Sell to new buyers without worrying about payments
Control information and pricing
On FMI, sellers control all information. Sellers can decide who to release pricing information to, and what prices to offer each buyer. This allows discounts for specific buyers and enables enforcement of exclusivity agreements for certain markets.
Why FMI - For Vendors?
Streamlined Process
Provide the customised availability and pricing information with a single publish to buyers around the world. All order information, documentation, and communication can be managed on FMI, providing a seamless process.
Gain access to a Global Market Place
Offer your products to a worldwide market without having to worry about payments and currency conversions. FMI will take care of banking so that you can concentrate on growing and selling flowers.
Payment Handling
All payments are collected from the buyers by FMI before the shipment and paid out to sellers after arrival and claim handling. Sellers can customise the frequency of automated payouts.
Features for Vendors
General Flow for Vendors
1
Publish Availability Lists (A.L)
Upload availability information for buyers to view and place orders.
2
Receive Orders
Sellers can decide whether to accept, reject or make changes to the order. Once all the changes have been accepted by the buyer, an invoice can be automatically generated for the order on FMI.
3
Secure Payment
All payments are collected from the buyers by FMI before the shipment and updates will be displayed for the order so sellers can stay updated on the payment process.
4
Arrange Shipment
Once payment has been secured, sellers can make preparations for the goods to be shipped out to the buyer. Documents and shipment updates can be updated for the buyer to access them conveniently in one location.
5
Receive Payments
Sellers can customise the frequency of automated payouts or submit a withdrawal request on FMI for their balance amount (from completed orders) to be transferred to their bank accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join?
FMI is a business-to-business (B2B) platform focused on international flower trade. Businesses involved in growing, exporting, or importing flowers and related products are welcome to join, subject to approval.
How much does it cost to join FMI?
FMI is completely free to join. There are no registration fees or monthly fees.
You only pay a fee for orders that have been confirmed on FMI, based on the order value.
Does it cost to join FMI as a vendor?
FMI is completely free to join. There are no registration fees or monthly fees.
You only pay a fee for orders that have been confirmed on FMI, based on the order value.
How much does it cost to use FMI?
A platform usage fee, calculated as a small percentage of your total shipment value, is incurred only when shipments are confirmed. However, there are no maintenance fees to maintain your account on FMI.
Is there a minimum/ limit to how many items I can sell?
You can sell as little or as many items as you’d like to, at any point in time.
How are payments handled?
On FMI, all payments are collected from the buyers before the shipment and paid out to sellers after arrival and claim handling. You will be issuing invoices to Otani Trading, and Otani Trading will be paying you, so that you do not need to worry about the creditworthiness of the buyer.
Does it cost to join FMI as a merchant?
It is completely free as there are no registration or upfront costs to join FMI. However, the application needs to be approved before one can start to use FMI.
How much does it cost to use FMI?
A platform usage fee, calculated as a small percentage of your total shipment value, is incurred only when shipments are confirmed. However, there are no maintenance fees to maintain your account on FMI.
What happens if I have not received my shipment?
FMI ensures that payments will only be released to the seller when the shipment arrives and claims have been settled between both parties.
About the Company
Founded in 1922, Otani Trading is a trading and engineering company headquartered in Japan with over 100 years of experience in international trade, mechanical-, electrical-, and software engineering, besides being one of Japan’s leading cut flower and foliage importers.
FMI is developed, maintained, and operated 100% in-house through group companies of Otani Trading in Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the UAE. Apart from FMI, the Otani Trading group also provides custom software and automation solutions to all layers of the flower industry, from farms and exporters to wholesalers and retailers, to logistic companies and customs agents.