What A Florist Needs to know Before Opening a flower shop

Opening a floristry shop , like any new business, requires lots of hard work, love, and dedication. What do you wish you knew when you decided to open a flower shop? Here are some things we have learned. Let us know your tips also!

Florist Marketing

• Online reputation is critical – Stay on top of Yelp, Google Places, and other review websites. Customers are turning to online outlets to express their praise / frustration – stay in control
• Low cost/No cost marketing – if often the best – community activity gets free marketing.
• Email marketing – send out coupons and discounts at least every month. Make sure your florist website supports this.

Florist Wire Services

• Avoid Wire Service Lock-In – Don’t get stuck with long-term commitments for florist POS and florist websites. Flexibility is key for any small business.
• Wire Services Ads – your money is going to fund ads running against your business in your local area.
• Statements – Review you statements with an accountant or bookkeeper to see if you’re actually making money.
• Codified Products / Containers – Know your options. Sometimes the minimum purchase of these expensive containers far outweighs the earning potential.  Many florists team up to split a box or you can choose to not buy the codified container and instead purchase something similar from your trusted vendor. In that case you can still fill wire-in orders that allow for a keepsake substitution without breaking the bank.

Florist Credit Card Processing

• Big Costs – Credit card processing is an unexciting but critical part of your business. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by choosing the right merchant account. Compare processors.
• Statements – Compare your statements to be sure you’re getting a good deal.
• Contracts – Contracts can be okay, but avoid early termination fees and similar lock-ins.

Florist Software

• Floral POS pays for itself – Good floral software increases productivity and has built-in marketing – you will save on time, labor and get more orders.
• Independent solutions – think independent for your floral software – you will get lower prices and more flexibility.
• Florist websites – Make sure your website looks unique – it’s a critical part of your brand.

Flower Shop Operations

• Delivery Confirmations – are practically expected by customers these days as a part of basic customer service.
• Check your work – Have a checker on all designs that leave the store.
• Handling complaints – create an action plan for your staff so everyone feels empowered to help that occasional sour customer with a smile and grace.

Holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day)

• Record keeping – it’s essential to predict future years – keep notes on sales, prices, weather.
• Planning – Make a game plan weeks before any holiday for staffing, buying, and marketing.
• Be aware of your competition – See what the wire services and other florists in your area are offering and offer up something unique and/or comparable.

Flower Care

•  Keep buckets clean – change water and recut any flowers that haven’t sold within 3 days of arriving.

Florist Staffing

• Do not over staff – use part timers for flexibility.
• Staff smart – Experienced designers will require a higher wage than a general shop worker.  Schedule designers enough hours to fill orders and create some designs for the display case then let the general help take it from there.

Working with Vendors

• Share information don’t be afraid to ask other florists who they get their supplies from.
• Check invoices – to be sure you are paying a reasonable price for your supplies and check each delivery to be sure you have received everything you paid for.  Mistakes happen!
• Know what you are paying – and what you need to charge with your mark-up . Be sure your staff knows this too!
• Communication – with vendors is key. Let them know when you receive unsatisfactory product or when they deliver in a timely manner. These relationships will help you stand out against other shops.

Florist Community

• Florist Advice – Lean on other florists for advice with free Facebook florist communities. Some are invite-only, so be in touch with other florists to find the most popular communities.