Florist News

What a great idea, probably get bogged down here with Health and Safety issues, feel very nannied (is that a word???) sometimes with rules and regs

Lovely MT.

We actually just started arranging ours the other week. Well, i say arrange, we were just throwing ideas into the hat. We also have a photographer and a kilt hire business in on it too

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www.AmandasFlorist.co.uk

"The secret of creativity is knowing how to hide your sources" - Albert Einstein.

Would it really be that nasty with health and safety? I know they are quite strict here too, but if its your own shop/street wouldn't that be ok?
Of course you could just do it and not think about health and safety!?

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~success is a lousy teacher...it seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose~

sounds great Amanda! Kilts...hehehe, sounds like fun!!!

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~success is a lousy teacher...it seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose~

Leanne. This really sounds like you are sitting on your backside waiting for your business to fold. Even your username suggests you're down in the dumps. I think a more positive outlook is needed, along with an honest appraisal of your shop's appearance and stock. Ask yourself these questions...
Is this a beautiful shop people can't pass by without coming in?
Does the window display tempt people to look closer?
Do I stock what I want to sell, or what people want to buy?
Are there ready made, unique creations/plants as impulse buys?

Even on our quietest days, I still feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get the displays right, make ready-to-go designs, water the plants, update the website, email brides etc and clean clean clean. We are constantly planning the next strategy - wedding show, Christmas open night, buying trip to Holland.....

You must constantly evolve. It is too easy to blame quiet times on holidays and credit crunches, because we can't do anything about them. So you must look at what you CAN do.

Visit fabulous shops, not just florists, but delis, gift shops etc and see what it is that makes people want to go there.

How about going after some corporate work? Put together an album or CD of pictures of your designs and make an actual sample vase, then hit the phone book to see who you can meet with.

Think outside the box a bit. The day schools go back, send a cute 'welcome back' arrangement to the staff room aimed at reminding all those teachers you are ready to send flowers for any occasion.

What about afternoon 'desperate housewives' flower classes? Show them one easy design with all the materials included in the price.

You must not just 'hope business picks up soon' You must go and look for that business.

Ok, so some people in your town will be away on holiday, but they'll be coming back soon to stale, empty houses which NEED your luxuriously scented, colourful flowers, and they'll need to thank the neighbour for watering their plants....you must offer them amazing things they can't get anywhere else. Go on, girl. Go get 'em.

Thanks for your replies guys

p.s pacific blue,My unsername is my real name it wasnt a way to be negative lol

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Just Me!!!

PB, I think you have to be one step ahead i agree but i disagree with what you say about leannes user nameLeanne, august is always a quiet month,we do shorter hours, and get ahead on things we can, stay positive, and hang in there

Good morning, I know how you feel, we are really quiet at the mo, and it does put you down, yesterday was terrible we only took £30... Luckily next month and october we have plenty of wedding work, and it doesn't help when a shop down the road under cuts our prices!!! It does make you wonder when your quiet what are you doing wrong, but all our flowers our fresh, what would you suggest to make it better... please help!

Leanne, I do find the quite times difficult as well... I try no to think: is it something I've done or not doing!!..
Deep down I know that is not so, and some periods is more quite than others..
I can feel a pinch as well, but cant put it down to weather or (small) recession as weather has been soooooo bad.
This is why I find this site fantastic. You find out its not only you thats quite, and will get loads of idea's to try go get people in

Keep the bright side out and remember there is always someone worse off

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Piv's Website
Best Florist in Abbeyfeale

How about getting ready for Christmas!!!! Try making a few bows, wiring pine cones, Cinnamon sticks etc I'm sure if you start busying yourself with little jobs you will get busy!!!!
I usually find if i redo the window display or start moving displays around in the shop we get really busy!!! Good luck guys.