View Single Post
Old November 24, 2008   #9
Wi-sunflower
Tomatovillian™
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,591
Default

Uline is nationwide and has offices/wherehouses in several places. I wouldn't doubt in the Detroit area too.

If you have a large "flea market" near you, you might be able to find commercial produce boxes for the taking. The big market near me has several wholesale produce sellers and they like it when other sellers take the empties as it's less for them to clean up at the end of the day.

Sometimes you will find actual tomato flats. Other times grape or pineapple boxes will work too. The only problem using "recycled" boxes is the fact that some other growers may think you "bought" the produce wholesale. Turning the boxes inside out or painting over the printing is an option tho and cheaper than buying boxes, especially when just starting out. Many of the sturdy produce boxes can cost well over $1 each and don't last all that long.

Eventually you may want to look into wood or plastic flats that are a bit larger than a "seed flat". Definately more pricey to start off, but worth it in the long run. Just be sure they are something that will stack without crunching the tomatoes. If they also "nest" when empty that's a plus for the trip home. Nothing worse than being tired after selling well but having to figure out how to get all your stuff back into the vehicle to get home.
Wi-sunflower is offline   Reply With Quote