Florist News

In case? Hahahaha, they WILL let you down. It's a funny business, floristry, so dependant on staff, you HAVE to be able to do it yourself to step in and fill the gaps for when your staff inevitably shaft you.

not that Rosa has ever had any staff problems!!!! None of us have ,,have we girls,,,,

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live long and prosper

hmmmm...perhaps I should have rephrased that! hahahaha

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FAUN TO BE WILD...!!!

You can't just buy a flaming flower shop cos you like flowers ducky!! Get a grip and think seriously about it. Go on a proper course and get a job in a decent shop and see if you like actually doing it first.

you did ask!

P.S. my husbands an accountant,,,its a mixed blessing having ur accountant so close!! Saves you a fortune but u also get a lot of hassle and nagging about....everything!

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live long and prosper

Mmmmmmmmm I'd say plain bonkers. Get some experience first please.

I think you are crazy to even consider this as an idea. What everybody else has said about staff is so true - you need to be able to take over if they all left or were ill etc and as it stands you wouldn't be able to.

I am in my 2nd year of studying, am doing well and getting some private work - but no way would I consider taking on a shop until I had actually experienced working in a florist 1st.

I firmly believe in risk taking, as this is what makes successful business people; but personally I think this is a risk too far for you. Good luck in whatever you decide

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www.treesfloraldesign.co.uk

Try not too run before you can walk springs to mind.

I have as placements and a Sat girl worked in 3 different florist shops to gain experience and each shop was completely different. I think from these shops I have learnt a wide range of jobs that a florist does - but I still only know a fraction of the job (if you know what I mean?)

Sometimes, when you think you have got it - something will happen or a customer will ask for something out of my comfort zone and I realise I don't know as much as I thought.

I still work - but registered s/e last year so I could work on the farmers markets to gain experice of dealing with the customers and sales. I sold baskets, containers (plants) and floral arrangements and I found it really hard going - but it helped me as I started to find what the customers wanted and what they didn't.

One of the shops that I worked in specialized in funeral work - and where brilliant, the 2nd shop in weddings, I enjoyed it - but thought that the weddings were too stressful and I know I need to get more experience and confident in this field, hence this new college course. The shop I am currently at specializes in modern arrangements, designer weddings and bq's. I am loving it here - but I still need to keep my hand in the above area's as it is so easy to forget and loose confidence unless you are doing it all the time.

I think you should try a market that runs every week (some do 2 x per week) but still work in a florist a couple of days to keep your hand in and still be able to judge what sells and what is the latest 'fashion' in flowers etc.

good luck, lulu

A bit like me saying "Hey...wanna buy a car...it's a really nice motor..Lewis Hamilton used to drive it and he won a few Grand Prix in it...I know you haven't driven a car before, but don't worry, just jump in and hit the pedal...go in that direction...oh! by the way..the guys in the pits are all leaving next week so you'll have to get your own crew."

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I totally agree with the others, you have no experiece, its no good you relying on your staff, they will walk allover you,they will think "what the hell does she know shes no florist" when you advise them.etc. It would be like opening a Restaurant if you cant cook!!!!!!!! Go get training , work in a shop for at least a couple of years, do you even no the names of theflowers, go ive been a florist for 30 odd years( started young) and im still learning.
dont want to seem hard on you but if you loose loads of money you will only have youself to blame.good luck in your decision.

what happens if Staff calls in sick. Could you cope with all the orders and make them all ?? Our girl called in sick last Monday but Cathie was able to cope as she is Qualified NCF Part II and now has 2 years of working, but still learning all the time and speed is another thing which you only gain through experience. Don't want to keep a customer waiting long whilst making up their flowers.
Anybody told you how hard and cold it is...can't have heating on as kills the flowers so not like an office environment all warm and cosy!! I know I work in both. Office mon - frid flower shop Saturdays. One i wear a short sleeved shirt the other 3 layers of clothing and a hat !!
Buying a shop with no experience is a nightmare waiting to happen, like me buying a good racehorse and then deciding to be its trainer and wondering why it came in last every time and I was spending soo much money.

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The best shop in Basingstoke: www.yourcountryflorist.co.uk