With all the different
types, colors, textures, shapes and sizes of flowers, choosing the right kind of
flowers can seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately there are some simple
tips to help you find just the right florist for your needs.
For many people, choosing a
florist is based on convenience. They may find themselves gravitating towards a
particular florist simply because it is close to their homes or because their
supermarket has a flower department. However, if you truly want the best, you
have to be a little bit savvier when selecting your florist. Try looking one for
one who is affiliated with a professional group. Professional florists who
always try to be the best at their craft and business will belong to at least
one of several groups such as wire services like FTD, Teleflora, etc. They will
also be more likely to belong in other organizations such as a growers
association, civic groups and the local chamber of commerce. Affiliation with
these groups, especially wire services, not only say they are committed to their
craft but this will allow customers to send flowers just about anywhere.
Look for a florist with
quality products and good selection. The flowers should be fresh, the colors of
the flowers should be rich and the plants should look healthy. Don’t go for
florists whose flowers are already starting to show brown edges or wilting
plants. Look for product selection variety as well. Florists that have cut
flower arrangements, exotic flowers and tropical plants are usually considered
to be of better quality than those who don’t stock as many flowers. Florists
with a larger stock of flowers usually rotate freshness better as well. A good
florist is also somebody highly creative. Their artistic expression should show
through the shop. If the florist has nothing else but the usual, ordinary bud
vases, the customer should start looking for other florists with a more artistic
flair. Creativity should be part of every good florist’s credentials. We
believe this happens through accreditation with Floral Associations such as the
American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD), a prestigious organization that
tests and certifies florists with exceptional talent for design.
Aside from creativity, a
good florist also knows how to establish rapport with the customer. They must be
very good at customer relations because this is an important component of the
floristry business. They must able to answer customer questions well and be able
to provide customer with the same proper care and attention that he does to his
flowers. A good florist should also remember the types of bouquets or
arrangements you prefer, he must be able to keep track of your occasions and
send you reminders about them. This happens with the use of modern floral
technology. A good florist will also ask questions so they will know exactly
what your needs are.
Another vital part of the
business is the service. The florist must have his stall or establishment at a
place that is clean and easily accessible and he must be open at convenient
hours. A florist should also have a professional opinion ready, just in case
customers have a hard time deciding what he wants. In addition to having quality
flowers, a good florist will also have other complimentary products available,
such as nice, decorative vases, floral food, and other gifts such as teddy
bears, balloons, cards, etc.
A great florist will have
years of experience and many returning happy customers. It’s really great to
find exceptional florist that you can always come back to whenever the occasion
calls for it.