putting the sleeve on, after the unpacking belt, when putting the flowers in water and when picking the order.

Does nothing ever slip through? Yes, very sporadically a lesser rose or bunch slips through the control. We are humans, after all. Moreover, some defects only become visible later on in the process, which  – even with all the checkpoints – makes removing every single one quite difficult.  But rest assured, we don’t fuss about a claim.

Where can I see the current stock?

All current stock is visible in the webshop. So visit to www.farmdirect.freshportal.nl for all real-time availability.

The product availability is greatest when the stock has just come online. To help you be on time, we recommend that you sign up for the Whatsapp service.

Become A Customer

How do I register as a customer?

Do you sell to florists and do you want to expand your range with beautiful premium flowers? Become a proud distribution partner! Fill in the form at the bottom of this page and we will contact you within one working day.

Are you a florist, designer, stylist, event planner or do you work with flowers in another way? And do you want to expand your range with the best premium flowers from Ecuador? Buy your roses through our proud distribution partners, located throughout Europe! Use the online portal to find your nearest distributor.

I'm a florist, where can I purchase your roses?

Are you a florist, designer, stylist, event planner or do you work with flowers in another way? And do you want to expand your range with the best premium flowers from Ecuador? Buy your roses through our proud distribution partners, located throughout Europe! Use the online portal to find your nearest distributor.

You can also take a look at various Marketplaces. We can be found on Floriday, Florismart, Bloemplaza, BloomTradeCenter and Bloomer.

Ordering

Can I, through you, order directly in Ecuador?

Yes, that’s possible. We have our own purchasing office in Ecuador that operates for the entire South American region. Please contact our team to discuss the possibilities.

How can I order?

Flexibility is central to us. That is why we have no fewer than 4 ordering options: via the webshop, by phone, via WhatsApp or through a VMP-link. This way you can order how and when it suits you best.

When should I put the order in to receive my purchase on a certain date?

Please place your order at least 3 working days in advance. For very busy periods, we recommend you contact us earlier.

What is the minimum order quantity?

One (1) bunch. We can’t make it more flexible than that!

Can I place a standing order?

Want to ensure you always have certain flowers? Place a standing order and always be the first to receive your flowers at the agreed times. Now you can focus on other stuff!

I'm looking for something special.

We are happy to arrange that for you with a pre-order. Contact us to discuss your wishes.

On which online marketplaces can I find your flowers?

We can be found on Floriday, Florismart, Bloemplaza, BloomTradeCenter and Bloomer.

Payment

How can I pay?

By bank transfer or by direct debit.

Invoices can be transferred to NL97 ABNA 0543 5661 53 attn. Farm Direct Netherlands B.V. Please state (only) the invoice number when making payments. You will find this at the top right of the invoice.

Prefer the convenience of a direct debit? That is possible, completely free of charge.

Are you located in the Netherlands? Then the direct debits are arranged via Ai2, the financial service provider especially for floriculture companies in the Netherlands. When registering, enter your debtor number and we’ll take care of the rest!

Are you located in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or Ireland? Then we arrange the direct debits through our partner ByRival, the international payment solution aimed at floriculture companies within Europe.

I want to pay by direct debit. How do I arrange that?

You can pay by direct debit, free of charge. 

Are you located in the Netherlands? Then the direct debits are arranged via Ai2, the financial service provider especially for floriculture companies in the Netherlands. When registering, enter your debtor number and we’ll take care of the rest!

Are you located in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or Ireland? Then we arrange the direct debits through our partner ByRival, the international payment solution aimed at floriculture companies within Europe.

Webshop & VMP-link

How do I get a webshop login?

All registered customers receive a personal login code. Do you want to become a customer? Use the form at the bottom of this page and we will contact you within one working day.

I can't remember my password or username.

You can request a new password on the login screen of the webshop. Can’t remember your username? Call or message your Farm Direct contact person and we’ll get you online ASAP.

I want a VMP-link, how do I request one?

When completing the registration form, you can indicate that you want a VMP-link. Are you already a customer? Please contact us to arrange the system.

What software does the VMP-link work with?

Our VMP-link works with all ERP systems.

What do the abbreviations in the webshop mean?

R GR stands for large-flowered rose, R TR stands for spray rose, R PR stands for preserved rose and DI ST stands for Dianthus standard, meaning a carnation.

Is there a webshop demo?

Certainly, you can take a look on www.farmdirect.freshportal.nl.

Delivery

What are the delivery options?

The orders can be picked up or put on transport. Preserved roses can also be sent by post.

Why did my roses arrive with a cardboard collar?

There are certain rose varieties that like to bloom quickly. To postpone this until the right moment, we keep the roses in the cardboard protective collar. This also means the rose is protected extra well.

Are you a florist and did you receive roses with a collar? Cut the stems, put them in the cold store in water for 12 hours and only then remove the collar. This ensures an optimal result with beautiful, firm roses.

How much does transport cost?

That depends on the transport. Packages sent by post are charged at € 6.95 inside of The Netherlands. For other countries, different rates (may) apply.

Where can you deliver?

We can deliver to every location of Royal Flora Holland (Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk, Rijnsburg and Eelde), Plantion (Ede) and the auction of Rhein-Maas (Herungen, Germany).

Depending on the location, additional costs (may) apply.

Do you deliver outisde of the Netherlands?

No, except for the auction of Rhein-Maas. When transporting abroad, the buyer is responsible for the transport. We can of course help you with it, thanks to our large network of transporters and exporters.

Preserved roses can be send abroad by post.

How are the flowers delivered?

Our flowers are standardly delivered in buckets with water. With pre-orders, we can also deliver the flowers in boxes.

Can I pick up my order?

Yes, by appointment this is possible for both large and small orders at the Royal FloraHolland Auction in Aalsmeer.

Can I return the flower buckets?

No, this is unfortunately impossible for us from an operational point of view. Please contact the auction for this.

Customer Service

What is the Whatsapp service and how do I sign up?

With our Whatsapp service you will receive a notification via WhatsApp as soon as the new stock is online. To receive these messages, you must first save our mobile number in your phone: +31 624 444 170.

Don’t want to be notified via WhatsApp? Then do not save the number or let us know, and we will remove you from the list.

I have registered for the Whatsapp service but I am not receiving any messages.

First check whether you have correctly saved the number +31 6 2 4444 170 in your phone. Is it still not working? Then call us or send an email and we’ll get you sorted as soon as possible.

My VMP-link is not working.

Please contact us directly so we can solve this as soon as possible.

I want to adjust the products offered through my VMP-link.

We can adjust the offer entirely to your wishes. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.

I have a claim. What about warranty?

Despite all the quality controls, flowers remain a natural product. Are you a customer and has a bunch slipped through that does not meet our usual standards? We will of course solve that. Send us your complaint with clear photos of the goods and a description of the problem within 24 hours of delivery. If present, also include a photo of the barcodes on the packaging. Send your email to info@farmdirect.nl. We will immediately assess the issue and offer you a suitable solution.

Are you not a direct customer, but have you bought from a distributor and are you not completely satisfied with your purchase? It’s best to submit your claim to the distributor where you bought the products, and they will in turn claim it with us. This is the most efficient from both an administrative and operational point of view.

Help, I can't find your roses at my wholesaler!

What a pity that you cannot find our roses at your wholesaler. Let your wholesaler contact us or leave the details at the bottom of this page, and together we will ensure that you also have access to our flowers.

What is the best way to maintain a preserved rose?

Make sure to keep your preserved roses at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. In addition, keep them dry and do not touch the leaves too much with your fingers, as this can cause grease stains.

Promotion & Press

Can you help with promotion?

Yes, of course. For example, we can help with a blog post, provide images or work together on a photo shoot. Please contact marketing to discuss the possibilities.

Are you open to new collaborations?

We are always open to new collaborations! For example for a cool photo shoot or an event. Send us a message (you can also do this via social media). Let’s work together!

I am a press and would like to write about you.

How nice! We are happy to help. Contact us for information and to receive the press pack.

I want to make a brochure for my customers.

We are happy to help with that too. We regularly help customers with a beautiful brochure for Valentine’s Day and Christmas, among other things.

Stay Up To Date

Where can I follow you on social media?

Let’s stay in touch! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

I want to sign up for the newsletter.

We have a bi-weekly newsletter for distributors and florists. You can register on this page.

I have a different question

Haven’t found your answer? We’re here to help. Send us a message and we’ll contact you within 1 working day. Of course you can also email us at info@farmdirect.nl  or call us on +31 297 445 006.

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