Today consumers can choose to process, condition, and design their own flowers or to pay a professional to do any or all of these aspects of that work. Within each of these choices is the unlimited possibility for you to create a diversified career in floristry. For consumers who don't understand why there is so much variance in the cost of flowers and for professionals who are confused during these times of great change, it may be easiest to understand the different levels of offerings and choices in the industry if you use the analogy of the food service industry compared to floristry. When it comes to produce, consumers have a great many choices in where they can purchase it and to what degree it has been prepared. Farmers' markets and wholesale venues offer raw unprocessed produce at low prices in large quantities.
Consumers can buy whole crates or bushels of tomatoes.
The grocer offers smaller quantities, more variety, and even some prepared selections. Consumers will pay more here than at the wholesaler, but it's hard to consume the quantities purchased wholesale and the neighborhood grocer is convenient. When you need one tomato to slice for your sandwich the grocer is the place to go. Preparing food takes time, effort, skill, and knowledge. Most people don't want to focus all that energy on food so most of the produce consumed in this country is prepared by professionals.