Question
Hello! I am a home based company offering custom floral arrangements, I work with home owners and interior design companies, my problem is that my main wholesale outfitter is closing due to lack of sales the owner buys high quality silk flowers and I am having a hard time finding another wholesaler in the area that carries the quality that she offers, so I decided to try the Internet. I'm a bit scared because you cannot tell the quality over the computer. Do you know of any very reputable wholesale silk floral companies? And who do these wholesale suppliers buy from? Is it possible just to go directly to these vendors? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.          Thanks, Autumn  

Answer
The online supplier I've used is Carbone.  They offer silks from low end to high end.  Of course, you get what you pay for - the more expensive ones are the nicest.  Their web address is www.rjcarbone.com

Generally, it isn't possible to buy directly from the manufacturers of the products because they have minimum orders that are too high for the average retailer to order.  Talking tens of thousands of pieces of the same item.  Most manufacturers also agree to protect the interest of wholesalers by refusing to sell directly to retailers or the general public.