I've seen some pretty nice "sheds"...
It's funny, some of the world's most sought after artisans work from "sheds", or "studios" as we call them in the west. I've always wondered if creating a flower piece is considered "art". I suppose the consumer decides that.
I have tried to explain this before but i will do it again.
In America the homeworkers are so different from over here. For a start Mark, if someone in the Uk had the land to have that shed in their garden, they would not be doing flowers from their home i can tell you. Don't forget land over here is in demand, you could fit our country into one of your states. And, a piece of land that big would be owned by someone with a considerable amount of money.
I cant speak for all homeworkers obviously but the ones i have seen working out of sheds and garages are stuffy little outfits, they undercut the local florist (not like you thom who maintains a decent price for your product therefore not lessening the value of floral design). In general they are holding down another job, again not all, and even if they are legally registered as self employed, i would bet my house that they never go over the tax bracket, so would rarely pay tax. Yes, i am saying that they would pocket the money and not declare it. They dont employ anyone, just get family or friends to help out who i am sure would not declare their earnings either.
I really cannot vouch for American Homeworkers so when i challenge a british one it is because i have come accross a few, believe me.
As a homeworker on here has said, she thinks that b and m florists will soon be obsolete. If we are so against the wire services and others who we claim to be taking the industry, dont forget the 3 or 4 bb's that a town can hold. They not only take away the bread and butter jobs from a commerical florist but they are undercutting to do so.
I dont want people to think that i am on a one woman crusade about this but if we are to vet people, what is the point if everyone can come in? If this lady was in Widnes, i would vote no and i would stop posting if she got in. Personally when i vote i treat it as if they were around the corner from me, and wonder if i would appreciate. Plus the majority of newcomers are literally lurking at the moment.
This is just my opinion, but i sure get a few greenies when i raise this issue so i know i am not alone in this way of thinking.
I will proably get a few reds but you know, I have thick skin, it's ok. The above post is a general post and not in direct reference to Katy who has applied here btw.
