Another neighboring shop closing.

[Lady Biker Florist]

Just found out today another nearby florist is closing their doors. I don't know how long they've been in business, but they were TF & FTD for quite a few years and recently quit both and went direct. They contacted me a little over a year ago to see if I wanted to buy any flowers from the full boxes they bought at a very low price. We started to buy from them, but they had poor handling issues. The flowers would sit on the floor with the box open most of the day (not in the cooler) we found out later so stopped buying from them. We shared some TF holiday containers with them a couple times. Very nice people, but they have a very nice and oldtime florist right around the corner from them they had to deal with too. Plus their parking space was practically non-existent.

I was sad to hear this. The florist up the street 1 1/2 miles closed a few months ago after tyring to make a go of it for about three years. I did find out from 3 different wholesalers that the owner had personality problems and did not get along with others at the flower shop he worked at before. One wholsaler told me he would come in with change and coin rolls and buy flowers as he got orders. No wonder he did not make it. You have to have FLOWERS in a FLOWER SHOP!

There has been quite a few closing around here in the last few years that I never thought would close.

I guess every shop has their story, ya never know what's going on.

 

[BOSS]

There has been quite a few closing around here in the last few years that I never thought would close.

I guess every shop has their story, ya never know what's going on.

Could it be, you putting the preasure on Patty...maybe they can;t compete with YOU

 

[Lady Biker Florist]

Could it be, you putting the preasure on Patty...maybe they can;t compete with YOU

Interesting! I will say this though, a customer of mine has a cousin who wanted to open a florist in our city. My customer told me she was not going to do it because we were so well established and so well liked in this community. Now I don't know who all she heard that likes us, but I loved hearing that, and also to know she thought we were too much competition. She said that too, something like not wanting to have that tough of competition. I sure never thought of us that way as we are sooo not typical. We don't go after weddings, corporations, events, seldom advertise and stuff like that. We're pretty ordinary, but we do care and I think that must be the clincher, as people can tell when you care vs. just doing your job. We go above and beyond the call of duty and will bend over backwards to accomplish their wishes. Especially my mom!

I am so much happier with Neal delivering now. My brother was so grumpy and complainy. Neal is such a gentleman and just has a pleasant way about him in spite of the biker image he walks up to the house with. His Mother's Day tips support that.

P.S. One house he delivered to on Mother's Day had a pitbull jump through the front door and he was standing their face to face with him. He said the dog looked as shocked as him at coming through the door and ran back in the house.

 

[Luc]

Like you said....

You never know what the future holds. One shop in my town that has been around since day 1 closed thier door same year of 9/11. 40+ years and the new owners could not make it anymore. It could easily happen to me or the other flower shop.
I also believe that pEOPLE who starts a business don't make a study first and see if it warrants it. They think they will be rolling in dough when they are in business. Some have no clue what they are getting into. See it many time in different business situations.
THere is many factors to keep business alive. SOme are locations, staffing, owners, drive to succeed, know your business, make necessary changes as it warrants it, availability of product and service and capital.

Lesson in life are good also. Hard to swallow sometime but they bring you back to reality.
Been there, done that...
Luc

 

[stargazer]

Shops closing

Like you said everyone has a story. We are closing our shop next month, our story is different. We bought an existing shop five and half years ago and with a rocky start (another story) we steadily grew. We dropped the major wires two years ago. Our net profits have been increasing every year although our gross sales dipped the last two years. According to the book "millionaire women next door", the average net profit for a florist shop is just under $3,000. About 50% of all florists (out of 50,000) are earning a positive net income. Our net income is well above the average and I do pay myself, but after five years our goals financially are not being met. Since we own nothing that appreciates (real estate) we see no future in working another five, ten or fifteen years in a business that will not be passed on to future generations (no kids). We are only depreciating our assets and we don't want to be in a position where we can't get out because of all the time and money we've invested. Better to cut our losses now and take a new career path. I've got an opportunity lined up starting in July with better future potential that has nothing to do with flowers or retail sales, although it is sales. I have great admiration for those in the small business world, especially retail. It's the toughest business to make a profit in. The grass is always greener on the other side but you also have to do what you and your family needs. I know some will say "she couldn't make it" but I know deep in my heart that I'm making the best decision for me. The hardest part is telling our good customers.

 

[zedright]

You gave it your best, and kudos to you for not being emotionally blinded with what is immediatly in front of you. It takes guts to step back and look at the big picture.
I salute you for your effort, and wish you the best of luck.

Like you said everyone has a story. We are closing our shop next month, our story is different. We bought an existing shop five and half years ago and with a rocky start (another story) we steadily grew. We dropped the major wires two years ago. Our net profits have been increasing every year although our gross sales dipped the last two years. According to the book "millionaire women next door", the average net profit for a florist shop is just under $3,000. About 50% of all florists (out of 50,000) are earning a positive net income. Our net income is well above the average and I do pay myself, but after five years our goals financially are not being met. Since we own nothing that appreciates (real estate) we see no future in working another five, ten or fifteen years in a business that will not be passed on to future generations (no kids). We are only depreciating our assets and we don't want to be in a position where we can't get out because of all the time and money we've invested. Better to cut our losses now and take a new career path. I've got an opportunity lined up starting in July with better future potential that has nothing to do with flowers or retail sales, although it is sales. I have great admiration for those in the small business world, especially retail. It's the toughest business to make a profit in. The grass is always greener on the other side but you also have to do what you and your family needs. I know some will say "she couldn't make it" but I know deep in my heart that I'm making the best decision for me. The hardest part is telling our good customers.

 

[Audra]

Like you said everyone has a story. We are closing our shop next month, our story is different.

Best of luck with all your future endeavours, sounds like you'll do well at whatever you turn your hand to.

Audra

 

[bloomz]

Being a colleague of Stargazer's and having developed a friendship and respect for her for being the only other florist in our city that knows what she is doing...I thank you for your candid explanation of it all. Kaydee has been heavily involved in the industry things that you can do to make your business viable, and always learning more.

Twila and I the other day were discussing how long we keep putting money into our business and when we start putting more into our pocket. We have 13 years now into paying ourselves just enough to get by and putting all the rest back into the business.
Retirement? What me worry? I'm too young to worry about that!:loopy


It is a different thing to just keep making a living and not be making a life. I know it's attainable in this industry, but not the easiest thing and takes many many years of tenacity and even sacrifice. Getting thru the last couple years have at times indeed been belt tightening scary. We have been very fortunate to be in a city where all the florists have good relationships with each other, and all go into each other's shops readily.

Of course you know we wish you and Eric all the best. You always have friends in floristry here in us.

 

[BOSS]

BOSS's Quote of the day

It is a different thing to just keep making a living and not be making a life.

Nice JB...and oh how true...

 

[Dazeal]

Stargazer, I have heard from Superior Greens and Oregon Floral that your shop is wonderful and an asset to our industry. I am sorry to hear about your shop, but happy to hear about your bright future. If you are ever in Ashalnd, please give me a ring.

Victoria's signature quotes Mia Angelo, and I think you should remeber it... it goes something like... People won't remeber what you said or did, it is how you made them feel. I'm sure your customers will remember you in that way.

*hug*

 

[stargazer]

Thank you!

What a wonderful boost of morale. We've had days wondering if we are making the right decision and yesterday was a low day, thank you bloomz for the wonderful remarks and to eveyone else that is supportive of our decision. We realize it's a good decision for the other florists in town and wouldn't be surprised if some we're happy but I would be too if I were in their shoes. It's just nice to know we've earned the respect of those in the business longer than us. We don't have a single regret because it was worth the five year diploma for the school of hard knocks. We have a greater understanding and even greater appreciation of all of you and we look forward to crossing paths, cheers!

 

[Victoria]

We don't have a single regret because it was worth the five year diploma for the school of hard knocks. We have a greater understanding and even greater appreciation of all of you and we look forward to crossing paths, cheers!

My dear... there are no regrets when something is gained. You have gained and given much. Congratulations and best wishes for the future and all it's gifts and surprises.

V

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

THIS is hard for me to ask......

has ANYBODY on this board NOT EVER THOUGHT...about throwing in "the towel" in this business??
Sandie and I have hit many "brick walls" in our business ventures, and our 5 year "brick wall" was our very toughest in this business!!
While I worked outside of this floral business until the great recession of the early 90's, NOT ONCE did we ever think about throwing in the towel.....we "thought" about it TEN TIMES probably!!
The "easiest" route would have been to run up our trade accounts, grab as much "cash" as possible, pull the "plug", close the doors......run like hel*, and maybe start again............we COULD NOT DO IT!!
Couple of times, WE approached our suppliers, and WE made repayment propositions, and WE promised ourselves AND them that we WOULD make this thing work.......and it took MORE than 5 years!!...it felt like a gazillion years!!
Funny things started to happen...as LUC spoke of...we learned a whole bunch about ourselves, the florist industry, the suppliers, the support systems, and florists themselves!!
We realized, that we "cared too much", gave AWAY too much, and didn't give ourselves enough "credit" for what we are capable of....I think most florists are kinda like that in a way!!
We started saying NO, started refocusing on things that made US and our family the number one priority, and started making a pretty good living.......WE were the "problem"...we are NOW the "solution"!!
I HATE when a shop owner, with ALL the valuable wisdom they've gained, and friends and customers they've "garnished", decide to pack it in...it's a LOSS for ALL of us...EVERY one of us!!
We're sorry to see you go, we're "happy" that you've found gainful opportunities, BUT, none the less, we're sad that you are leaving the industry...I don't see this as a good thing!!
JMHO........

 

[Blue Oyster Cult]

The Floral world is so unstable Mikey and Blue has found out that nothing is going to change it with the next few years so we as FAMILY who have worn many hats go off to make Real Money and not worry about What we should but What we have to Do given the chance.

This industry of the Florist or Flowershop world is so messed up that it's becoming a 99 cent store mentality. Everyone has Paper Plates............

 

[Luc]

Throwing the towel in!

Yes Mikey I will honestly reply that this thought has crossed my mind. Who is to blame? Not the recession or anybody else than myself and the business decision I made in the past. Also having not enough knowledge of the business world which brought me to a crunch a while back. I have too many invested hours and sweat to throw in the towel. I have made concession in my store, deals with suppliers, deals with the goverment and I am proud to say that I have surmounted a big hurddle.Sometime you loose track on what you are doing and that crunch made me realize a few things. It is comforting to know that suppliers still have faith in you and will help you pull through things slowly. A uphill battle it was and it may be for a tad longer but it is worth it. These companies sure don't want you to throw in your towel neither, that is why they are there to help you along.
It is also comforting to know that my credit rating was not affected during this crisis. When I opened my new store, credit checks was a daily routine by many new suppliers and Carlton Cards.Some days it seems you are not getting any grounds, but other days you are smiling when a final payment is done. SO if anyone is out there thinking of throwing the towel, think it over. If anyone wishes to discuss any financial problems with me to see If I can help them with some solutions please fell free to contact me. All informations will stay between me and the person discussing. Trust you will have with me.
I will also respond to e-mails.
IT is funny sometimes when a bank official in Toronto who will put you in a position of distress for $10,000 overdraft, but they will write off millions of dollars for Air Canada or other big business. I guess they think small business does not do anything to the economy. By next year that chapter will come to a close and will have no ties to the bank, which then I can say adios amigo, and transfer my accounts and rrsp and mortgage to a bank that will appreciate us.
Luc

 

[Lady Biker Florist]

When our previous rented building was bought out and the rent went so high we decided to look for our own building I did not have a terrific outlook on being able to pull it off.

We have ONE MORE payment (July 6th) and we will finally own this building after a huge down payment borrowed from credit cards (a no-no I know) and seven years of a land contract. Fortunately the doctor who owned this place let us have it at 7 1/2 % with no balloon payment which is unheard of for a land contract we found out.

The last five years have sent us in the hole about $50,000.00 which I stopped freaking out about when I learned that is more common for small busineses than uncommon. Our books look pretty typical from what my accountant told me.

Anyway, I entertain the idea of getting out, but keep holding on. Now that the building will finally be paid for I do think I have more options, but by staying here and doing the florist thing we are earning a living, have good medical insurance, live here and pay nothing for rent or utilities, pay $31 a month renter's insurance, my 81 year old mom is joyous working 47 hours a week, get to come and go as needed, and lots more. So what is better? Going to a new job with no other skills so will most likely end up with a crap job with no insurance and less money and no place to live or do we stay and hold out until it becomes impossible to keep doing this? It's a no-brainer!

The down side is very minimal. The motorcycles have to be kept in a storage facility a little over a mile away. If he or we get back after 9pm we have to put the bike in our shop lobby until morning. I don't have a living room or any comfy chairs. And that' s it, so the down side is no big deal at all.

Man, right now I so appreciate having flowerchat to come to and just unload. I know I go on and on but that' s nothing new. I don't look for that to change much in the future. I just feel so much better after writing this. Thanks friends!

:ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug: :ghug:

 

[Lady Biker Florist]

I guess this is as good a place as nay to post this.

My plant guy came today. We got to talking about all the flower shops in the area that are closing. The only other one actually IN my city is the one I call the junk shop, it's really a sad place with a perverted owner and is NO competition to us at all. Anyway, my planter guy told me he drives by there every week after he leaves my place and if the back door is propped open he goes in. He said they are not open to the public anymore and only fill wire orders.
ARE THEY CRAZY??? ARE THEY DELUDED AND THINK THEY ARE GETTING 100% OR WHAT? TALK ABOUT A FLORIST WITHOUT A CLUE!!!
I'm just so amazed.


The other shop I started this thread about is still open as they are still selling off inventory and fixtures and stuff like that. She decided to fill orders since she's there anyway. They are starting to tear it up inside a bit though so it is inevitable that they are truly leaving sometime, who knows when?

So that's four shops closing up or close to closing up so by default I should be gaining some customers. I really think I should so SOMETHING to try and get some more than just the ones who stumble in here or happen to call us. One shop is a mile away, One is 1 1/2 miles away, another is 2 miles away and the fourth one is 2 1/2 miles away. Four different directions. What would you do?

 

[BOSS]

He said they are not open to the public anymore and only fill wire orders.
ARE THEY CRAZY??? ARE THEY DELUDED AND THINK THEY ARE GETTING 100% OR WHAT? TALK ABOUT A FLORIST WITHOUT A CLUE!!!
I'm just so amazed.

One of the busiest shops I was ever in, had Mercury, Dove, BloomLink, and an assortment of other incoming venues...very busy....

Only thing...the employees complained about not getting paid on time or their checks bouncing....go figure...

Incoming is fine, if you balance it... but when you can;t or don;t it can be a killer....

 

[Lady Biker Florist]

This is crazy! My planter guy just told me another local florist is going out of business. He is right around the corner from one of the other ones going out. I was really shocked about this one as he has been there for years and years and I just never thought he would close.

The last two closest ones to us do not have any wire services not do they call direct, they send their wire outs to me. Go figure. At least that's what the customers tell me.

There's one huge and fancy shop in the next city about 3 miles away and once in a while if I can't help someone I send them there, but the customers keep telling me they are way too expensive.

So I am really hoping I pick up some of the business. I'm sure going to work at it as best I can.