Now is peak season for reporters to conduct research for their Valentine’s Day “test order” news stories, when they pose as consumers ordering flowers.
“Test order” stories detail every aspect about the floral arrangements received, along with the cost and how the order was handled — from the courteousness of sales staff to the timeliness of delivery.
For some florists, such stories have resulted in positive coverage; for others, not so good.
The lesson? Whether it’s a local or an incoming order, treat every order as if it were a test order so the floral industry comes out shining in the news media — encouraging more consumers to buy their sweethearts flowers for Valentine’s Day.