Selling plants online in the UK: what nurseries need to know

Plant passports when you sell at a distance

Plants sold face to face to the public usually don't need a plant passport. Selling at a distance is different: plants sold online or by mail order to a final user generally need one, just as plants sold to another business do. Make sure your business is registered and authorised to issue passports before you start selling regulated plants online, and that the passport travels with each order.

What your shop has to show

Anyone selling online in the UK has to make certain information easy to find, usually on a contact or about page and in the footer:

• Your business name, and your company registration number if you're a limited company
• A geographic address — not just a PO box — and an email address
• Your VAT number, if you're VAT registered
• Clear prices, including whether they include VAT and what delivery costs
• Your terms of sale and how to complain or return goods

Cancellation rights for the public

Consumers buying online normally have 14 days to cancel. There are exceptions, including goods that are likely to deteriorate rapidly, which may cover some live plants — but don't assume it covers everything you sell. Say clearly in your terms what can and can't be returned, and take advice if you're unsure.

Sales to other businesses aren't covered by these consumer rules; your trade terms decide what happens instead.

Trade and retail prices

• Show trade prices only to approved trade customers, once they've signed in
• Prices shown to the public must include VAT
• Trade prices are often shown without VAT — say so clearly next to the price
• Keep stock figures honest, so customers can't order plants you haven't got

Delivery

Plants are bulky, heavy and perishable, so be clear before checkout about where you deliver, how much it costs and roughly when it will arrive. Trade orders are often delivered by the trolley, so customers find it helpful to see how much space their order will take up.

Customer data and cookies

You'll be holding customers' names, addresses and order history, so you need a privacy notice that explains what you keep and why, under UK GDPR. If your shop uses cookies beyond those it needs to work — such as analytics or advertising — you'll usually need visitors' consent first.

Photos and descriptions

Use your own photos where you can, or ones you have permission to use — images from other websites are usually someone else's copyright. Describe the size you'll actually send, such as the pot size and height, so customers know what's coming.

A checklist before you open

• Registered and authorised to issue plant passports for what you sell
• Business name, address, email and any company or VAT numbers on the shop
• Terms of sale, including what can be returned
• A privacy notice, and consent for any non-essential cookies
• Prices clear about VAT, with delivery costs shown before checkout
• Stock on the shop that matches what's on the benches

Where to check the official rules

• GOV.UK — plant passports and plant health guidance
• GOV.UK — online and distance selling for businesses
• Business Companion (Trading Standards) — consumer rights and selling online
• The ICO — UK GDPR, privacy notices and cookies

How HortiOwl helps

HortiOwl's trade webstore runs off the same stock, prices and photos as the rest of your nursery, so what customers see online is what you've got. Trade customers see their own prices, and orders wait for your team to accept before they go through.