Florist News

The quotes i send out only say something like this....

1 brides handtied @ £ 60.00

2 maids handtieds @ £45.00

25% deposit is .....

etc etc

I keep the details myself, but thats now after i have the £25 holding date fee so if she does go elsewhere after spending time quoting at least i have the £25 for the time and trouble.

I learnt my lesson with sending out very detailed quotes. It just gives them the opportunity to go to another florist armed with the detail and thus getting a cheaper price. Think I will stick to your idea Breezy.

Do you think then by cutting the information down to a minimum you dont lose clients who then go somewhere else and get better feedback. But I do take your point - its a difficult one to call

Whoops I mean Elouise..must be the wine!

Pass the bottle round please ...he he

I got the impression from Breezy that she does break it down with details and varieties etc then once they've paid a deposit it's all finalised with a contract which the bride signs.

Ohhh I took so long to type my reply that I've now lost track!

Just wanted to add that I've had a few brides either ring up or email me with quite detailed requirements which I've therefore assumed they're just trying to get the best price. With these I usually tell them I'm fully booked for that wedding as the last thing I want is a bride who doesn't seem to particularly care who does her flowers, just as long as they are the cheapest.

I'd much rather work with a bride that books us because she likes us and therefore trusts us with the flowers for her big day. For that reason I'm probably happier that those brides do go elsewhere if all they're interested in is price.

I have also had brides that have come to us for a quote to compare, but prefer us for one reason or another and have asked if I can do anything to match other prices - more often than not I can get closer just by using less flowers/more foliage but I do explain this clearly to the bride.

Ok technical hitch sorted - I'm back!! This is how it goes:- we have a consultation with much discussion regrading flowers etc, I give them a rough idea of price at the time, then I send them a quote similar to Elouise, if they are happy they send deposit and then they get the detailed contract. It does make for more paperwork but it ensures that if it is just prices they are after my time is not wasted doing detailed contracts for nothing. I've had a couple of brides that want more info there and then and I told them I needed time to speak to suppliers to check availability, prices etc, they were happy with that. Anyway give me funeral work anyday - much less hassle!!

Our brides don't seem to be like yours. 90% come in check if we are free book date and pay deposit contract is filled out and they sign. Other 10% want to go into details which we do making notes etc and giving approx price most either book on the spot or come back after 5-10mins and book again they come back and go into final details we never ever give copy of contract out then you know they are going to compare prices if they request this we just give them a order docket with our label on stating Bride £65 Bridesmaid £45 etc with no details of design or flower to be used thus making it harder another florist to compete never have had a complaint yet

Yes I see Breezy, by spending the time initially they have it in their heads what you are going to give them, so when you send out your brief run down they are either going to go with it or they are not. You made the hook when you saw them really and it does not give your competitors the chance of underpricing you if they choose to go elsewhere.

I think a lot depends on the type of clientelle you get through the doors and I do agree that if all brides are interested in is the price then these are weddings I am glad to let someone else have the hassle of.

By the way does anyone charge for an initial bridal consultation?