How to Order Flowers?

[Sarah Botchick]

Tomorrow, I need to order flowers from a local florist as a sympathy gift. After being on this board for a few months and hearing what you all hate to hear from customers - could someone please advise me on what to say so that I get a quality product?

In April I ordered flowers for my parents for their anniversary from a florist in the town where they were vacationing. When I saw the arrangement they brought home I was sick. It was awful. (And I called the florist direct and explained what I was looking for- I didn't use a wire service, I promise!)

In February I called a florist to order an arrangement for my aunt who had surgery. My mom saw the arrangement, it was not very nice either (and I chose a shop with a stunning website - thinking that would be a good indication.)

So apparently I am saying SOMETHING wrong when I order flowers. What should I ask for for a sympathy arrangement, and how much should I make my budget to get something that looks nice? I am ordering these flowers on behalf of my boss in some volunteer work that I do - it is for someone in the volunteer group. The group depends on me for all flower ordering needs. I want to make sure I am representing the group well.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SpringCity]

It would help to know why you were disappointed. Was it too many garish colors, cheap-looking flowers, skimpy arrangement, too traditional/not modern looking, or something else?

 

[Sarah Botchick]

It would help to know why you were disappointed. Was it too many garish colors, cheap-looking flowers, skimpy arrangement, too traditional/not modern looking, or something else?

The one for my parents had to be daisies - my mom's wedding flowers. I understand that daisies aren't the most exciting flower - but it is all about sentimentality with my mom. I told the florist I would spend whatever I needed to to get a good arrangement. I explained that this was for an anniversary and I really wanted it to look nice. She said $35 plus delivery. I thought that was awful low, but she insisted it would be good. I trusted her. I get that there is only so much that can be done with daisies. But the arrangement was pathetically skimpy. It was in the cheapest, tackiest vase I have ever seen. Our $.75 bud vases are nicer than this vase. One day I bought my mom a fresh cut bouquet of daisies from a local florist here that we know and trust. The bouquet was only $20. I got more for that $20 than the anniversary arrangement, the thing I really needed to be nice.

I don't know exactly what was wrong with the arrangement for my aunt. I didn't see it. My mom just said it didn't look good. I never asked for specifics. I spent more on that one, I forget exactly what, I think around $60.

This is for sympathy, it can be traditional. Actually, for who it is going to, it probably NEEDS to be traditional. But I don't want skimpy and tacky. How do I say that without offending the florist? I know it is silly to call up and say I want something pretty. But I don't know how on earth to word that.

 

[Carol Bice]

Sarah, what town will you be sending it to?

There are many great florist out there and many really bad ones.

I have made it a practice over the years to visit flower shops in most towns I go into and then make a note about my impressions of the shop, their quality and their prices.

I always kept a that list at my store and used it along with just knowing many florists personally in the country.

So, I guess, my answer would be....get references from people on Flower chat about florists in the town you are sending to.

Even a bouquet of daisies can be quite beautiful if presented right.

Carol Bice

 

[Patty]

The sales staff at Pioneer deals with florists, right? Maybe one of your sales personnel could recommend someone to you.

I'm sorry you had less than satisfactory results with two florists, because my advice would be to explain the order details,(date, time, place, desired style), establish a price range and then trust the designer.

Maybe someone here on FC knows someone who knows someone!

 

[RWK]

Like Carol, I have visited and gotten to know many florists all over...... Where and when will these be needed and perhaps I might know someone who would do a fabulous job for you.


Let me edit this.....by adding....through my involvement with FlowerChat, I like to think that I could send an order to most any member shop on FC and have the order handled professionally and a beautiful design would be done.

Also Sarah - not intending to disparage anyone on FC.....but you might want to visit www.aifd.org and look under the find a designer section. I am also reasonably confident that I could expect a professional looking design from most any AIFD member as well.

Would that design be something hi-style, creative, and very unusual? - might be.....then again, it might be strongly traditional.

 

[RC in Dayton and Cincinnati]

My suggestion would be to call the funeral home and see who they'd recommend. If you are still unsure call several funeral homes.

Funeral homes see the work from all the shops in town. They should have a pretty good idea who does a good job.

RC

 

[CHR]

Unless they are getting a 25% referral fee from the shop they recommend, which is the case with some of the FHs in our town.

When the FH employees tell our drivers 'I wish we could always get flowers like this" (and I've seen for myself what their discounted orders get them), you know they're recommendation comes only from self-interested fee$.

 

[Chezbloom]

My suggestion would be to find a pic of an arrangement you really like and email it to the florist in the town you need it delivered to and ask them to please duplicate it. No subs.

 

[SpringCity]

Sarah thanks for the additional info. Yeah I think $35 was too low, for sure. In some cases I'd say email them a photo of what you're thinking but unfortunately we still have a lot of tech-challenged florists who really don't even know how to turn on a computer!

I guess I'd say referrals are the way to go, like others mentioned.

I also do look at websites but you said that place had a good one. If possible I look for non-ws sites just because it gives me an idea of the florists actual style, but that's not always possible I realize. I also go by rapport sometimes, if the person seems friendly and knowledgable when I call, I feel pretty confident. I've been lucky, it really is a crap shoot, which kinda sucks.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

I've said it over and over again..... Some shops are bad some are good, something I think is great may not excite another.

These are the things I have learned is to ask my customers.
#1 do you want it big and tall or more compact, like for a desk or coffee table?
#2 Are there any flowers you or the recipient are particularly fond of? Or any flowers that offend you?
#3 would you like a traditional design or a more modern and contemporary design.
#4 bright colors? pastel colors? dark colors? monochromatic? all white?
#5 Glass vase or another container?

Most of the time it's unnecessary to ask all those questions, but they are good questions to ask, and good questions to ask yourself before you order.

BTW, Last week I did an all daisy, plain old white daisy mums for $75. I'm not saying that a $35 daisy arrangement can't be "nice". I just think people who low ball themselves raises a red flag for me.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Don't be afraid to out and out say "hey I've been disappointed from other shops" explain why you were disappointed, that should help to let that shop know what you are looking for.

And sometimes no matter what, no matter how much you explain.......well you know.

 

[RC in Dayton and Cincinnati]

Unless they are getting a 25% referral fee from the shop they recommend, which is the case with some of the FHs in our town.

When the FH employees tell our drivers 'I wish we could always get flowers like this" (and I've seen for myself what their discounted orders get them), you know they're recommendation comes only from self-interested fee$.

If you suspect that might be the case ask the funeral home for two recommendations. It's unlikely an employee of a funeral home gets personal gain in giving poor information. As Cathy pointed out the employee of her local funeral home wishes the best for the flower buyer.

Just trying to give you good advice on increasing your odds of getting the best possible arrangement.

RC

 

[Sarah Botchick]

The sales staff at Pioneer deals with florists, right? Maybe one of your sales personnel could recommend someone to you.

That is always the first place I look. My general policy is that if someone is giving me business, I would like to reciprocate! I think it is only fair.

My second place to look is FC!

With the anniversary arrangement, I chose someone that had been a customer of our a few years back. Had purchased very good quality merchandise from us. I was confident that I would get a good product. All I can figure is that perhaps the shop changed ownership. Or maybe it just happened to be who designed it that day... (BTW, There were no FCers in the area.)

Fortunately for this time it is in an area that is only an hour from us. We have an on the road salesman in the area, and I asked him which was the nicest shop.

Here's the thing though. Even if I pick the best shop on the planet, if I am not communicating properly, it will still not end up well.

Therefore, I appreciate ALL of your input!

 

[Sarah Botchick]

Ok everyone, just had to update. I called the shop to order the flowers. The lady was VERY knowledgeable and asked me very specific questions about what I wanted.

So I guess the communication thing is a two way street, huh?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[RWK]

OOOOPS - Crossed posting......Oh Well, keep this for future reference.



Sarah - let me offer some suggestions that the florist should be asking. Perhaps not in the same exact wording, but the gist should be the same.
Customer in red, me in black.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Customer - " I'd like to get some flowers sent for me today"

Me - " Yes Ma'am, What is the occasion we are sending for"?

It's for my neighbor's Mom, She passed

Yes Ma'am, Did you want these flowers to go to the funeral home or to the family's residence.

The funeral home and the visitation is tommorrow night from 6 pm to 8 pm - it is at Deadbody Mortuary on Pioneer street.

Ok, Let's talk a little bit about what you would like. We can create arrangements for you in gorgeous fresh flowers, dress up lush plants, or create something for you in a permanent design that the family could keep....

Fresh Flowers and I want them pretty.

Ok, certainly they will be be pretty - Now, Tell me a little bit about the decedent....What was she like, Did she have any hobbies, or things she liked to do...

She was an avid gardener, Her house was always immaculate, and she loved artistic pursuits....She was always painting, sculpting, working in her garden......

Ok, Would you like someting traditional in style, perhaps a wicker basket filled with a veritable garden of fresh flowers or would you like something that is more artistic, more sculptural, something that will stand out with style and distinction?

I knew this lady very well and she would cringe at something 'normal' - She would like something very artistic and creative.

Ok, We just got in a cool shipment of some really neat flowers that we call 'tropicals' they are big, bold, bright, eyecatching.....nothing 'normal' about these flowers, let me show some to you.

Wow ! - I like those - Can you fix something nice with them?

Yes Ma'am - Since these are more unusual blooms, and we import these from places such as hawaii, jamaica, costa rica.....they are a little more expensive than the more traditional roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies.....

Ok......How much should I spend to get something nice.

Using these gorgeous blooms - Something that would fit on and end table or a desk would run you around the 75/85 dollar range, something that would work for a coffee table or an entry table would run you about 125/150, and something grand and showy that would really stand out at the funeral home would run around the 200/300 dollar range.....Which price range is most comfortable for you?

I had planned on spending about a hundred dollars.....so lets go ahead go with the 125 range.

Yes Ma'am - Now, let's get the pertinent information so we can get this order in and get it made for you.

 

[Queen of Weddings]

OOOOPS - Crossed posting......Oh Well, keep this for future reference.



Sarah - let me offer some suggestions that the florist should be asking. Perhaps not in the same exact wording, but the gist should be the same.
Customer in red, me in black.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Customer - " I'd like to get some flowers sent for me today"

Me - " Yes Ma'am, What is the occasion we are sending for"?

It's for my neighbor's Mom, She passed

Yes Ma'am, Did you want these flowers to go to the funeral home or to the family's residence.

The funeral home and the visitation is tommorrow night from 6 pm to 8 pm - it is at Deadbody Mortuary on Pioneer street.

Ok, Let's talk a little bit about what you would like. We can create arrangements for you in gorgeous fresh flowers, dress up lush plants, or create something for you in a permanent design that the family could keep....

Fresh Flowers and I want them pretty.

Ok, certainly they will be be pretty - Now, Tell me a little bit about the decedent....What was she like, Did she have any hobbies, or things she liked to do...

She was an avid gardener, Her house was always immaculate, and she loved artistic pursuits....She was always painting, sculpting, working in her garden......

Ok, Would you like someting traditional in style, perhaps a wicker basket filled with a veritable garden of fresh flowers or would you like something that is more artistic, more sculptural, something that will stand out with style and distinction?

I knew this lady very well and she would cringe at something 'normal' - She would like something very artistic and creative.

Ok, We just got in a cool shipment of some really neat flowers that we call 'tropicals' they are big, bold, bright, eyecatching.....nothing 'normal' about these flowers, let me show some to you.

Wow ! - I like those - Can you fix something nice with them?

Yes Ma'am - Since these are more unusual blooms, and we import these from places such as hawaii, jamaica, costa rica.....they are a little more expensive than the more traditional roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies.....

Ok......How much should I spend to get something nice.

Using these gorgeous blooms - Something that would fit on and end table or a desk would run you around the 75/85 dollar range, something that would work for a coffee table or an entry table would run you about 125/150, and something grand and showy that would really stand out at the funeral home would run around the 200/300 dollar range.....Which price range is most comfortable for you?

I had planned on spending about a hundred dollars.....so lets go ahead go with the 125 range.

Yes Ma'am - Now, let's get the pertinent information so we can get this order in and get it made for you.

You are right, but it is not always that way, and I have been made of fool of many times, when ordering flowers on a personal level as well, unless, I use a shop on here, and then if not I just send gourmet baskets, and tell them no chesse whiz in the things,,,

 

[makescents]

My suggestion would be to call the funeral home and see who they'd recommend. If you are still unsure call several funeral homes.

Funeral homes see the work from all the shops in town. They should have a pretty good idea who does a good job.

RC

This works sometimes.. if you call our funeral homes - all 3 of them owned by the same family - they would send you to their flower shop - that is operated by the funeral directors wife (she is not florist - been open about 2 years) and their 20 year old daughter-in-law with absolutly zero experience... their stuff is scary!

You always have to beware of any business - If you tell them you will be at the service to see the arrangement, that always helps.

Tell them the exact flowers you need - Or ask what they have in stock - you can usually get a general idea of knowledge over the phone.. with a few simple questions..

What flowers do you have in stock right now? If they say lily - say what variety of lily? Asiatic, Oriental???
What will hold up nicely for your event? In this case for sympathy glads, carns, lilies..
Tell them - no utility containers... you will pay for the upgrade.

Basket peice to start.. nice but small $50
Something on a stand $65

BTW - I am in Boyd, TX deliver to Decatur, TX and surrounding.. if anyone needs something out here! :O)

 

[RWK]

You are right, but it is not always that way, and I have been made of fool of many times, when ordering flowers on a personal level as well, unless, I use a shop on here, and then if not I just send gourmet baskets, and tell them no chesse whiz in the things,,,

The main purpose in me phrasing the post as I did was to show the types of questions I feel a good, quality, reputable florist/salesperson should be asking each and every time they take an order.

Do they have to be word for word quotes??? No, of course not, but communication is a two way street.....the florist needs to be as effective a communicator, perhaps even more so, then the customer.

Will it always be something hi-style and tropical....No, it could have been the customer asking for the quitessential white basket of daisies and babys breath or the old time blue painted wicker basket with white daisies and pink mini-carns.

If need be, put a list of questions by each telephone and the front counter till your staff has memorized what they need to get from the customer.

IT REALLY IS not about the flowers, not about the florist, but MEETING AND EXCEEDING the wants, needs, whims of the paying customer.

 

[Queen of Weddings]

Rick,

I did understand what you were talking about, and probably half the folks that have read this has taken it to heart, and I hope they did, I do know how to say, I hate carnations, the Queen's mother hates red pointsettias, and what she hates for gosh sakes, and be darned she still gets crapola, and then, I get the rash of @@@@ake about it, So now all fruit and gourmet baskets for me to send, so I don't get the @@@@ake, there is a shop that I know and respect very highly, I have learned that I have to give them step by step, what I want so it does come out properly, and I pay big bucks for what I order, even if I spent 35.00, I expedt it to be nice, as well as you would do for folks as I do myself, ..

 

[Sarah Botchick]

Ricky, I don't actually know anyone in SC. But I sure wish I did, because I would certainly send them flowers from you! Your questions are wonderful.

I have ordered flowers four times in the last six months. Before today, the only questions I was asked are for the contact information on the recipient, my budget, and whether I wanted flowers or a plant. I am NOT joking.

Thank you all for all of your information. Maybe, some other florist who has not contributed here will see all of the questions and enhance the manner in which they take orders over the phone. I have to think that would help florists to succeed. More satisfied customers, more customers feeling like they truly got a custom designed product for their money.