Purchasing resources for Florists

Whether your florist business is relatively new or an old, established landmark, if you're like many business owners, you're interested in taking advantage of expansion opportunities. If so, consider the following:

1. Promoting information on florists through the Internet.
2. Promoting florist information in your community through marketing and advertising.
3. Competing with discount florists by providing good prices.
4. Networking by joining professional florist organizations.

Take advantage of online florists and the worldwide web

With much information about florists now online, the traditional consumer, looking through listings of wedding florists and flower arrangements, may not leave his/her home or office to walk into your florist shop. Whether you decide to promote your own website or to work with an affiliate, many customers enjoy the ease of ordering flowers online. Once you have their e-mail addresses, it's easy for you to send customers updates on upcoming sales and specials.

Promote florist information in your community

Are your customers one-time buyers for a special occasion, or do they give flowers regularly "just because" and cost has little to do with it? Part of marketing is knowing your customers and identifying their needs, so you help them find florists--and make that florist you.

To compete with discount florists, work with wholesalers and distributors

Local florists may feel the pinch when customers look to discount florists for their needs. Contact different suppliers to see who can give you the best price for the quality.

To keep current, join florist organizations

Whether customers are looking for wedding florists or a florist for a funeral, the decisions they make may be more a reflection of the times than on the quality you can provide. Florist organizations and associations can help keep you current.

• Aside from national organizations, there may be useful florist organizations in your state or region.