Bulletin boards are a good way to share ideas with other florists. They only work well if lots of people get involved. I hope that the OzFlorEx discussions really take off. Jenny QLD.

I think that message boards are a great idea. There are some for the floral industry in the States when I worked there and they get lots of messages posted and some really interesting discussions. I think that a discussion swapping new design techniques would be good. FP

how good is this idea of a bulletin board?? I've been looking for somewhere to exchange ideas with florists who are really focused on " floristry"
I'd love to hear views on the extinction of the living card, I'll start it off by saying, if youre an artistic florist you should be able to make it look special, if the customer is asking for them, why faze them out???

Living cards are hopeless in the heat of summer, and most months in QLD, because the bowl just doesnt hold enough water and dry out causing premature death to the flowers, and then when overwatered the cardboard cant handle the weight when moved and is damaged by the courier or customer. Bad design is the reason for its demise.

Pots are such a wonderful product and should be promoted more, the great bright colours and the depth of water that can be contained in the pots make them FANTASTIC to sell, to last, to work with, and easy for customers to maintain.

That was the best argument I have heard against living cards,Romani!!. And Pots are great.etc. But I still think customers have to be educated about oasis. There seems to be a general consensus that the flowers get this endless supply of sustenance in foam!! Boxes seem to be our biggest seller at the moment. What about you???

Bouquets of mixed flowers are number 1 for us followed by 2.pots, 3. baskets and then 4. boxes.
We make sure that our flowers are A grade quality and fresh.
This has built up our reputation and repeat business.
Our main Business is passing trade followed by corporate work and then bridal work (2 or 3) weddings most weekends.
Sympathy work is sparce, due to the changing habits of people attending funerals.
Have a nice day and lets chat more...tag you're up.

Yes, I must say bouquets are our no 1, followed by boxes/pots and baskets. We get our flowers in daily and are well known for our quality. Phone work is main,having built up a great clientele with local business'and of course passing trade. We specialise in artificial arrangements. Funeral work although not nearly like years gone by, is steady. Have trialed the tiny boxes this week and have sold quite a few at $12.50, consisting of small flowers one of each and a few berries, looks great, quick & east to do, and perfect for nursing/retirement villages etc. chat soon......tag !

Hello. I am DESPERATELY trying to find somewhere to get arum lilies at the beginning of May 2002. Does anyone import them, or know of somewhere that does, as all florist types that I have spoken to tell me that there is no way that I will be able to get them here at that time of year.

I agree Living Cards are so out dated and just don't do flowers justice. But I believe in making the customer happy, and if that is what they want, that is what they get.
Most customers want them because it is all they know. It is time we educate our customers into the beauty of pots and boxes ( wooden and cardboard ) they are so much more stylish and worth more to the shop. I think we shoul also start educating customers in the simplicity of one type flowers bouquets, like all gerbs or iris etc. Instead of the mixed bouquet, I believe that they are going to be on the way out one day. Thank You

jane, I agree that customers need to be educated, but I dont believe that one variety bouquets are the way to go. That is just personal taste ( similar to some people like a plain white t.shirt,others like stripes or pictures). But I do believe customers are appreciating all the styles available. What I do believe is..........Many florists need to be educated or re-educated. Too many are opening up shops after a short course and are incompetent, giving good florists a bad name.

winnerose, i agree that florist need to also get educated.Some of the florist standards are shocking. I understand your point of view about the one type bouquet, I didn't think about it that way :)

jane,
thats the beauty of these bulletin boards, you can discuss your ideas and we can all learn from each other. I am of the same belief as you about living cards, I think when they are done well, they can look beautiful, and no matter what you say, people still ask for them , but after reading romani's point of view, I agree with that point that they do become wet if overwatered and the cardboard is too close to the bowl,etc. So we'll just have to entice the public onto something else.

winniwrose, I heard yesterday, that interflora will not be doing the living card anymore. Do you know anything about that at all ? Also, I believe that the area you work in relates to the style of work your shop does eg. I used to work in Neutral Bay NSW, where they only wanted really trendy things, because alot of the people were young. But now I live in Qld where I work in an area populated by the older generation and they like the living cards and tissy posy bowls. What area are you in ?

Jane, Interflora is definately fazing out living cards, as are all the suppliers also. So we have no choice but to educate the customers from now on. They all seem to like the boxes and pots though. I work in Melbourne and youre right, different areas demand different flowers. We have a huge posy trade, yet some florists I were talking to, said that they dont make money from posies, and that they just "do" bunches. We cater for all tastes, we display, a bit of traditional, a bit of european, a bit of modern, and of course posies, big and small. We have to compete against the supermarkets, so we have the little touches the supermarkets, just cant "market" ie: twisted willow, berries etc.

Hi:) I was wondering if any of you lovely people would happen to know where I could get a poster of all the different coloured roses?
Thanks...Evie

Evie, whatever state you are in. I would suggest you contact your main rose supplier and ask them if they supply their customers with a colored poster. Of course they will only display the roses that they grow. so you wont get a full rose list. If that is what your'e really after then maybe you should contact the rose society.




>From: QT - Evie <qtopic+7-RtUFtUTkCtqj@quicktopic.com>
>Reply-To: QT topic <qtopic+7-RtUFtUTkCtqj@quicktopic.com>
>To: winnierose_99@hotmail.com
>Subject: Bulletin Board Suggestions
>Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 22:23:41 -0600 (CST)
>


_________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp < replied-to message removed by QT >

well it looks like the busy half of the year is rolling around full steam ahead.Christmas, valentines day and Mothers Day come around to quickly. Merry Christmas to you all. :) :) :)

Hello everyone,
How was your Christmas ? Our shop was very very busy. It had the best Christmas in years, how about the rest of you. Is everyone getting geared up for Valentines Day. It comes aroud to quickly.@~-'---- a single rose for everyone

Hi, I have found a range of handcrafted quality hearts on long stems painted in the popular bright and traditional colours. They come with a variety of sayings "happy mother's day, happy birthday, thank you, get well soon, it's a girl etc..... at $1.50 each. I have found them to be a great sovenier to add in arrangements, what do you think?

handcrafted hearts sound great. Anything new or different is great to keep everyones interest in.
How was everyones Valentines Day????
Ours was very good. And it was so consistant all day. Could have sold many more Red Roses if we could have got them!!!!
The new Elegance boxes went well. But our biggest seller was probably large bouquets in Voxes- 38 degrees was a trial though!!!
Successfully survived another Valentines!!!

To whom-ever can help,
I am interested in finding out any information on the NSW Flower Shows, namely who exactly stages the event and which is the organising body (association or company). Please feel free to contact me on 9356-8830 or by email at msalaverri@momentumstrategies.com.au Thankyou!!

Hi everybody,
I am french and live in Melbourne. I'm suppose to stay here for a year. I would like to know if there are any competition of florist that are held in Australia. Could it be possible for me to participate ? Where do I have to get the information ?
Thank you for your answers
chloefournier@yahoo.fr

Hello,

I hope a Canadian is welcome in this forum. If not I understand. I'm the President of a new wire service for Florists and in the future we are looking at building a membership base in Australia. You can reach me at pplumley@blossomsnetwork.com

I have a bride who insists I can get crimson calla lilies for her in June for her wedding. Everyone I normally get my flowers from says no and she says other florists can get them for her.
Is this true and if so where can I get them or should I contact?

Emma, I'm sure I have used crimson zantedeschia's around the june mark. I dont know what state you are in, but maybe someone like Grant Faull could help you, he specialises in Lilliums etc. He is based in Mt Dandenong, Vic. Really any "good" supplier should be able to get you some, even if they have to be imported.
Best of Luck.

Is anyone going to the Melbourne flower show? i've heard a few of the big suppliers have pulled out this year. Shame. It would be good, to make it really accessable to the ordinary florist. Maybe some of the floral art societies should be involved and run some well judged competitions, for floral designers and floral artists alike!!

Hello, I was looking at the site to see if I could acquire some facts and figures on the floral industry of Australia. Is there anyone out there that can direct me to a site with this information please. When I looked at this several years ago, Australians spent an average of $20 per year on flowers compared to Europeans who spent over $110 per year!! What did the Australian floral market amount to in $$$ for say 2001 and then the breakdown through retail florist, supermarkets and other outlets. What is the number of retail florist shops throughout Australia and the number that fall into the annual gross revenue of $700,000 +, $300,000+, $100,000+ and less than $100,000. Number of supermarkets with floral departments and their history ie % self serve and % full service and their sales.

WWW.HOAXINH.COM : 24- hour fresh flower delivery to cities and provinces over Vietnam. Professional Service! Fast Delivery! Competitive price
Ban muon goi nhung doa hoa xinh cho nguoi than cua ban o Vietnam?
WWW.HOAXINH.COM : Giao hoa tan nha cho nguoi than cua ban o Vietnam trong vong 24 tieng. Chuyen nghiep! Nhanh chong! Tiet kiem!

Calla growers on the Sunshine Coast Queensland.
 Our family are into our first year growing of the Mixed Callas.I have been trying to find a buyer for 6000 of our 4cm in diameter bulbs $2.65 and also 2000 1.5cm bulbs $1.15
any persons interested in the lot we will offer a 5% discount. Our family will buy a refrigerated shipping container and three exotic varieties with the money.
  Buy the way I saw what these bulbs produced last season, I was so amazed by the colours and strength.Thanking Werner and Monica,so much for leasing some of their land so we can continue to produce these amazing flowers of the future.
May the rest of the day fulfill your every desire.
 Can someone help me!!! Allanah

not sure where this ends up, but if you get it Allanah, I look forward to establishing direct contact

I'm not in a position to buy your whole stock, but tell me more about your 'mixed' varieties - and whether your varieties might be happy in cool climate.

regards

Russ

Russell T. Dawe -------------------------------
PO Box 320 APOLLO BAY Vic 3233 AUST
PO Box 6168, HAWTHORN WEST, Vic. 3122 AUST
m +61 0419 308 466 Apollo Bay +61 3 5237 7362 ah +61 3 8800 1051
email: innobiz@vicnet.net.au

Hi Folks - I just stumbled across your message board; I am a florist in the US. We have a retail florist messageboard, which is quite active, originally started/hosted by a great guy named Brian.

            http://www.floristboard.com

  topics include: wire services, shop stratagies, wire services, design tips, more wire services etc.... Your input would be interesting!!!

Edited by author 08-02-2002 05:25 AM
I'm looking into supplying Anthuriums to Australia. Originally from Oz, I'm now in agriculture in S.E.Asia.

Any Buyers got any proposals of what varieties, quantities & PRICES you may be interested in ???

Floral Samples and Containers (enough to make 4 arrangements)

ZeBlooms Ribbon Scissors

ZeBlooms Stem Cutters

Small Glue Gun

Glue Sticks

Floral Foam (2 ct.)

Sheet Moss, 3-oz. Bag

Green Stem Wrapping Tape (2 rolls)

6-inch Floral Picks (60 ct.)

20-Gauge Florist Wire (30 ct.)

Styro Block

ZeBlooms Cutting Mat

ZeBlooms Tote

ZeBlooms Apron

Business Supplies

3 Great Starts Booklets

20 Catalogs

50 Order Forms

10 Introduction to zeBlooms Brochures

10 Host Success Planners and more!!

Hi,
i am interested in taking photos of flowers for people to advertise or what ever they might need a photo of a flower or a group of flowers for.
If you know where i can get started or need a photograph taken please contact me at this email address:
n_habel@hotmail.com

  hi just found this site and it is just what i am looking for.i have just qualified as a florist and would love to hear if any one has had a lot of business after doing a wedding expo and if they are a waist of time? thanks

Chris, firstly congrats for getting your qualifications as a florist. I wish you many years of fun and learning( which is one thing you will never stop doing!!) As for the wedding fair or expo some are good and some are just money spinners. But any exposure is good exposure. Weather or not it is a waste of time or not is up to you, but I think you'll find in this business, If we knew the magic ingredient to Ie: weddings, mothersday and Valentines............we'd all be millionaires!!!
As for this message board, dont get over excited not many take the time to post answers and get it up and running.

Does anyone need help with past due recievable accounts? Specifcally commercial accounts five months or more in arrears. If so, please call 800-999-6209, ext 1126. Ask for Joe. Thanks and good buisness to you.

Does company (in Australia-VIC) interested in having a free evaluation of its international business opportunity? Please contact jessielim76@hotmail.com.

hi,
I hope everyone had a great Valentines day! Does anyone know of any good florist magazines that is in Australia? I have subscribed to some mags & they are all American. They are great mags but I would like to find out about trends in Australia etc.The only mag I know of in Australia is Australasian Flowers.

Rachie lee, Magazines are sadly lacking in australia. I subscribe to australasian flowers...........which can be excellent one month and pretty cruddy the next........and desinz magazine by smithers oasis.( you can look them up on the web).........great photography, but they only showcase the "in" florists. If only we could get a magazine that would be passionate about floral art and design, and show all facets of our industry and hobby and not just the contemporary designs. Sadly the best mag that I subscribe to, is the flower arranger from the u.k, and that is the mag for me, sadly I cant find the same in Australia.

winnierose, thankyou for a reply. I was starting to think no one ever uses this bulletinboard!! I think its a fantastic idea. Another question I do have is I am looking to start my own business. The business I am working in at the moment deals with Teleflora, Easyflowers & The Flowershop, and at previous shops I have used Interflora.
What is you opinon on relay systems. Is it better to go with one or several? Considering they take 25% of the order.Is there a organisation that you can get a list of florists in Australia & ring florists direct and only use the relay systems for international orders? That way you can charge your own transmission costs and the customer still gets the full value of the order.What do you think?

Rachie Lee. We are a Petals member. Petals are a great relay service and are one of Australia's fastest growing businesses. They can deliver throughout Australia and overseas. They pride themselves on fair trading. I would highly recommend them. They can be contacted on 1800-802 035

does petals network charge you a large percentage for giving you the order? Do they relay orders all over the world?

Rachie Lee, firstly, hardly anyone uses this board, its nice to know there is a florist outthere who actually ustilises this board. all the best for your new venture, I hope youv'e done your homework well !!!! I've never heard of easyflowers, so I gather youre not in Vic'. Personally, I dont think much of petals, if you have a credit card, you can basically do the same thing on your own. As for a list of the shops around Aus.......well, there is the wide,wide web, with hundreds of them listed, just hanging for an order. Interflora does give order for order, and fairly good back up. And of course internationally recognised!! And a few bonus' on the side, like workshops to update your skills ( something that should be mandatory in the florist trade) I often wonder what I would do in your situation and I think that if I was on a tight budget, I would go the credit card and get my own network of florists in different states, otherwise, I'd do the latter and go for interflora.
I'll be interested to hear how you get on.

Rachie Lee. For orders that Petals send you, you receive 72% of the order value + the delivery. For orders that you send through Petals you receive 28% just for sending it. Petals also offers 1 for 1 with orders (fair trading), at least, depending on what postcode area you are in. Personally, our business can't speak highly enough about Petals. Petals offer a prompt, reliable, friendly service and we wouldn't be with anyone else. I would think twice about dealing with credit card over the phone with florists, it is very time consuming and at least with a relay service, if there is a problem, they sort it out for you saving you time and money. Petals do relay orders all over the world and they have just purchased a floral relay service in the UK. Look forward to hearing what you decide.

Lou & winnie rose thank you for your reply. I am actually in Gold Coast Queensland, not vic!! Although some times i wish i was!! We do get flowers from vic growers but by the time you add the frieght onto the flowers it is just as cheap to get them from a wholesalers!! thankyou for your input, i am still researching about these companies. easyflowers is just a relay system. i find them really old fashion, i must admit i am only 22 and have been doing floristry for only 5yrs, i am still a spring chicken!!. if you do a search you will find easyflowers in the first couple of catagories under florists australia.
winnierose, i agree totally there should be conferences with florists in associations and make it manditory. i have only been to teleflora ones & it does give you an insite into new products & on rare occasions fantastic ideas on displays!!!speaking of which has anyone used the new oasis that is ball different colours? & if so does it leave a sediment like the green oasis?

GREAT WAY TO MAKE MONEY-READ THIS!!!!!!
 
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      I found this on a bulletin board and decided to try it. A little
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      PLEASE NOTE:
      Please follow these directions EXACTLY, and $50,000 or more can be
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      Here are the 4 easy steps to success:
 
      STEP 1: Get 6 separate pieces of paper and write the following on
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      #1) R. Overton
            P.O. Box 18818
            So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96151
      #2) KEVIN LEE
            8377 APT. I MONTGOMERY RUN RD.
            ELLICOTT CITY MD 21043
      #3) Stephanie Hicks
            1283 Evening Canyon
            Henderson NV 89014
      #4) Matt Madracki
            P.O. Box 1529
            Sutton West, Ontario
            CANADA
            L0E 1R0
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            P.O. Box 810164
            Carolina, PR 00981-0164
     #6 Carol Van Rooy
            63 Moore Street,
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            CANADA
            N5R 3W4
     
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      NOTE: You may want to retain every name and address sent to you,
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      ---DIRECTIONS ----- FOR HOW TO POST TO NEWSGROUPS------------
      Step 1) You do not need to re-type this entire letter to do your own
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      drag your cursor to the bottom of this document, and select 'copy'
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      to the list.
 
      Step 3) Save your new notepad file as a .txt file. If
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      Step 4) Use Netscape or Internet explorer and try searching for
      various newsgroups (on-line forums, message boards, chat sites,
      discussions.)
 
      Step 5) Visit these message boards and post this article as a new
      message by highlighting the text of this letter and selecting paste
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      jump to different newsgroups and post away, after you get the hang of
      it, it will take about 30 seconds for each newsgroup!
      **REMEMBER, THE MORE NEWSGROUPS YOU POST IN, THE MORE MONEY YOU WILL MAKE!! BUT YOU HAVE TO POST A
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      That's it! You will begin receiving money from around the world within days! You may eventually want to rent a P.O.Box due to the large amount of mail you
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      you wish to stay anonymous, you can invent a name to use, as long as
      the postman will deliver it.
      **JUST MAKE SURE ALL THE ADDRESSES ARE CORRECT.**
 
      Now the WHY part:
      Out of 200 postings, say I receive only 5 replies (a very low example). So then I made $5.00 with my name at #6 on the letter. Now, each of the 5 persons
      who just sent me $1.00 make the MINIMUM 200
      postings, each with my name at #5 and only 5 persons respond to each
      of the original 5, that is another $25.00 for me, now those 25 each
      make 200 MINIMUM posts with my name at #4 and only 5 replies each, I
      will bring in an additional $125.00! Now, those 125 persons turn
      around and post the MINIMUM 200 with my name at #3 and only receive 5
      replies each, I will make an additional $626.00! OK, now here is the
      fun part, each of those 625 persons post a MINIMUM 200 letters with
      my name at #2 and they each only receive 5 replies, that just made me
      $3,125.00!!! Those 3,125 persons will all deliver this message to 200
      newsgroups with my name at #1 and if still 5 persons per 200
      newsgroups react I will receive $15,625,00! With an original
      investment of only $6.00! AMAZING! When your name is no longer on the
      list, you just take the latest posting in the newsgroups, and send
      out another $6.00 to names on the list, putting your name at number 6
      again. And start posting again. The thing to remember is: do you
      realize that thousands of people all over the world are joining the
      internet and reading these articles everyday?, JUST LIKE YOU are
      now!! So, can you afford $6.00 and see if it really works?? I think
      so... People have said, "e;what if the plan is played out and no
      one sends you the money? So what! What are the chances of that
      happening when there are tons of new honest users and new honest
      people who are joining the internet and newsgroups everyday and are
      willing to give it a try? Estimates are at 20,000 to 50,000 new
      users, every day, with thousands of those joining the actual
      internet.
      Remember: play FAIRLY and HONESTLY and this will really
      work.

I have been considering buying a florist in south brisbane. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or know of any sites that could give me some insite into this.

Thanks.

Dear Matt...........you didn't say if you were a florist but I'm assuming youre not....so........you could try.....absolutely crazy.com.........or count the grey hairs on the local florists dot com dot au. Hope that bit of insite worked for you.

Hi everyone,
I found this website through search engine, and I wonder if this bulletin board is merely for florists to share experiences and information?
I am a student, and I am currently working on an assignment about floral industry supply chain. I wonder if I could get some information about the Australian floral industry here?

Could anyone tell me how this floral industry works? e.g. are we getting flowers from local or overseas nurseries? which states have the most flower growers? which countries do you import most flowers from? how many days (in average) does the flower take to go through each channel members?

If anyone has any information about Australian floral industry, could you please send it to me at sylvia79@myself.com? I really appreaciate your help. Thanks very much!!

Hi: I am a silk floral designer. I do not have a shop, but do my work at home. I do basically all facets
of silk floral design (corsages, boutonnieres, bridal bouquets, and arrangements/centerpieces) I find that I am more of a producer than a marketer. I really would like to network with someone or a company, make the designs and sell them to someone who has a high demand for floral pieces.

I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

MATT,
IF YOU ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A FLORIST FOR SALE IN SOUTH BRISBANE I HAVE NOTICED THERE IS SEVERAL IN THE COURIER MAIL ON A SAT. THERE IS ALSO SOME IN NORTHERN GOLD COAST MOST ARE BETWEEN 25000 AND 65000. GOOD LUCK

ROSALYN,
THE ONLY IDEAS I CAN THINK OF TO MARKET ARTIFICAL BUTTONHOLES ETC IS TO APPROACH WHOLESALERS, WEDDING PLANNERS ETC OR EVEN LOCAL FLORISTS, I KNOW ALOT THAT HATE DOING CORSAGES!!!! GOOD LUCK

Canadian looking for work in Brisbane starting October 2003
Floral design experience, but for a break, would like to work in a wholesale.(distributor/grower) Help?

Hope someone can help me! I'm looking for Lotus Lillies for the end of July, in Queensland.Thanks

fussy, call tesselars in brisbane or leo lynch they might be able to help you. good luck

Looking for a buyer for African Marigolds (Gold Coins). Flowers cultivated in India. Available throughout the year. If you are interested to buy or would like to post a enquiry or bulk estimate please drop and email to sam.clitus@ntlworld.com

Sales Manager
Sam Clitus
Ashling Farms

Hey everyone, I'm now a qualified florist after doing one year of schooling and I'm about to start up my own wedding business from home. Any suggestions? and does anybody know if tesselaar's in brisbane have a website?

Edited by author 09-19-2003 06:19 AM
hi cassie, i have been only able to find tesselar in victoria. i'm pretty sure they don't have one running in the brisbane wholesaler. not many wholesalers in queensland have websites.
good luck with your wedding business.

hi can any one help!!
i want to buy by best friend who is getting married on the gold coast a tree for a wedding pressie. can any one please help with local nurserys or web sites which i have not found.
or if you know of any one i can contact who could send me in the right direction.
thank's vanessa london/edinburgh

hi my name is raymonda i live in sydney,i'm currently studying floristry in richmond tafe and i'm looking to do work experience for one day per week ,would anyone have any suggestion? i live in blacktown area.

regards,

hi, i am wondering about roses.
do roses heads expand for a reason ?
how do you keep the heads a normal size? maybe it was the species i used..that the head expanded..too much.

Edited by author 12-21-2003 05:47 PM
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Does anyone out there know what the best tempreture to set a cool room at? Thanks. Carolyn (We are in Northern NSW if that helps.)

Carolyn,
For majority of flowers it is best to set it between 2 degrees and 5 degrees... every flower differs.

Carolyn, Every florist I've worked at has the coolroom set at around 8..........it depends I suppose if you want to just keep them cold or actually send them into hibernation......2 seems too cold to me. I've seen roses go black on the outer petals from the coolroom being too cold, but i think some coolrooms differ if they have a fan blowing on the flowers . Trial and error I should think.

Hi,
Does anyone know how to keep water lily to stay open all time after they have been cut.
many thanks

FloristDEX.com is looking for suggestions from florists and consumers on how we can serve both groups better. If you have any comments or questions, please email info@FloristDEX.com

Regards,
FloristDEX Staff

Joanna, to keep waterlillies open, you have to hold the water lily in your left hand and with your right hand very gently like you are stroking a bird you spread your hand over the flower and hold the petals down until you hear a crack. The petals should then atay open. But you have to do it firmly and gently till that crack happens. In the very early days they used to drop a couple of drops of wax in the centre as this was supposedly meant to do the same thing but the first method works sufficiently to hold for my liking.

Hi, I am Australian citizen goin over to LOndon soon to find work in a Florist whop. I have done my Cert.3 in Floristry nationally accredited course. Does anyone know what my chances are for finding work over in London?

Hello , i have been working in the floristry industry for 5 years and although i never completed my tafe course ( ok i was a dropout after the first year!!! ) . Have people found that they have been disadvantaged by not completing the course when opening there own shop . I am in the process of buying my first ! I would love any advice any one could give me about anything at all to do with the industry . From my experience its not the most friendly of careers and im thrilled to stumble on such a helpful , sharing site .

WE ARE GROWER AND EXPORTER OF TOP QUALITY FRESH ROSES FROM INDIA. LOOKING FOR MARKETING ARRANGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA.
WE CAN SUPPLY 100000 FLOWER WEEKLY OF ALL THE COLOURS.
PLEASE CONTACT US AT: bestroses1@hotmail.com

Lizzie,lizzie,lizzie..........why??........
It is a friendly industry, and good florists enjoy sharing ideas,sundries..etc with other good florists....but it can be frustrating when some people have a whim to be a florist and decide they'll open a shop. My only hope is that for the last 5 years you have worked for someone who has taken you through every aspect of floristry, and that you have absorbed all the basic fundamentals needed for this trade. Because it is a trade!!!
You have to be able to advise people on the protocol for funerals and weddings. And if you haven't been trained properly, then by stuffing up someones flowers, who will then by word of mouth tell a minumum of 3 people......you set the trade back 5 years!
So my constructive advise, is, go to every course and workshop that you can, listen to any advise given and absorb everything.......go to trade days.......and above all be passionate about what you do and then maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who are still in their shop 5 years later.

I disagree. My experience within this industry has been not very inspiring at all, with all the people I've worked for being unecessarily on some kind of power trip just because they are florists. I've completed all my certificates to become a fully qualified florist, and I now own my own business and what I learnt in theory about the business aspect wasnt extensive at all. Theres not much you can do to stuff up someones order, lets face it, its not rocket science, and I think we should all take a minute to look in the mirror and realise that we arrange flowers, not cure cancer! My best advice lizzie is just to find out everything you can about small businesses, and retail procedures which most companies provide information about when youre opening a shop, and I wish you the best of luck!




---------------------------------
Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.

thanks guys for your advice . Good training is hard to come by but im sure with my determination , ideas and experience i can make a go of it !

Can anyone share with me how to wire cymbidium orchids? I have an upcoming wedding and I have never worked with them before. Also, with cymbids, would you suggest working in a bridie or natural stem? If natural stem bouquet do the orchids have to be wired with some sort of water source attached?

Does anyone know of any florist conferences that are held in Brisbane? Where would I find out information about this?

Usually, Interflora or teleflora hold workshops. But then again so do the floral art societies. That is the case in Victoria, I have no idea about Brisbane. Why not inquire at trade school and see what they know. As for the cymbid wiring. There are a couple of ways to wire them. And no cymbids dont need to have a water source. They hold beautifully without water for a few days.

After 5 Years on Long Island One of the largest Wholesalers on the east coast closed the doors on their plainview Long Island distribution center leaving 4 Long Islanders unemployed. On thursday july 8th the route drivers for Delaware valley Wholesale florist returned from their runs , they were whisked into an office and hustled out the door. Company officials gave No fore warning to there employees. This company refuses to hire local people in the areas the service, even when it is cost effective.

Can anyone tell me what is the purpose of coloured oasis?

Visit www.advertise.com.au and www.advertising.com.au for information about advertising and marketing your florist!

go see the extra touch association board for additional information.

cassie, the purpose of colored oasis, is to use it like an accessory, so instead of hiding your mechanics, you can utilise them.

thankyou winnierose you're really informative

Cassie, I have a feeling, that was a double edged thankyou. So I will elaborate on my answer.
Say for instance you were doing a parrallel arrangement. You could use a cubed glass vase, now how about we go monochromatic......say we choose blue, so you cut your blue foam to fit in the vase, choose your blue flowers,delphs,butterly,etc, iris etc ,etc and away you go,drape some bluey black privot berry down the front and....bobs your uncle, you dont have to hide your foam, because your eye should at this stage be roaming all over the arrangement. Personally, I dont like it. Its so ingrained in my training that you hide your mechanics, that it just looks "wrong" to me. But it doesn't stop me keeping an open mind, and looking forward to going wow, one day when I see it done by someone else.

winnierose, honestly I didn't mean for my thankyou to sound sarcastic or anything other than just a simple thanks. I'm sorry if it came across this way. I agree, if I was to see it done, I would think that it would look wrong, because I too have been trained to cover up all mechanics. However you know sometimes you can get those "holes" in your arrangements that you just can't possibly fill in, I suppose it would be useful for this purpose?

Dear Message Board Users,

Thank you for your consistent use of this message board and I hope this message board has been helpful to all users.

Petals Network and OzFlorex have now opened a new site designed for florists and people interested in the floristry industry. This site can be found at www.petals-exchange.com
 
This site has many features, including pricing tips, flowers for anniversaries, ordering tips, industry contacts, student and labour exchange listings and a new and improved message board. Which will allow you to post your own topics, reply to current topics, and create new polls and more.

This message board is linked from the main site at: www.petals-exchange.com

For more information you can call Petals on 1800 803 035 or send us an email at hq@petalsnetwork.com

Thank you
Warwick Kay
E-commerce manager
Petals Network
www.petals-exchange.com

No worries cassie, Maybe I was just feeling guilty, as I was in a hurry with my last two answers and didn't elaborate. My curiosity is peaked now, I'll have to go and look at the new improved ozFlorex site.

Dear Sirs/Ladies,

  

I found the address of your web on the internet.

 

We are searching for dried preserved riceflowers. We would place an order for riceflowers in larger quantities as well(several 20 foot containers), in case of good prices . Rosebuds and other dried flowers are interesting too.

 

So we would like to ask you for the best prices.If you can’t supply us in riceflowers than could you help us to find growers,companies who could sell riceflowers in big quantities.

 

Thank you very much for your kind cooperation and quick reply in advance.

 

Best regards,

 

Jozsef Felfoldi

International Sales Manager

 

Mailing address:

 

Felfoldi Potpourri Kft

Debrecen

Dioszegi ut, Keleti ipartelep 6.

4030-Hungary

 

Tel:003652437287

Fax:003652437295

E-mail:felfjozsef@felfoldy.com

Just thought I'd let you all know, I did that wedding with the Cymbidium Orchids (the first time I've ever worked with them) and they turned out beautifully. And I'm very proud to say there were wired ones left over and 2 and a half weeks later they are still in perfect condition! Thanks for all the advice you guys gave me, thanx winnierose.

Jozsef, you might try www.boxworks.com.au. Have delt with this supplier for years and if they dont have riceflower etc, I'm sure they will direct you to a source, they are very helpful.

Cassie !! glad to hear the wedding went off o.k. Cymbids are pretty hardy aren't they?? Sometimes you want to charge $100.00 into the price just for stress!!! LOL I had a wedding on the weekend, Pink Tulips and Dolce Vita roses. The bride didn't want to see any green on the tulips, so had to get them in 5 days beforehand and put them in and out of the coolroom, so they would be just right !aarrgghhh. But all went well and Bride was wrapt, so I suppose thats why we do it all, that smile at the end is so worth it.
P.S. did you check out the new petals message board?

I know what you mean about the stress! I stress throughout the night worrying if they are going to look okay for the next day, everyone tells me not to worry about it, but I guess it's just cause I'm far too critical of my own work! I don't think people/brides know how stressful their requests are, but we do it regardless. The smile at the end definately is what I work toward every wedding. Blood, sweat and tears but it's all worth it! What do dolce vita roses look like? I've never worked with them before. But then again, a new florist like myself, there's alot I haven't worked with. The cymbids were great, I don't know why I stressed out, I just assumed they were as fragile as alot of other orchids. The petals message board is not bad, doesn't seem to be getting many hits but maybe it will grow hopefully?

Hi Cassie, Keep stressing, crappy adivse I know, but, stress makes us put in 100% It makes our attention to detail relentless, it makes for a great bouquet, because we dont want it falling apart on the bride half way down the aisle.
Dolce Vita roses, are a big headed rose,which is a fleshy( as in thick petals) rose in an ivory tone, and the tip of the petal if rimmed with hot pink. Lovely rose, but it did bruise so easily! Do you subscribe to desinz magazine (Oasis put it out) or australasian flowers? The latter one is helpful in the way they show the latest trends and sundries. And mostly interesting stories.

hi to all, i opened my small shop last december and it is in a small town which attracts loads of tourists. during the winter it has been a stuggle !! but hopefully now spring is in the air, all will pick up. If any one has an ideas to attract more flower purchases, that has worked for them ,please let me know. wish i didnt love this job so much i would just go some where and retire. look forward to meeting other florists in the future.

Hi cheryl, Nice to see a new "face" in here!! its hard in winter no matter where you are. But I've found that people have this mentality, where they think that flowers wont last in the house in winter, re heaters etc. I've taken to putting signs in buckets......Like.......LONG LASTING..2 WEEKS for things like alstro or L.A's, statice etc. People are actually questioning as they come in. Also, I think the " recipe" for mixed bunches to sell automatically is red, yellow and blue. Keep them bright, and at a reasonable price say $6.50, they seem to walk, attract customers or at least get people to stop long enough to look in your window, which is also a good thing, because, they might not come in today, but they may remember you for next time.

Being only a new florist, I thought it was just me this winter when I wasn't getting any work at all. Talk about slow! But FINALLY it's Spring, and the orders are starting to trickle in, how is everyone else coping?

winnie, do you know of any magazines I can subscribe to?
P.S My cymbids lasted for three and a half weeks in water, I'm so proud!

thanks Winnie, will try the signs. Glad you spent the time to answer.Every little bit of advice helps
cheers

No worries cheryl. Cassie......I subscribe to Australasian flowers.(subscriptions.netcirc@ruralpress.com) I was getting the smithers/oasis magazine designz, but have just stopped that, as although the photography was excellent, they tended to only showcase pretty contemporary work,and dont get me wrong, I'm very interested in anything that is new, but I also need to make my wages, so would rather see ideas that I can extend on to use in everyday floristy. Plus I want a magazine who can source sundries etc. I also subscribe to a magazine from the u.k called the flower arranger, which I cant wait to recieve when its due. It covers all styles of floral art and new trends and sometimes workshops. Apart from that, I check out the web. I like the dutchflowerlink site and I cruise through any others I come across........always learning !!!!!! and passionate.

hi all ,i also subscribe to Australian Flowers and have ordered the same magazine from the UK hope my news agent can get hold of it for me. We have very little in south australia in the way of demos for florists, though im new i may not have all the right contacts as yet. have been very happy with the petals network and cant wait till the full order come through the net instead of half by phone and email Would be fantastic to have some day courses here!!

Cassie another mag i get on a regular basis (im addicted to flower mags) is" Floral Inspirations" think this is also from the UK but i finds lots of ideas in there. some are over the top, but others you can adapt to aussie flowers and differing containers.

Thankyou very much cheryl and winnie, theres not many flower magazines that are easy to find, however I always go into my newsagent and buy the wedding flowers one, I can never resist! Do I just email them winnie? How much is a subscription? and I know what you mean about modern designs and such, some are so out there, and not to everyones tastes, I try and mix a bit of both into my work.

I'm just curious, what state are you from and what is your shop called? are you the manager/owner? how about you cheryl?

Does anyone want to be email pals or pen pals?

hi there cassie
 i own my small shop in country south australia. i am new to this "business world."and work alone.
I would love to work with other florists in a large shop to absorb all the knowledge i can.I feel like i am a large spounge,seeking knowledge to soak up. Being new, im not highly confident as yet, just doing the basics. My friend who has been in the industry for 25years is just a phone call away. she is just so talented and calm in all situations. Weddings are not for me as yet,just getting my stock right is stresful for me at times. Having flowers open on time and looking their best for a bride is a bit beyond me right now !!lol lol

What about you and your location Cassie and Winnie???

I run my own little florist business from home in Queensland. I wouldn't have gotten half my customers if it wasnt for the yellow pages. I too work alone, and I really do know how you feel, I'd love the company sometimes. Weddings are easy after you do your first one, but yeah I'm sorry to say the stress never goes away, and as winnie and I have talked about before, stress is what makes a beautiful bouquet! My business is called Heaven Scent Flowers by Cassie, and I hope to expand to a shop in the near future, it's so hard not having a cold room and not having a courier, I'm the courier, florist, person who goes and gets the flowers all in one!

I'm from Melbourne and the best piece of advise, I ever learnt was.........dont buy a shop. I manage one!! Ha, I can go home at night and leave it all behind me!!( in theory)
 Our shop is fairly small, but my aim is to build it up to have another full timer there. We have a courier, who works for five other florists. As well as another two on call for runs into melbourne. I'd love to email cassie. Post your address.

winnie, my email is, cassiemayreilly@hotmail.com. Feel free to email me also Cheryl.

cassie my email is
leeriley@iinet.net.au
shop is called
Blooms&Gifts
on cadell
i will add your address to my book and would like to rec any mail from you
you are so right re the shop winnie, but i just do all the flowers and associated work, my husband worries about the accounting!! I am actually on a years leave from my "real job "which is very stressful,my return to work date is feb 14th feb 05 hoping that my passion for flowers will make me a decent living so i dont have to go back !!!! i must say that its not looking reall good at this stage, we might look at going into a larger business in another town.I started this shop from a bare floor and everyone tells me you need a couple of years to get a good client list but i dont think i will be able to stay that long!!I must give an answer to my employer by feb or resign i feel a little scared not to have that safety net there in case i need it. its a government job so they not too flexable

 cassie, just got my renewal notice

Australasian Flowers Subscriptions
E-Mail subscriptions.netcirc@ruralpress.com


4 issues $28.00
8 issues $50.40
12 issues $71.40
cheers cheryl

Hi cheryl and cassie, quick email before work, shall email you both when I get a chance, but cheryl, I was thinking, firstly........due back at work on valentines day??????? arrrrrghhhhhhh, you need that day !!!! you so need that day.......everything youve worked for all year, leads to that day. so many people will be subconciously book marking you for that day, and that day will after a hell of a lot of hard work, wits, and stress, pay some bills, or go towards new stock! maybe you can extend your start date??
Also, they say a business takes 5 years to get up and running and make a profit, so I'm thinking, you cant realistically believe, that you will have a "sign" before 14.2.05 !.....cheers.

Edited by author 09-09-2004 08:19 PM
Yep winnie valentines day !!! i could not believe it either
had my first valentines this year and as i stated i live in a very SMALL country town and there are 2 florists here and the other shop has been established for many years, so it is hard work winning over the locals!!the main advantage is ive a prime position in the main street and they are in another area on the approach into town. the town is growing rapidly and i guess if i could hang in financially for 5 years that would be fantastic ,but i fear at this stage that is unlikely,so to avoid going back to my old job(which is a prison officer, pays well but very high stress and after 10 years have had enough!)we may have to move and take on a larger shop. I have one in my sights but the owner is very unrealistic with her price.our offer, based on our accountants advice, we consider a very good for the figures showing, there seems to be no formula for buying an established florist!do you know of one that may help? cheers cheryl

You know, Cheryl, I went to a demonstration by Mark battstra about a month ago, He owns a very good shop in Ballarat. He was saying that he did his training in a florist shop in Ballarat, and when he was about 19, decided to buy his first shop. At the time there were 13 florists in Ballarat !!! There are now 9 shops in Ballarat. He was saying that the rule of thumb is one shop to 150,000 people. He now employs about 6 fulltimers ( dont quote me, but I think he said about 6) he teaches the apprentice florists at Tafe also. So, there you go, sheer hard work, great P.R, good service. He told a funny story about one of his customers wanting water lillies, so he got into a inflatable raft and rowed into the middle of his inlaws dam and picked some, lesson in this story...go the hard yards, it pays off.....and you never stop changing and learning. As for a good price, it all depends on size of shop, reputation ( although they say you dont buy good will anymore)Stock, etc, etc, But if you say your shop is in a tourist area, I would assume you get them dropped off in buses?? Maybe you should do as we all should do and thats diversify. Dont just rely on your flowers, stock things that bring people into your shop! We have got onto a lavender co-op, Not only do they have the best lavender, both fresh and dried, but they also have access to lavender wheat bags,eye masks, jam, moisturisers, wood polish's etc etc. Not to mention the best oil. They are linked up to lavender growers australia wide.... Just a thought.

It's most likely because my business has only been in operation since the end of last year, but I didn't find Valentines Day to be that busy for me, Mothers Day on the other hand was flat out! What's the most oddest request that's been made to you guys?

I agree with you winnie, even though I don't have a shop, if I did, I would be stocking gifts and such, that people can't ge elsewhere. Photoframes, nice scented things. I wish I had a shop!!!

thanks for your thoughts winnie but i do carry lots of gifts frames potporri scented flowersgift baskets live plants lucky bamboo ect i offer a free local delivery service and am thinking of starting a loyalty card system.
Just yesterday picked up my first funeral since opening last december.Had another local in today for the first time saying that she didnt even know that i was here !!! Seems all the money you pay for signage is a waste of money!!oh well at least she may tell some one else!! cassie my first valentines was not too busy either we had a heat wave and it was 38 degrees before 10 am and the streets were bare,but guess things will be better next year.mothers day like you was much more hectic

its hard cheryl, sometimes you feel like people walk around with paper bags on their heads. We are smack bang in the main street and people still walk in and announce in amazement " oh what a lovely shop are you new?" You know youre best advertising is word of mouth, and the best word of mouth, that I know is at the local primary schools mothers club. THey order flowers for thankyous and for sickies, etc, and if you send them a letter telling them that they get 10% off if they mention the school, etc, or you could offer 10% out of every bouquet back to the school at the end of the year>>>>> food for thought. One person tells one person, and if they find your service exceptional, they soon pass on your name to family and friends. The local hospital is also good, Nurses, love flowers when there are lots of birthdays and they are keeping to a budget, plus they are always fundraising.

how right you are winnie re word of mouth!! I have a line on all my stationary and business cards which states
 "If you are satisfied with our product and service, Tell others,If not tell us we value your custom"
dont know how many actually read it but it is there none the less!!.Even if you get some one in and they dont buy, i
consider that that is another one that knows we are here!!Winnie just a querie on the way you price funeral work, do you have a basic price for casket flowers or cost them as you go, as with other arrangements depending on the flowers used?? I have a basic price and for any thing special go up from there!!Start at $130.00 do you think that is a reasonable cost ?? what about you Cassie how do you do it?? look forward to seeing what others do

Cheryl, with all my "special occasion" work, I usually just ask them what theyd like to spend, what they want in it, and I come back later with a quote. But the basic price thing works good too cheryl, as long as you know you can cover yourself. I agree word of mouth is the best advertising, I often get people telling me that I came "highly reccomended", gives me a big head! I haven't done my first funeral within my business yet, but I did so much in tafe, I really enjoy doing casket sprays. What about you guys? what is your favourite thing you like making? and whats the thing you most hate to make?

I tried the how much do you want to allow for flowers and the funeral director would not commit he wanted a price from me!! as i said i have a basic min of $130 and they go up from there,depending on what flowers are required.
I love to do work with natives the bigger the better,i get mine from a local grower at dirt cheap prices so my customers get fantastic value for money. wedding are ssssooooo stressful for me so dont do them unless i really cant avoid them refer them to another source, i do this job for pleasure not to stress me out lol lol how did you find the tafe course cassie??

My tafe course was extremely enjoyable, it's amazing what they teach you, and how much you do actually learn. However I've found that I've learnt things along my little journey after tafe within my business. I did the course for a year, and it was the best thing I ever did. So you're getting work through a funeral parlour Cheryl? That's excellent, considering you'd be guarenteed work. I always pay top dollar for natives, but I do agree, I love working with them also. The only flower that I get cheaper than anywhere else at the moment is roses, through a local farm. It's a great learning curve if you do a wedding cheryl, they aren't that scary once you're doing them. It's well worth all the effort and stress afterwards believe me cheryl, plus it's excellent advertising if you do a wedding, think of all the people who see the flowers, and who wear them.

Hi guys !! Just reading your posts, finally got the chance to come on line. First off, I have to share what we have displayed on the wall in the shop. It says, the greatest compliment you can give us, is to recommend us to your neighbours.!!
As for the funeral pricing. Our double ended casket sheafs begin at $100.00, that is a small basic casket sheaf, that allows for memoribilia to be displayed on the casket which is often the case today, people tend to display a photo frame etc,etc. But I recommend a starting price of 150.00 if they want it to look impressive and if the request is for a fair amount of roses, I recommend $200.00. Of course, I would always start with the basic price and then ask if they have a budget. I agree with cassie, if you have a funeral director ordering you are home and hosed, dont let that one slip through your fingers. They usually take 25%. so you have to allow for that. Are you aware that your casket shouldn't be any higher than 15 inches.? That is the height that allows flowers and casket to be placed back in the hearse. Big weekend here, I'm competing in the local floral art competition. Nothing huge, but I like to support these shows.

Good luck winnie with the show! thanks to you both for taking the time to share your experiences and advice. I FEEL AS THOUGH I KNOW YOU BOTH!! thanks heaps. The undertaker said he will use me again so that will be good,however most are done from the larger town 22kms from here, but if the word gets out who knows !!The weather is beaut here now and have had a few lookers for xmas so that is promising. Cassie how lucky you are not to have to pay rent for a shop, i would be fine if didnt have all the outgoings to pay,, what a rip off all the extras

Hi all. Well, back from the show, I won a first for my corsage, and a second for my arrangement which was arranged all round. Pretty funny, the judges comments were that she could tell I was a right hander as there was a gap on my left hand placement......I arranged it using a lazy susan, I can just spin it as I go to make sure everything is even ! so there you go.....all my placements were righthanded. Never mind, the lady who got first deserved everybit of it. She had used a small pedestal, she had a small resessed arrangement on the top, and a little larger one on the bottom, arranged all around of course, and coming from the top she had flax leaves curving down to link in the bottom arrangement. it looked great.
So Cassie, tell all, how many orders do you do a day, or is your business not that built up yet?
And cheryl.......xmas???.....did you slap them and say......ssshhhhh, its only friggin september????.....aarrgghhhhhhh.

Well winnie to tell you the truth i dont know if ill still be here by xmas takings are so downthis month that when we fork out for the rent on the 1st for october that may be my last month !We set up with an investment of $25 thousand and are not prepared to put any more savings into the shop, even though im not getting any wage i adore the job,and my little shop, but you can only put in so much cash. dont know if it would work from my home as i dont live in this town!!!Have to have a brain storming with some of my friends to see what we can come up with.

Don't give up Cheryl! I remember when I first started I always focused on the negative things, like not getting many orders etc, and I seriously thought about throwing it all down the drain, but if you stick in there I'm 100% sure you will reap the rewards, I know time is an issue for you, but if you could hold on that little bit longer I'm sure you could enjoy your business for many years to come. Congrats Winnie on the competition, I'm a right hander too, and in tafe, they always used to say that you have a "favourite side" when it comes to your arrangements. Cheryl, it is a bonus not having to pay over heads etc, but the down side is, I have to rely on really good advertising, as people aren't seeing me in their day to day lives, as you would have with a shop. Winnie, because I'm a new business, I don't get "steady" work as such, but I'm confident that I will get busier as time goes by. I have to have a 2nd job at the moment which is only one day a week, and it's a receptionist job, but I really do need that extra work as I wouldn't be able to survive on just my business alone. It get's really boring sometimes just waiting for orders to come in, but once my name gets circulated, I'm hoping that it will grow. On average at the moment, on a good week I sometimes get 2-3 orders, but bear in mind 99% of people ordering flowers over the phone usually opt for a high price category, so it's not too bad at all!

yes WELL DONE winnie im left handed so guess im not normal in that respect ha ha ha thanks so much cassie for your words of encouragement and i wont give in till lly have to. my takings for the last 2 weeks have only been in the $300s and needs to be double that. another florist came in to have a chat to me today and she says that sep, oct, nov, are the worst for florists, she has been in the business for 20 years and was offering her advice that first year is bad, second year break even, third year start to make head way.as an example last month with my rent and outgoings it was $900 plus without my flower accounts so it is tight. but im determined to hang in here if i can.!!!though i might be able to find cheaper rental premises but think that would take me out of the loop in the main street and not sure if that is the right thing!! oh well tomorrow is another day . chat to you both soon cheers cheryl

You know cheryl,I think the one statement from our customers, that will always give us alaugh for hours, is a yearning to own a florist shop...oh, it must be lovely, to work in a florist, if I retire I'd love to buy a little florist shop !! If only they knew the sheer hard work to make our shops look so effortless and serene !! Its damn hard everywhere in business not just florists!! everyone is feeling it, youre not an island cheryl. You just need to diversify!! Dont know about in your neck of the woods but down here in Vic, every second florist shop, is turning into a florist/cafe, its huge at the moment, As for me, I could think of nothing worse than running to a time limit for a customer and having to stop and serve devonshire tea to two others. As for me, I specialise in artificial arrangements to suit all decor. We are looking into at the moment offering a free home consultancy. And of course that side is growing, cos....they tell their family, friends and neighbours.

oh my god imagine trying to get coffee on mothers day or valentines and do all the flowers as well, dont think i will go there, many of the plant nurseries here have gone into cafes in their centeres ,they seem to be attracting people ,one down fall is all the kids revving around all the fragile plants and gifts, could be a large damage bill ha ha!!had a day off yesterday for some house cleaning therapy, so back today with a fresh outlook.my daughter is looking after the shop for me on the weekend and my husband and i are getting away overnight ,it will be nice to have a break.
will leave made up stuff for her as she is not good with flowers!!how much work do you process daily in your work place winnie??

Just thought I'd share that I had an order today, it's starting to get a little bit busier here. It was a $70 order for a mixed bouquet for someone who had given birth, it was beautiful, it had orientals, chrysies and gerbs looked sooooo lovely.

I;ve always thought that a cafe/florist shop would be a good idea, however it's probably a better idea to keep them seperated but in the same vacinity, and probably to hire "cafe" people so the florists don't have to do it.

Yeah, good in theory Cassie, but, if youre trying to diversify, youre just trying to add something to what you already have, but to add extra staff, which means extra workcare, etc, etc. congrats on the order by the way.
Glad you got to have a break cheryl, its most important or you will burn out. As for our orders, it really depends, today I had about 10 and had to make up about 5 things for special requests on the spot, as well as stock the shop. Yesterday was my day off and I noticed that there was only four orders on the page, so it really just depends. I think the hardest task is to make people bait. you know the flowers that are just so irrisistable that people are tempted?? I saw lily of the valley on the cashvan today, but at $4.50 a bunch TO BUY, how on earth would you lure people in at that price, sadly had to use my favorite saying, when I buy, do you need it or do you want it?? and let it go.

well done cassie on your order i also had more than usual yesterday had 3 boxes, bunch tulips, dozen roses, and basket of proteas so it was good for me.do you have a fridge at home cassie ??or purchase as you need to??hope you did something for yourself on your day off winnie!!.all my flowers come from adelaide by bus and very rarely get to do my own selcction . i fax the order the night before and they arrive here at noon next day. quality is a bit dodgy at times but i complain if not to my satisfaction and get a refund.its so much nicer to choose your own but not possible for me with the price of petrol right now.i buy from tesselaar they come over night also. i have only a 2 door fridge and no cool room at this stage.if i run short its handy with overnight supply.i would love to get to the melb&syd flower markets just for the experience.

It brought back memories cheryl, reading your post. Thats how it was years ago, putting in an order and receiving it over night, and yep, its great getting a credit, but its hell, if youre relying on those flowers for a special order. We are so spoilt, And probably dont appreciate it like we should, but on Mondays, wednesdays and fridays, we have 2 cashvans coming around,one comes straight from melb market, and everything is top quality....well almost everything ! and on the alternate days, there is another supplier. Its great really when one of the top suppliers was faxing there best deal of buy 10 bunches of asiatics and get them for $8.00 and our guy had a special of $4.00 no minimum buy. And yes, we are lucky as we have a big cool room. Weve had a bonus this week as my Boss has quite a large Boronia bush, so we've been able to bunch that up ourselves and its been walking out the door. It's great to source local people who say, have a large strelitzia plant, they bring in say 5 a week and get $1.00 each, they are happy for a bit of pocket money, and we get good quality, at a good price. Always someone growing natives like that as well.

I wish I had 10 orders a day! you're both so lucky!!!! Cheryl, I have the bare minimum at the moment, I usually buy my flowers when I need to, which means that I travel around half an hour down the road, buy the flowers, come home, make them up, deliver them, and come home! So it's really convenient for me when I get 2 or more orders per day, cuts down my travelling time. I have a small fridge, only holds a bucket of flowers, but it's all I need at the moment. I picked up some gorgeous looking gladis at my local flea market a few sundays ago, $4 per bunch, 10 to a bunch. Is a cashvan where you buy directly out of a truck?

Hi girls how s things i had a great 3 days off but hubby was sick . the weather was great!! you are so lucky with the way you purchase your stock winnie, it would be fantastic to be able to do that!!My goodness it was such a quiet week here last week the WORST ever,monday was the start of school holidays here so hopefully things will pick up.Quite wet here today so not too many about. What did you think of a S.A. team winning the footy???pretty great as it was MY team!!GO THE POWER

Hi guys, I'm so excited, photos of one of the weddings I did is up, www.davidtensen.com , go to Giane and Peter! and see my work!

Hi all, Cassie, the bouquets looked lovely. Was that emile in them?? Great photos.
As for Power winning, being a collingwood fan we just didn't want brisbane to win !!, but, I tell you what, I love ports theme song, its catchy.
School holidays, are always a killer. Weve also been pretty quiet. Last friday, I had TWO orders.....unreal !!, but, I really believe weve been given these days for a reason, you get to catch up on all those things you never have time for. So we Did our window display, and then changed the shop around, the customers love, it. Going in another comp on the weekend. Doing something contemporary this time......mmmmmmmmmm My mind is like a washing machine at the moment, planning, planning. Have ordered in some sea holly from sydney, now I will just stress that it turns up.

cassie how fantastic your wedding work looks CONGRATS!!!
what a clever girl you are!i love changing the shop around winnie, and as im never very busy i tend to do that a lot!!
some customers tell me they get giddy trting to find something in the same place ha ha. as we are a tourist location here the school holidays generate loads of pe but most are just lookers!!

Thankyou so much for your lovely compliments girls. Yes that is emile in the brides bouquet only winnie. So hows the business' going girls? Preeetty slow at the moment here, had an order at the start of the week for a doz roses, but that's about it. I need to restock my little shop as I'm running out of wires, and I'd like to start using something other than plastic wrap! I might invest in some tissue paper, my boyfriend bought me a bouquet recently and it was wrapped in tissue paper and it looked very classy!

Edited by author 10-01-2004 10:42 PM
Hi Girls,
i have some exciting news to share with you.
We have bought another business!!!oh my god you must be thinking winnie has this girl got no brains at all!!
 i will be closing my little shop here and moving back to our home town where our exciting new venture is located is (port augusta).
we have our house on the market and are due to take over the business early december. It is a much busier florist needs 2 1/2 people and i am going into partnership with my best friend, who is very talented and has been in the industry for many years. we have just finalised the deal. im so excited i can hardly contain myself. i have so much to do in the next few weeks try to contact my loyal customers to let them know will keep trading for a fortnight and then clear the shop then start packing up the house!! the down side to it all is my hubby has had to resign from his job due to health issues.oh my goodness my head is in a spin!!

I agree cassie that the non woven wrap is much softer and looks classy!! i have some problem sourcing it here in S.A. i also like the double sided paper has a different colour on eash side but quite stiff!mostly i still use the bright cello/ plastic wraps.weather is fantastic here today and loads of tourists about but not to buy, should charge an entry fee will make a killing!!long weekend here this weekend so hope to sell off some of my stock so i dont have to pack it up in the next couple of weeks
have a great weekend girls
cheers

Best of luck cheryl. Sad to hear your hubby is not in good health. Hopes things pick up for him. Wow, you have got a busy time ahead of you. And no, I'm not thinking this girl has no brains at all. I'm hoping all works out o.k.

Good luck Cheryl, sounds like you've got it made!
Girls, do you know if it's possible to get purple spray roses, also, have you guys ever used that design master spray stuff? I have a wedding coming up and the bride wants purple roses, I'm not sure if I should recommend the "mauve" looking colour, i think the spray will look too artificial, maybe you guys can tell me if you've ever used it?

hey cassie. Purple roses as in deep purple no. But there are alot of shades of mauve......Misty, shocking blue, blue moon, etc Thats the way I would be steering her. Yes I have used design master many times, and you could tint it purple but.......I wouldn't. It never looks 100%. I dont suppose she would like Purple lisianthus????? They look magic in bouquets. lots of other purples....singapore orchids etc, but maybe your bride has her heart set on roses.

Hey girls, I persuaded my bride into going with mauve. I'm thinking "Blue Moon", Delilah seems to be a bit too pink? I can't locate any purple spray roses... I might just have to cut off the heads of 30cm roses for my corsages, I'm hoping their heads will be small enough, how many heads per corsage do you think girls? I'm thinking I'll need 5 each... weddings are so stressful!!!!!!

I've been looking through my latest bride to be flowers magazine, the work in there is so so so exquisite, one question remains though - How on earth do you work with frangipanis?????????? Don't they shrivel and bruise, after half an hour?

Frangipani are really hard to aquire down here, expensive and not worth the stress to get in, even though we get the odd girl every now and then that has a whim to use them. Years ago, like twentyfive, we used them in every second bridal bouquet. They hold up well, if you hairpin wire them with a fine wire (28 gauge) then cut your parafilm in half length ways and very finely tape them. When I went to sydney last year and walked through the gardens I was so amazed to see huge trees full of them, not to mention them all dropping on the ground. Absolutely stunning, not too mention my florists brain thinking OMG....$$1.00 each, this tree is worth a fortune. So of course I stuck one in my hair and walked around sydney for the rest of the day, reaching up and taking it out and smelling it every now and then.....point being.....yes, that last very well......
As for your corsages Cassie, I would be going 3 roses if they are the 30cm ones, unless they have little heads of course and then five would be o.k. I usually do loops of spear grass and beads with them.

Edited by author 10-09-2004 09:35 PM
Hi there girls ,sorry for not posting but ive been y in port augusta doing all the essentials for the take over of the new shop. my sister in law has been here for me and the shop was closed for 2 days!! its sunday today and with no fresh stock and a million things to do, i dont know where to start!!I get a lot of requests for frangipani but have not ever got any as they are always in the winter, they grow like mad in my home town and we had a huge tree in our yard, but back then i didnt think anything other than what a mess they make when the leaves drop!! come on cassie relax, you told me all the stress of weddings is worth it ha ha ha, now i know why i dont believe you!! guess i will find out soon as the new business has heaps of weddings, but will leave that up to the more experienced of us to do (thats not me )nice to get your emails girls and will check for posts daily now im back from the far north.. cheers for now

saw a very large abthurium at a florist in sydney. anyone know of importers?

hi there josie nice to see a new name in the chat room!!
Sorry i dont know an importer i just get mine from my local flower market

hi josie, Dont know much about sydney, but I would think if you take a trip to the flower market early early a.m, you could chat direct to one of the importers there.

Hi there, almost finished packing up my little shop for the big move!!!will take computer home today and will keep you informed when we open in the new shop cheers for now keep on flowering !!
cheers cheryl

Cheers to the new shop !! All the best, shall look forward to hearing how it all goes.

hi ther winnie & cassie, just a quick note to let you know that all is progressing smoothly with the transition to the new shop!!projected commencement date 11th dec
take care will stay in touch
cheers cheryl

Hi, I'm new to the Floral industry. My question is what channel are the majority (ratios) of customer orders comming from:
1. Web / Internet
2. Telephone Orders
3. Other

I am keen to understand this to know where to focus my business. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

hi there stephen, im new also to the industry only 1 year under my belt, but have found most of my work comes via phone and walk ins. hope you enjoy being a florist as much as i do , and welcome to the industry and the chat room
cheers cheryl

Hi everyone. I'm also new to this industry and the chat rooms. I have bought a small shop in an up and coming area and things are pretty slow. I have been here for about 4 months and the shop itself has only been opened since January of this year. I would love any thoughts or comments on the best way to get some extra business through the doors. Good luck with the new shop Cheryl.

Tanya

hi there tanya, welcome, good luck with your new shop!!!! friendly service and good prices are one of the best ways to attract customers ,i also like to have things out the front to attract passers by, and a colourful window is a draw card. as i am also new to this industry i am always looking for any ideas you have found that work for your shop. what state are you in tanya?? im in S.A.
cheers cheryl

Thanks for your replies !

Hi Cheryl,
I'm on the Gold Coast, QLD. I don't have street frontage and with summer fast approaching I won't be able to put much out the front because it will be too hot! I think I need to change a few things around though. Definitely make a window display!!! If I come up with any great ventures will let you know!

Hi everyone, I've just joined Petals, and my shop has been open just 6 months, with Christmas just around the corner has anyone got any advise for me? Kind regards, Cheryl

With the competition of major retailers taking over the floral industry, it is crucial that florists find new ways to market themselves with the unique products they have to offer. I specialize in the most innovative gifts of innovation on the market at wholesale prices you can afford. Products include musical CD greeting cards, feather wreaths, water sculptures, and photo wedding favors. Some of my items have been featured on QVC and FTD marketplace on www.SoundExpressionGreetings.com.

I look forward to serving you this holiday season! Make Today Beautiful!
Kelli Fusaro
610-372-9981


Sincerely,
Kelli Fusaro

I love your shop name (Fletton Flower Fairies). I have written a couple of fairy stories and am looking into getting them published. I love the idea of fairies in my garden!!! I can't give much advice as this is my first xmas also.
Kelli - I know what you mean about being taken over by major retailers. People often come in here and get upset by my prices (which are cheaper than alot of florists i know) because they see how cheap flowers are in the supermarkets!!!
Can anyone tell me if you come up with an idea that you have found popular should you copyright it or something so that you have ownership of that idea??? Or do you just let other florists find out about it and use it???

>Can anyone tell me if you come up with an idea that you have found popular should you copyright it or something so that you have ownership of that idea???

Ideas are not subject to copyright - only their written or visual form & copyright is automatic, in Australia (as I understand it) there's no process for any registration of copyright. If you've an idea or image you want to protect you'd need to do something like register it as a trademark. For info on trademarks go to
http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search_index.shtml
regards, rtd

Thanks Russ, will have a look at the site.

Hi there, would anyone know where I can get a commercial dethorner in Sydney? I appreciate any feedback, Thanks.

hi there winnie & cassie, how goes it with you. have just started in the new shop and have had a huge first day!!
So different to my other little shop. The move towns was quite smooth hope all is well with you both cheers

hi everyone, i have recently opened a new florist shop in adelaide. it is going well i was woundering if anyone could give me any other advertising ideas to help get people through the door??

Our shop is very wedding based and we have this year received a number of brides wanting to use frangipanis in bouquets. However my florists tell me that they are unable to do this. Having not done it before and knowing how easily they bruise. As I have seen a few photos in the latest bouquet books using them I was wondering if any one could tell me how Io prepare the flowers so they can be used and guaranteed to not brown during the day of the wedding. Thanks heaps.

Dear 7072. Frangipani will hold up well if cross wired on 28 guage and taped on half width parafilm. you really need to be lighthanded to handle them. They last well if you a/ have a good supplier b/ they are fresh and transported well and c/ if you dont knock them or bruise them whilst handling. cheers.

I need information about large companies that buy flowers from greenhouses. Example would be exports to other countries for events such as Carnival in Rio or parades across the country. Anyone know?

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could help with the full name or phone number of an artificial flower supplier, all i have is Alliance. I know it's not much to go on, the retailer wont give me more than that, and i have a bride wanting one of their flowers.
Thanks, Lisa

Hi, I own a little florist and gift shop in Fiji Islands called Palace of Petals. I want to start interflora and/teleflora service there but don't know how to go about it. Can anybody help?

Hi Nolene,

It has come to my attention that you may be interested in becoming a member of petals network,We offer a variety of different memberships . These include a sell only membership which allows you to send flowers all over the world,a full membership which allows you to send orders and recieve orders ,we also have our light membership which will allow you to send and recieve ,but you don't recieve any commissions for this service .I would love to be able to help you with what you need for your business.Please contact me direct on my email address or phone number below ,for more information and answers to any questions you may have.

Kind Regards

Kim Meredith
Petals Network
AU Freecall: 1800 802 035
UK Freecall: 0800 0329 878
www.petals-exchange.com
kim@petalsnetwork.com

Hi Everyone,
I have just started my business from home.
Is there anyone else who has done this that can give me some advice/tips to get more customers or any great ideas for marketing and research?
Thanks

Hi Wilbur,
 
I've actually done the same thing, business from home... the best advice I can give you is to go with Yellow Pages, and set yourself up with credit card facilities.
QT - WilburJ <qtopic+7-RtUFtUTkCtqj@quicktopic.com> wrote:



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< replied-to message removed by QT >

wilbur and cassey

hi guys just to goin in on your convo i am moving in the same direction as you both and am wondering if you can give me some tips in getting started

Hello Noeline,

I have been given your name by Scott Williams of Petals Network,
Australia.

 

I understand that you are interested in joining a floral network. If you could send me an email outlining how long you have been in business, where you are situated, prices and any other relevant information, I will relay this to John Scutter who is the vice president of Teleflora International. John is the director of Teleflora New Zealand. He will be attending a TI meeting within the next two months and would be able to nominate you for becoming an authorised agent for Teleflora
International.

 

Kind regards,

Lyn

 

 

Lyn Petersen

Contact Centre Manager

Teleflora Inc

 

Phone (04) 569 8080

Fax (04) 569 6079

 

This message contains information that is confidential and which may be subject to privilege. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination,
distribution or reproduction of this message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me immediately by
facsimile or telephone (call me collect) and return the original message to me by mail. Thank you.

I recently tried to order flowers from New York for a business associate in Brisbane Australia. I googled a site and found www.flowermagic.com.au

I did not liek the look of the site much - very drab but I wanted to give business to a Brisbane company so I proceeded.

The checkout process was onerous. I got sent back several times to complete things that I easily overlooked. When I got sent back to tick a box to say that I had agreed to their privacy policy that was the final straw. I mean I was ordering flowers!

So since I run an eCommerce website development business here in NYC I gave them some feedback and told them this and said if they ever needed a new site to contact me.

I ended up using a place called the Flower basket at Toombul.

But here is the message I got back from the first site. I have to say it reflects the site perfectly.

"If you don't know how to operate a standard web site checkout I would not trust you with any thing, regards Fred
Many thanks from Elisabeth and the team at flowermagic
www.flowermagic.com.au
 
FREECALL 1800 44 1356
International [ 618] 94009920

Charming isn't it!

Talk about bad customer relations!





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< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Lyn,
 
Thank you for the quick reply. My little shop is situated in Suva, Fiji. I have been in operation since March of 2002. My prices are as follows: fresh floral arrangements - from $15, fresh wreaths - from $20, fresh wedding bouqets - from $50, fresh wedding posies - from $30. And my shop is called Palace Of Petals. I can send you some pictures of some of the arrangements done in the past.
Thanks again and kind regards,
 
Noline

QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic+7-RtUFtUTkCtqj@quicktopic.com> wrote:

 
 
 Palace of Petals
1 Ellery Street, Suva Fiji
PO Box 12374, Suva, Fiji
Tel (679) 3307 7080







__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello,

Did you get my email of 20 April, regarding your enquiry about becoming a Teleflora agent for Fiji?

 

Lyn Petersen

Contact Centre Manager

Teleflora Inc

 

Phone (04) 569 8080

Fax (04) 569 6079

 

This message contains information that is confidential and which may be subject to privilege. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination,
distribution or reproduction of this message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me immediately by
facsimile or telephone (call me collect) and return the original message to me by mail. Thank you.

HI Lyn,
 
Yes, and I replied on the 28th. I hope you received my mail.
 
Thanks,
 
Noline

QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic+7-RtUFtUTkCtqj@quicktopic.com> wrote:

 
 
 Palace of Petals
1 Ellery Street, Suva Fiji
PO Box 12374, Suva, Fiji
Tel (679) 3307 7080







__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello Everyone,

We have had this email sent to us but an NZ Florist. Just throught I'd post it here to see if anyone in interested.

"Hi, I am a senior nz florist, moving to Brisbane in two weeks,currently looking for a part time position. Do you have any vacancies?
Look forward to your reply."

Her email is paualisa@hotmail.com if anyone is interested.

Thank you

I would like to send an arrangement to honor the opening of a new restaurant "Citron" in Wilston Village. Unfortunately I do not have the address. Are you familiar with this establishment? Grand opening had been scheduled for July 12th.

Beverley

Sorry but I need to know what town and country this is going to.

Regards
Narelle Frost
Internet desk
Petals Network

e-commerce manager
Petals Network
Tel: +61 2 6774 9200
Fax: +61 2 9771 2610
Web: www.petalsnetwork.com


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Narelle,

My shop is in Fiji but I temporarily reside in the United States, where I am corresponding from.

Thanks,

Noline Yap
Sole Proprietor
Palace of Petals
Suva
Fiji Islands

Hi to head office and to all petals flower members. I have just gone live on the web receiving site and it looks good to me! Lets hope theres a few customers out there who want a funky designer to create something lovely for them. From member in Oxford England. xx

Welcome aboard!
I hope Petals works well for you.
Best wishes
Scott, Petals

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello everyone I am a new member in Ireland and I wanted to introduce myself, most of the other messages I see are from really exotic places, Believe me where I am is far from exotic!! But its home!
If anyone has any advice for me I'd love to hear it,

Regards,
Moira

hi cananyone help

Edited by author 11-04-2005 12:16 AM
Hello Moira
Nice to see you using this Board.
It is a bit quiet at the moment but hopefully will pick up.
In the meantime, welcome aboard!
Scott

Chief Executive
Petals Network

< replied-to message removed by QT >

am i doing something wrong no one seems to answer do i have to register or something

Hello petals from bucks

Welcome to the Petals Message Board

No you are not doing anything wrong. At the current time there are not to many people using this board so it may just be that know one that knows the answer has seen the question yet.

Please be patient and thank you for using this board.

Warwick Kay
------------------------------------
e-commerce manager
Petals Network
AU Free Call 1800 802 035
NZ Free Call 0800 565 200
UK Free Call 0800 0329 878
Web: www.petals.com.au / www.petalsnetwork.co.uk / www.petalsnetwork.co.nz

< replied-to message removed by QT >

You are doing fine.
It is just that no one is on board at present.
We also find that people respond in more detail to specific issues. I think your last post was fairly general (how to prolong flower life?) and many florists might be a bit busy to provide info that is possibly available from other sources.
Best wishes
Scott


< replied-to message removed by QT >

thankyou for answering

Hi everyone, just logged into the chat line for the first times so here goes. I am new to Petals and look forward to trading with you. My shop is Beachside Flowers at Papamoa, Tauranga, New Zealand. We supply vibrant fresh flowers throughout Papamoa, Te Puke, Mount Maunganui and Central Tauranga. Gift trays are a speciality, we stock a large range of gourmet foods. The shop is just one year old so we will grow as the area does. Papamoa is a strong growth area and the beach here is just lovely. I read one message about making flowers last longer. I am using Floralife
Quick Dip which is an instant hydration treatment and is well worth using.
Cheers Shirley

Hello Shirley, Trust your day is going well. I am sure you will be very impressed with the service that Petals provides to their florists.

To 7072, Thanks for your reply, I have been impressed with the Petals organisation so far, and as the business grows I will certainly use them more and more
cheers
Shirley

Business for Sale - Healthy established business in Gladstone with customer database & loyalty programs in place. Booked future weddings & corporate work until end of 2006. Established since 1993. Members of Interflora & Petals Network. Selling to be with husband. $50,000 WIWO plus car lease and stock at valuation. Contact Dianne
07-4972 0400 or 0417 747 059

  I just want to let you know I'm new customer to Petals
 let me know if you need any question to do with weddings
 I would be happy to answer my shop is located at
 1 Shirley road.Papatoetoe.

 sorry ,I forgot to mention .I am from SouthAuckland n.z
 I live in Pakuranga area .I can deliver in Auckland area
 027-3295990.If need something designer buoquet for
 weddings or decorations or wedding receptions ,products
 for hire contact the above detalis
 Cheers from The Flower Cart

Hi this is Kelly (and Kev) from Token UK in Cambridge (UK). We are now up and running and seem to have everything in place with Petals- good bunch to deal with and looking forward to working with you lot !!

Hi Dianne
Can you let me have your e-mail please
thanks

Morning to you all,

Had my computer set up yesterday first time able to chat to you all.
I opened up my shop on the 4th Jan. this year. All going well so far, although generally very quite. I am in Southampton,Hants. UK. How is everyone doing for Valentines day is it busy out there.

Regards Sue

Hi sue, All is going well for valentines, although, with 40 odd degrees last week and the week before, I am sure there have been alot of roses held in coolrooms!!!! Truth will be in the pudding I'm sure.
Orders are already coming in. We are going to try and educate a few guys this year by offering little bouquets in pink, and called sweetheart bouquets at a price of around $30.00. Hopefully get those guys that have a budget and are brave enough to buy something other that roses. cheers, hope yours is a good one.

Hi everyone, Valentine here in Fiji is getting bigger a deal as the years go by. My roses sold very well. I had hair dresser friends who sold roses out of the salons as well and they did very well.

Hi Noline, glad you went well for valentines. Youre obviously o.k with the fact that youre friends are taking business away from florists, but then Life is different there in Fiji, so I shouldn't make a judgement like that, I'm sorry.
Our Valentines was great, Had a few problems at first getting the 60cm roses as the heat had mucked them all up. But we were well organised, so we got to enjoy the day. Hope everyone had a good one also.

Hi Everyone,

I'm only a new member of Petals in the last couple of months, but so far it has boosted my little country Queensland Floristry outlet far beyound my expectations.

This is my first time in the chat room & Iv'e enjoyed reading all your stories & places you are from.I will look in often to read all your comments & hopefully get to know some of you.

Regards Helen

Hi Helen. First time in the chat room???????? a bit nerve racking posting your first one, I remember well. Well done then, congratulations. Its a shame that more florists dont post here, Probably more read than post , but thats o.k. Hope you will post as often as time permits. One of the chat sites I look at overseas has heaps and heaps of florists all giving advise and friendship. Maybe one day this site can be as good.

Edited by author 03-05-2006 05:31 PM
Hi Winnierose,

It was good receiving your e-mail. Things have been very quite since Valentines.I run my little business from the side of my house & so miss out on all the passes by, but I do advertise every week in the local paper & people are getting used to me being in business. I had a fairly big write up last week from the editor. He gave a really good profile of my back ground etc so hopfully it all helps to impress on the locals.

I originally come from the big smoke many years ago in Sydney N.S.W but married a country fella. It was a big change as you can imagine, but have settled into country life now all these years later, & hopfully my little business will grow.

Petals has been very good to me & the sales girls wonderful. Ive really enjoyed their friendliness.

Do let me know where you are from, and any tips your,ve found helpful on different products or just in business its self.

Kind Regards
Helen

Seems to be quiet around here, anyway a big wave from http://www.floristnews.co.uk

Hi florist news, yeah it is a tad quiet in here, and If I was anything at all to do with the petals network I would push this site to all and sundrie and encourage all florists to use it, and then probably drop the petals advertising here and there. But I would advertise the forum, and get people to start dropping the petals name, even if they aren't members of petals. what is the best advertising, but word of mouth.

Edited by author 03-20-2006 01:29 AM
Hi again everyone, Yes it is still very quite, but Mothers day is just around the corner, so enjoy the peace for now. I think we'll have our little legs run off come the 14th May. I'm presently making up little mini boxes with their bows & folding all my polly papers ready for the on slaught. Well I hope anyway. We have to stay positive.

I wonder how our sister florists up north are going at the moment. I guess this cyclone Larry thats caused so much damage will also have a huge retail impact on their sales. It is still very dry out this way though.

Well I'll check in again soon & to say hello. Bye

Just thought I'd check to see if everyone has been banned from posting to this forum. Or is it that we are all waiting for someone else to say something? Well, a big hello from the UK! Nice to hear that you're gettting your share of the rain in Oz. Anyone live in Byron Bay? my neice woke up to find her car under 4 foot of water! On another note, I'm feeling quite proud of myself as just last week I was asked to make up a posy bouquet for a little girl to present to Her majesty the Queen when she paid a visit to a local Cathedral. Nice work, but of course you have to say "no charge madam". Or would you still charge for it?
Have we got any florists in Perth reading the forum. I'd really like to get some info on the state of trade at the moment.

Hello to all our in florist land, it is Sam from HQ here. I hope that everyone had a good and busy easter, and just a comforting thought International Mothers Day is only 3 weeks away!!!!!!.

My purpose for posting is to pose a question to you all from one of our Australian Members she is teaching a TAFE course and would like to know what is the most important thing you look for in a new trainee? she would also like to know what is the least appealing trait a new trainee could have or what would put you off most when potentially employing someone.

Any responses would be great and helpful to a new generation of florists.
Hope to hear from you soon.

Sam

I suppose the one thing that tends to get me going is the 'waiting for a job syndrome'. I can appreciate that it's difficult when you start a new job in a strange environment. You are keen to impress (i hope) and you don't want to be seen doing something wrong. To some people, the easiest way to avoid doing the wrong thing is to do nothing at all. If you are in a busy shop, which is the best environment for learning; unless you have been given a task that will take you all day (boring, boring), there will be times when you have nothing to do and everyone else is just too busy to think about finding you a job. This is the time to use your initiative and find something to do. It doesn't really matter what it is. Even something as mundane as sweeping the floor. My instant reaction would be 'this person is good..not because they know how to sweep a floor...any fool can do that..but because we didn't have to ask! In any workplace, there will always be hundreds of little jobs that need doing but never get done. Not because no one is worried about them, but because there are always more important things to do. This is not to say that because you are a trainee you should spend all your time cleaning and polishing. If you find yourself in that situation, get out fast. You need to learn and it goes without saying that most people will be more than happy to teach you if you are doing your bit to make their lives a little easier in return.

Re what I would look for in a trainee, as flyhi said, initiative, is probably the one good trait, I would look for. Also, in an interview, I would look for someone, who is into art, crafts, music. These ones tend to pick up things quicker, as well. I would look for someone who has the passion for it also, I would ask what web sites they recommend? who are their favorite demonstrators.? Or are they interested in going to demo's etc. And the one thing that drives me nuts, is when these kids are shown how to do a Posy bowl at college, and tested the same day, and they pass and go to the next module, without really "knowing" these "basics" And they finish school a substandard florist with an attitude.

I'd like a trainee that didn't think she was too good to do the dirty work the minute she was able to make a bunch. Once they get their hands on flowers it is very hard to motivate them to clean buckets, change water, sweep floors etc. Any motivational ideas? At present I tell them they can do flowers after the basic jobs are completed, meaning the quicker the basics are done the quicker they get to 'play'

Edited by author 04-24-2006 12:14 AM
Hi Again Everyone, or & to Anyone wanting to say hello. Nice to see the cooler months arriving even tho I do like the summer too. I think the flowers like the Autum best. I do a local pub every week here in my little corner of the world & I'm finding the blooms are lasting a bit longer.

It's still very quite here. Didn't get many the week of easter. I think Mr Buggs had them all busy looking under the trees & rocks for those Yummy chocolates. Never mind Mothers Day is only weeks away & maybe we can make up for the loss of revenue for a better use of the word (NO Profits that week.

Well I'm going to make busy sweeping the floors, so until next time I look in, Kind Regards.

Hello everyone! I'm New to petals. I found the chat site and was reading about how everyone is slow right now and I'm not the only one in the floral that is slow right now! I hope that mothers day well be better.
Helen as you were saying about sweeping the floors i have been doing alot of that the past week, I'm in Michigan USA it is slow over here too...

I thought that just maybe there is a full moon tonight. We put a sign on our window advertising the fact that a part time florist is required and only apply if experienced. Well, low and behold in comes a nicely presented young woman, and very animated, tells me she has seen the sign and although not qualified she is experienced, and so wants to work in here. Story goes, her friend had a shop and she talked her into letting her work with her for two weeks for no pay, so that she would be experienced. Her friend said that she was such a quick leaner, that she rooly wanted her.....no rooly!!!. but, she couldn't pay her rent and lost her lease. When I tried to tell her she "wasn't experienced, she stopped me, and explained, she could do Baskets,boxes and bunches, and she still wanted to learn more, can you believe that???????????????????????????????But she had experience, she knew for certain...........two weeks.........sob !!!, changing the sign tomorrow...........I'll think of the correct wording.

This is a message for our New Zealand florsits. This is an email I received earlier this month and I thought someone out there in florist land might be looking for/know of someone looking for an apprentice/trainee. If anyone is interested please contact Joanna directly

Hi, my name is Joanna Green.

On the 15th of June my family and I will be moving to New Zealand, around Wellington area. We arrive in New Zealand on the 15th June. We plan to stay in Auckland for a couple of days and then travel to Wellington. We plan on living within a 40 minute drive of Wellington but have not yet sorted out exactly where we will be staying, therefore, the easiest way to contact me will be on my mobile. My number is: 07749979459. My e-mail address is: walking_in_humility@hotmail.com

This might seem like a long shot but I was wondering if any of the florists offer apprenticeships to young people.

I am 18, I completed three months of a florist course in the UK, which I enjoyed very much, but sadly had to leave when we decided to move to New Zealand.

I still study floristry from books and the internet etc and I recently did all the flower arranging for my own wedding.

I will be coming to New Zealand with the hope of getting a working, or possibly a study, visa. I would very much appreciate any help or advise you could give me.

I can forward you my CV and a portfolio of my recent work on request.

Edited by author 05-18-2006 01:21 AM
Hi Brandie, Well Mothers Day went well I think. Could of had more international orders which would of been good but I experienced a lot more of the local natives at my door which was good. Slowly more more people are hearing of me which is terrific. Things have slowed down considerably again though as I guessed they're all shopped out, broke & back to reality. I think the rise in interest rates & petrol prices people are genually hurting out there & so is business. But on a brighter note, hang in there. Its a bit of an indurance race but I'm sure we'll win out in the end if we keep persevering.

Well its nearly that time again when its the end of another day & we begin to change roles from Florist to house wife & mother. Cheers to every one & hope to hear from you again in the near future. Looks like where in for some rain over this side of the globe. Hope so anyway.

Regards Helen at Floral-Jazz South West Queensland Australia

Hi, to all, I am new and from a small town, having had my computer get corrupted this week has been the pits. Does anyone by some slim chance have an old eagle 1.5 disc around to sell, beg, borrow or steal, whatever it takes. Please call 18004721270; I wish I could be only sweeping the floor about know. Thanks

Hello, this is my first time so be gentle with me. We are looking for a good ceramic pot supply, we used to use pottery pavilion but they closed down. We are in the Northern suburbs of Perth. Does any florist import floristry supplies directly from overseas? And finally, is it really worth having your own website. If anyone could give me feedback on whether it has been of benefit to them or not.
Regards
Susan

Firstly, HI Jean, hope your computer woes have been sorted by now. And Susan, welcome, Hows that for gentle??
I'm in Vic, and I cant help you with ceramic pots, so if you find a good supplier, you are going to have to share the info on here, O.K?
And in my opinion a web site is a must, you have to be able to service those people that shop that way. I've just had great interaction with a guy from scotland, who sent flowers to his aunty, and was emailing us back and forth discussing add ons like scotch whiskey. A quick phone call to us with his credit card after we had all his info, and another happy customer. We will never be able to compete with those that have a web site who pretend they are in a shop front store, when in fact they mass produce their flowers. But REAL florists have to have the ability to keep up with technology as well as trends.
cheers.

Thanks Winnierose. I'll keep looking for pots. Its good to hear that your website is working for you. My shop is unusually quiet this month so I guess there is no excuse not to organize a site now. I have time. I'm glad customers are happy to call with their credit card details once they have chosen what they want. Having the facility of e commerce on the website seems expensive.

Hi susan. Quiet over there as well?? We haven't been this quiet in yonks. It is school holidays, but still.........maybe we can blame the soccer??
Good time to do all those things we whinge about not having time to do heh???

Hi Susan,
Yes!!! definitely get a site up and running. Don't worry too much about it being cutting edge, anything will be better than nothing. I spent ages on my own site, just lots of content, images, info etc. Haven't got round to ecommerce or even having prices on everything, but still get lots of phone calls like " just had a look at your website and like the arrangement, basket, bouquet ref xxx, how much is that?", Usually results in an order. It overcomes the usual questions of "what will it look like, what is in it ", etc. even just a few picks of your shop gives people confidence and lets them know you are a real florist.

Hi Susan & fly2hi, Sam at Petals HQ here, just reading your post's and wondering if you knew that eligible Petals members have a free website that we have set up for them. These sites have all the petals products and pricing on them so that customers can choose something to send from there (and we clear the credit card etc, and send it back to you if it is in your area)or they can contact you direct as your contact details are on the site.

These sites are generating a nice number of orders and we only released them at the beginning of May. We are also working on search engine optimisation so that our member's sites get good placment on search engines but this process is a little slow.

To check out if you have a site and to modify the look etc visit the petals florist directory www.petals-florist-directory.com and search for either your town or postcode and find your listing, then click on the florists website link and you will be taken to your site.

If you have any questions or would like more information please dont hesitiate to contact me.

Cheers Sam

Thanks for your advice fly2hi. Sounds like a great idea to include shots of the shop and give internet shoppers an idea of who they are ordering from. It must be much easier for people to order a product they have seen. Hey Sam, how many orders are for the florists choice compared to Petals options? Have any florists been approached by a group called BNI?

Hi Sam, yes..you already have me under your wing with the members website. I've still yet to set up some active links from your images on my own site to your order page. Where does the time go when you're supposed to be having fun!
Susan, I nearly always try to encourage people to opt for florist choice or at least something flexible. You must know what it's like when you get a very specific order, like for delivery that day, and you just haven't got the right flower or the right colour and you know you could do something better if given the choice. Of course with something like a dozen red roses, then there is no alternative, you just have to cater for it. I try and think of the shop executing the order and 'do unto others...' Likewise I try and avoid sending 'minimum value orders' as its a real pain when it turns out to be long distance. Most people accept that you will get a much better product for a little bit more money. Something like.."Yes we can send for xx, but honestly, another fiver is going to look like another tenner".
Northern suburbs of Perth? When I lived there, you could count them on your fingers without using your thumbs. Nowadays I guess everyone carrys the UBD in their back pocket!

HI

If you mean how many orders are for florist choice rather than a specific product it varies- the orders that come from a member florist would definitely have more petals products than florist choice, but the orders generated from the website - over the mothers day period- the florist choice items won out over the Petals items.

This is one of the reasons we have increased our florist choice product range on the website to include more items like a gerbera arrangement, lilly arrangement, tropical arrangeemnt etc.

My own personal thoughts on ordering flowers is that a florist has had training and experience in putting stuff together therefore they are the best people to decide what to send out. Also when we are talking to customers we also let them know that if they choose florist choice then the florist can use whatever is best in their shop on that day ie if they have great lillies then it allows them the freedom to use those.

I think also the florist choice products - which are generally the lower end of the price scale- are popular given people's reduced disposable income.

Now back to work I suppose :-)

I am looking for a full time florist to work in the Swan Valley area. If anyone can recommend someone please let me know or they can call me on 0400 393 343. Its a busy shop and they won't be bored.

Hi Susan, I just thought I ask you how your going with your web site & if it is very costly to have one. I'm finding because I have a reasonablly small business in a little town I dont get a lot of orders. To set a web site of my own sounds like a good idea even though I have one with Petals as well. What do you think? Does it work well for you? Hope to hear from you soon. Regards Helen

Hi Helen, I am not sure if you read my posting below in reference to the free Petals websites? If not I will briefly fill you in and see if this might be the way to go rather than setting up your own site for now. Petals provides free websites for all eligible members of Petals.

These websites can be personalised (to a degree) and offer shopping facilfities where customers can order from the petals catalouge and then if it is an order going to your area the order goes straight back to you to fulfill, and if the order is not going to your area it comes through to Petals and we allocate the order off to another florist and you get the "selling credit" The more orders that are generated off your website, the more orders you will be "owed" generally.

If you would like more information on the websites or how to find out if you have one just ask :-) sorry if you already have this information

Hi Helen,
I am still getting it organized. The biggest hold up is having someone to take photographs of your work. You either have to have it all ready for them or they have to come in regularly to take photos. There needs to be good lighting, background etc, or you can take photos yourself on a digital camera. I have spoken to some florists who have a site with little use but they think it is essential as a future tool and most web site designers tell us the internet is the way. Many customers say that the web is the only way they have time to order. I agree that it is needed but you need a web designer that will get your site noticed because there are a lot of florists on line. Key words that will make your site be seen etc. Costs are around $1500 to set up with no e commerce plus $100 to rgister your name and it goes up from there.

Hi Susan, & Hi Sam,
Thank you both for all your infomation on web sites. I do have one with Petals but I was thinking of setting up another for my self as I need to generate more business. At this stage I'm trying all sorts of idea's to build my business & so all information is grately appreciated.Thank you once again for all your help.

Hi Helen,
Best of luck. When business is not walking past your door you have to be creative to develop a business that will come to you. I'd love to hear what is working for you in the future.

Hello everyone
I have been approached by a compnay called SERVOSAVER. They tell me they are huge in Australia (Im in New Zealand)...every purchase at one of their members stores gives the customer a receipt entitling them to 6c per litre off petrol. Are any of Petals members also a member of this group? Please tell me your thoughts.

Hi everyone
I am a new business owner and petals member. Just wondering what type of advertising is effective and inexpensive to do. I have been thinking about an editorial or advertisement in the local newspaper the is delivered free to residents in the area. What have some of the best advertising ideas that anyone has used and has been successful? I have just taken over a shop that was opened 14 months ago and the previous owner did no advertising, she just sat here and waited for the customers to come, the shop can currently only just cover itself and I would like to step things up and get the shop going as the shop is in a great positon and the only in the suburb.

Edited by author 09-18-2006 05:44 PM
Hi Siouxsie,

I am realitive new to business & Petals too in the last year. Buiness is very slow. I just advertise where & when ever possible & as I can afford. I am in a small country Town & theres two of us which makes things a bit competitive for me. What I tend to find is working a little is fridge magnets given with each purchase. People tend to throw business cards in draws not to be seen again but magnets go straight on the fridge. I also have larger magnets to stick on the side of my car door so that they are constantly seen by passers by. Eventually I will approach a property close to the Highyway & ask if I may put a advertising sign in the corner of his fence so that the highyway traffic will see it as they pass. For this priverledge I'm sure it will cost but advertising is half of your business I believe along wit good customer service so hopefully I have helped you. The fridge magnets I find are working for me at the moment but it all takes time to be known. Any business takes at least 2-3years to make a profit I think somtimes 5. I wish you all the best in your new venture & I'd be interested to see how your going down the track. Best of luck. Kind regards Helen

Re Advertising: Our florist wanted to get known quickly and I found that by giving our local school a regular arrangement for the reception, not only did we feel good but all the parents and staff noticed it too so that they ordered their flowers from us. Sometimes you have to give a little to get some. Best of luck to you Siouxsie.

Thanks Helen and Susan for your ideas. I have thought of both of those and have yet to organise them. The car magnets are great and I will eventually get some when I have a nicer looking car. The idea i had for the schools was different to the one you suggested Susan, yours may be easier to implement first. I have a lot of schools in the surrounding suburbs but I'll start with one or two first.
Thanks again
Siouxsie

Let us know how you go Siouxsie.
Regards
Susan

Hi, Im just new to the business and was wondering if anyone had ideas on how to stop flys in the shop.

Hello Michelle. Summer will be a time for lots of insects & depending where you live you may have to get your shop screened. Particularly a sliding screen door. Other than that you could buy your self one of those beaded door hangers that you hang over the door frame. some of them are quite decrotive but you'll find the kids like to constantly walk under them all the time or touch them so that they break easily. Alot of retailers have air conditioning too so that helps reduce flys as flys prefer the heat. But if you cant afford air conditioning you may just have to go with the screens or the beaded door strip. Hope I have helped.
Regards Helen

Hi Michelle,
you could try some pyrethrum plants at the door. As customers brush past them the release a scent that insects don't like and they look fresh and pretty too. If that doesn't work you can put some venus fly catchers around and make it a talking point that you are feeding your plants. They can be sold as well. Failing that a can of fly spray works well too.

Hi to Gaynor in Oxford, England. Good luck with petals.
Eva h. Stnod in Berkshire, England.

Hello Meghann, Yes The Danish Arts & Craft have a wonderful range of goodies that one can incorperate in their floral designs. Ive personally bought there dried roses as i had a customer that wanted to have the cottage garden look in a hanging basket. Although I must admitt it looked beatiful when I'd finished, being in a small country town where I live & have my shop country folk wont pay the prices that there city cousin will. So It wasn't really profitable for me. Danish Art is expensive. Their pot purri smells gorgous though & so would re-buy that particular item . I like to sujest to my customer about having a small organzer bag fillded with dried rose petals or lavender, tied to the bouquet stems of flowers. Nice just with a single red rose too.

We are looking at serving some cakes and coffee at our shop in Victoria Australia and was hoping anyone could advise on any tips or regulations if they also sell food.

Thanks

Hi All,
I am looking at stocking a small stand at the local hospital but the temp in the hospital is kept at around 24degrees. Does anyone out there do something similar and what flowers other than natives will be able to stand the temperature? Do you find that the flowers are a big seller?

Hi Michelle, Coffee & cake sound a good idea. Iv'e had this thought my self. I run my little business from home in a small country Queensland town & have a big old house with a beautiful double front yard full of jaccaranda trees & agapantha's linning the footpaths. It looks very park like & I get many comments. In my little
corners there's little ponds & water trickling over the rocks & gold fish swimming.I have put tables & chairs with unbrella's for the quite relaxing afternoons as it gets very hot up here on the Downs. I haven't as yet approached the local council to whether I could have the food & beverage along with the flowers as when I first started my floristry here almost 2 years ago it cost me nearly $500 in councils fee's just to legally set up & things have been very very slow for me here as there are two of us in the town plus a big IGA store & soon to be a woolworths opening up next Oct 07. I guess my point is it may not be worth it for me even though I feel I have the perfect setting but maybe for you in your situation if you have a proper shop front it would be aventages. I'd check with your local council.

Kind Regards Helen

Hi Helen and Michelle,

I am not sure how helpful this will be to you but I have found a website on food handling regulations http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/f...etystandardsf64.cfm if this doesnt help answer your questions regarding food service in your shop I am sure they will be able to point you in the right direction of someone who can, and by the way Helen your place sounds absolutely lovely and I can imagine myself sitting in your yard soaking up some peaceful time!

Sam@ Petals HQ

Edited by author 12-03-2006 04:43 PM
Hi Sam. thanx for all the info on food regulations & what would be involved in setting up such a venue. I have printed it all off & will have a read. Unfortunately for me It probably wont come to fruition but yes I can sit in my beautiful garden & dream of my asparations & the if onlys.
Hi Michelle, I hope all goes well for you & let us know how you get along with it all. I can only emagine how a little side line of serving coffee & cake would boost sales & it would be a great side line attached to your flowers I'm sure.

Kind Regards Helen at Floral-Jazz

Thanks Helen and Sam for all your help. We are still looking into the option and are checking with the council.

Hi out there Michele,Helen and all,
I am a brand new Petals girl we opened about two months ago.
My florist is a florist and cafe with my brother manning the coffee machine and myself on flowers.
 I liked the idea of the combination when I realised there was a bit of waiting around with flowers and with my brother and I both having a hospitality background it seemed an ideal family business.
We are in the proccess of getting our licence through at the moment. I must say though the environmental health officer didnt quite know what catagorie to put us into?!
.My question to the Petals members is: how do you usually get new corperate clients??? I am off to a relatively good start but would love some more.How do you guys do it ??????
Cheers Sarah

Hello Sarah,

Just read your message about corporate clients and although we see it from a different angle I can share with you some helpful tips (maybe helpful??) I have heard from some other members. Petals has what we call statement stuffers which are about the size of a small envelope and they show a selection of products available which other members have used to letterbox/mail bomb potential clients - both corporate and private. The beauty of the statement stuffers is that it gives the customer an idea of what is available and it also has a space for your stamp/sticker so they could put it up somewhere like a lunch room etc and then when people want to call all the details are there.

Another thing I was speaking to a member about a little while ago was they actually approached businesses such as the school, council etc with a very very professional quotation which had coloured images of the flowers they could select from, price ranges, what they could expect from the florist and what sort of savings they could make, they found that they won the contract because of the level of professionalism displayed in the quotation process.

I am sure there will be lots of other excellent ideas coming in for you as well.

Good Luck

Hi Sam,
Thank you so much for your suggestions. I am going to get a sample page together to take to some of my local business. I think what tends to put some people off is them thinking it will be far too expensive so having a sliding scale is a great idea any others are truely welcome.
Thanks again
Sarah.

Hi all, Good to read all your recent messages. Yes I find people have this pre idea of florist's being to expensive so they pick up a cheapie bunch from woolies, super IGA & the like. Usually theyr'e half dead & a disappointment to most people who purchase them. Most florists can do any price range their customers want & so I always ask what would "you" like to spend & let the customer feel that there in control of their wallet not the shop.

Ive been making up little $5.00 posies made up out of the long side shoots of chrysie's. Iv'e found these very popular. By peaking up ur polly paper tall around the bunch gives it a loverly full look. Quite often we use these bits in boxed arrangements too, so why not make them into little bouquets as well.