Are you ready for the wedding rush? Save time on wedding design training and get guidance on what a polished, up to date and ironclad contract...
Drive Summer Sales
Need help drumming up business this summer? The Society of American Florists’ Floral Education Hub has resources to help, including courses on...
Promote Summer Sales Via Social
Summer is in full swing — don’t forget to remind customers to make flowers part of their summertime fun. The Society of American Florists has social...
Create a Successful Incentive Program
Employee incentive plans not only help attract and retain motivated workers, but they can also help businesses compete for workers in a tight labor...
Forecast Your Way to Bigger Profits
Are you finding it difficult to forecast sales? Is the increased cost of goods squeezing your bottom line? Do you want to pay your employees a...
Stay on Top of Tech Trends
Looking for resources to help you harness the latest tech tools for your business, from artificial intelligence to point-of-sale systems? The...
Find Inspiration and Education to Grow Your Business
Looking for some outstanding flowers for weddings? In need of new services for your business? Need some design inspiration? The Society of American...
Create Design Recipes for Success
Do you want to eliminate guesswork for the design and sales team, ensure uniformity in arrangements, and build profit into every design? A new...
Boost Back-to-School Sales
Back-to-school season is here, with many college students and children heading back to school in August. Use the Society of American Florists’ web...
Build a Pipeline of Workers in Your Community
The beginning of the school year is a great time to make connections with teachers and students to bring awareness to career opportunities in your...
Incentivize Your Employees
Want to offer competitive pay and get the most out of your workers? Many florists have found success with incentive programs, and the Society of...
Use Forecasting to Control Costs and Wages
[mom_video type='vimeo' id='723062348' width='900' height='506'] Predicting your sales can help you control costs and wages — and finish the...
Attract — and Retain — Top Talent
Having trouble finding workers? Struggling to onboard new employees? In a series of three courses for the Society of American Florists, human...
Improve Mental Well-Being in Your Workplace
Businesses can’t function effectively — let alone, adapt, compete and succeed — with struggling workers. The Society of American Florists’...
Boost Your Petal It Forward Media Coverage
Petal It Forward is the Society of American Florists’ annual feel-good initiative that spreads the power of flowers — and it can also be a powerful...
Brand Your Oct. 18 Petal It Forward Event
The Society of American Florists’ ninth annual goodwill initiative where participants hand two flowers or bouquets to an unsuspecting stranger,...
Lean on SAF’s Resources for a Successful Petal It Forward
Petal It Forward, the Society of American Florists’ annual event in which floral businesses nationwide hand out two bouquets — one to keep and one...
3 Steps for a Successful Oct. 18 Petal It Forward
The Society of American Florists’ annual feel-good initiative, Petal It Forward, is a chance for floral industry professionals to spread the power...
Spread the Power of Flowers on Oct. 18
Petal it Forward is just one week away on Oct. 18. It’s not too late to participate in this feel-good event in which participants hand two flowers...
Keep the Petal It Forward Vibes Going
Are you among the hundreds of floral industry members in 50 states and four countries who participated in Petal It Forward? The good vibes generated...
Encourage Customers to Connect with Flowers this Fall
The fall season is in full swing with holidays such as Halloween (Oct. 31), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) coming up quickly. The...
Get Ahead on Holiday Prep
The holiday season is quickly approaching and the Society of American Florists has a Holiday Planning Package with resources to help boost sales....
Focus on Father’s Day Sales
Father’s Day is quickly approaching on June 18, and although it isn’t the typical flower giving holiday, men love to receive flowers for the same...
Spark Summer Sales on Social Media
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Remind your customers to celebrate the new season with flowers using the Society of American...
Step Up Sympathy Sales
Almost no one wants a funeral devoid of flowers, and sympathy flowers provide florists an opportunity to serve families at significant times in...
Master Media Interviews for Mother’s Day
If the media comes calling in the days before Mother’s Day, be sure you’re ready with answers that inspire viewers, listeners and readers to buy...
Drive Mother’s Day Sales on Social Media
Forget to plan your Mother’s Day social media campaign in the frenzy of preparations? Don’t worry — the Society of American Florists has you covered...
4 Resources to Implement Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is on everyone’s mind, but navigating sustainability standards and practices can feel overwhelming. The Society of American Florists’...
Optimize Your SEO Before Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day coming up, it’s a good time to make sure customers can find you online. The best way to do it? Optimize your SEO. In a course on...
4 Tools to Build Corporate Business
Administrative Professionals Week is April 24-28, which makes it a good time to focus on developing corporate clients. SAF has resources to help...
Push for Last-Minute Easter Orders
Easter is Sunday, but there’s still time to push for last-minute flower and plant orders for Easter celebrations. Use the Society of American...
3 Messages to Share with Customers for Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to let your customers know that flowers are scientifically proven to provide a...
Plan Now for Mother’s Day Deliveries
Mother’s Day is quickly approaching on May 14 and it’s not too early to start planning for deliveries. The Society of American Florists has a...
Encourage Customers to Welcome Spring with Flowers
While spring isn’t quite officially here, the clock sprung ahead Sunday, and in many parts of the U.S. spring flowers are emerging. Want to get your...
Remind Customers about Lily Toxicity
Easter is just about a month away, which means it’s a good time to remind your staff and customers about lilies and cats. Your customers may not...
4 Ways to Drive Sales for International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is March 8 and this year the theme is #EmbraceEquity, focusing on raising awareness about discrimination and taking action...
5 Question to Ask Your Team Post-Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day in the rearview mirror, it’s the perfect time to meet with your team to document what went right and what you learned. In this...
Recharge With SAF’s Mental Health Webinars
Congratulations! You made it through another Valentine’s Day! Need a mental health break? The Society of American Florists has you covered with a...
Get Social with Valentine’s Day Promos
The Valentine’s Day crunch is here. Your shop is busy getting ready for the holiday — but there’s still time to push for more orders. Use the...
Train Your Drivers in Time for Valentine’s Day
Whether a driver is joining your team just for Valentine’s Day or for the year, it’s important to have the right tools to help train them. In a new...
Grow Your Career With PFCI
Floral professionals love to talk about their businesses, designs and educate their peers and consumers about the benefits of flowers. Sound like...
Encourage Early Orders This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is always busy, but this year the holiday falls on the Tuesday after the Super Bowl. Between that and the unpredictable weather...
What’s Your Business Worth?
There are many reasons why you might want to know the value of your business — whether it be for a sale, a purchase, buyout of a partner, or an...
Get Ready for a Profitable Valentine’s Day
Now that the new year has officially begun, it’s time to start preparing for a busy and profitable Valentine’s Day. The Society of American...
Save the Date for SAF’s 2023 Events
The Society of American Florists has a full slate of events for 2023 that will help you learn, prosper and connect! The 2023 events include: Virtual...
Find Suppliers with SAF’s 2023 Fresh Product Buyer’s Guide
There’s a world of beautiful fresh product to choose from — but getting to know different farms and suppliers can be a challenge. The latest issue...
Remind Customers that Poinsettias Aren’t Poisonous
Poinsettia season is here, which means it’s time to remind customers that the plants are not poisonous to humans or pets. Be prepared to dispel the...
Boost Holiday Sales with the Holiday Planning Package
The holiday season is here and the Society of American Florists can help you boost sales with tips and resources in the Holiday Planning Package....
Streamline Holiday Marketing with SAF’s Social Media Calendar
The winter holidays are quickly approaching, and the Society of American Florists has a social media calendar — including graphics and caption...
Improve Mental-Well Being in Your Workplace
Businesses can’t function effectively — let alone, adapt, compete and succeed — with struggling workers. In October, the Society of American...
Encourage Small Business Saturday Sales
Saturday, Nov. 26, is Small Business Saturday — a day for consumers to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities....
Highlight the Joy of Flowers with these Marketing Themes
If you were one of the 580 that participated in the Society of American Florists’ Petal It Forward flower giveaway last week, you saw firsthand the...
Make the Most of Your Petal It Forward Vibes
Is your business among the 578 floral businesses that participated in the Society of American Florists’ goodwill initiative, Petal It Forward,...
Encourage Fall Sales with SAF’s Social Graphics
The fall season is in full swing with holidays such as Halloween (Oct. 31), Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) and Hanukkah (beginning...
Amplify Petal It Forward With Social Strategy
Science has proven that flowers make people happy, and hopefully your business is plans to spread the power of flowers on Oct. 19 with the Society...
Tools to Boost Your Petal It Forward Media Coverage
Petal It Forward is known as the Society of American Florists’ annual feel-good initiative that spreads the power of flowers, but the event is also...
Brand Your Petal It Forward Event
Looking to brand shirts, signage, flower cards and more with the Petal It Forward logo? The Society of American Florists has you covered. The event...
3 Steps for a Successful Petal It Forward
The Society of American Florists’ annual feel-good initiative, Petal It Forward, is a chance for floral industry professionals to spread the power...
Learn More With SAF’s On-Demand Webinars
Missing out on SAF Orlando 2022, the Society of American Florists’ 137th annual convention this week but craving some education? SAF has on-demand...
Sharpen Your Social Media Skills
Headed to SAF Orlando 2022 next week? Brush up on your social media skills with resources from the Society of American Florists so you can share the...
4 Tips to Generate Back to School Business
Back to school season is in full swing, making it the perfect time to score more sales and connect with a new demographic. The Society of American...
Pump Up Profits with SAF Resources
With speculation of a recession on the horizon and some florists reporting a slowdown in sales, it’s important to implement strategies now to boost...
Invite Congress to Call and Advocate for Your Bottom Line
The Senate and House’s recent proposed funding increases for the Floriculture Nursery & Research Initiative started with SAF members putting the...
Boost Back to School Sales With Plants
Many college students and kids in the south will be back to school in August, making it a great time for florists to promote plants for dorm rooms...
Inspiration to Grow Your Business
Looking for some outstanding flowers for weddings? In need of new services for your business? Need some design inspiration? The Society of American...
Forecast Your Future on Career Connection
Forecast Your Future, the Society of American Florists’ new series of courses focused on profitability, is available now on Career Connection. The...
Tech Designed to Help You Level Up
Ready to save time and money by streamlining your operations with the latest technology? The Society of American Florists’ learning hub,...
Encourage Customers to Connect with Flowers this Summer
Summer is in full swing, bringing opportunities to remind customers to make flowers part of their summertime fun. The Society of American Florists...
Need to Cater to Event Clients? Watch This!
To make the most of your wedding and event business, you need to protect your bottom line and offer excellent customer service. The Society of...
Access Insider Tips to Drive Summer Sales
Need help driving sales this summer? The Society of American Florists’ Career Connection learning hub has resources to help, including courses on...
Want a Taste of SAF’s Convention? Check Out Career Connection
Continuing education is one of the best investments floral professionals can make in their careers. The Society of American Florists’ annual...
Build a Successful Incentive Program
Employee incentive plans not only help attract and retain motivated workers, but they can also help businesses compete for workers in a tight labor...
Get Creative to Promote Father’s Day Arrangements
Father’s Day is quickly approaching on June 19 and, although it isn’t the typical flower giving holiday, men love to receive flowers for the same...
Boost Graduation Sales with SAF’s Social Graphics
Graduations are back! Make sure your customers know you have the graduation flowers they need to celebrate. The Society of American Florists has a...
Learn, Network and Grow With SAF’s Events
The best way to invest in yourself and your team is through continuing education and connecting with your peers. Check out the Society of American...
Last-Minute Social Posts to Drive Mother’s Day Sales
The two to three days before Mother’s Day are key buying days – stay top of mind with consumers by deploying some easy-to-implement social media...
Apply for Industry Awards by May 2
Professional awards and accreditations give you and your business clout in the industry and distinguishes you from competitors. The Society of...
Use SAF’s Resources to Promote Prom Flowers
Proms are back — make sure your customers know you have the prom flowers they need to celebrate! The Society of American Florists' has a Prom...
Boost Easter Sales with SAF’s Resources
There is still time to encourage your customers to hop on over to your shop and pick up flowers for their Easter celebrations. Use the Society of...
It’s Time to Build Back APW, Corporate Sales
Flowers are scientifically proven to help create a moment of calm, according to research from the University of North Florida’s Department of Public...
20 Social Media Ideas to Post for Stress Awareness Month
“As Tax Day approaches, we can all feel the stress. Flowers are scientifically proven to help us relax. Let us help provide a moment of calm for you...
Use SAF Tools to Promote Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month and the media will be focused on all things stress-related, including how to stress less. Join that messaging by...
Train New Designers Quickly with Flower Prep School
Need to get inexperienced designers to the bench sooner? Looking to cross-train seasonal help? With spring holidays fast approaching and a...
Boost Spring Sales with SAF’s Social Media Graphics
Spring starts Sunday, promising to bring more sunshine, warmer weather, and more reasons for your customers to celebrate with flowers. Use the...
Interview Hacks to ID, Recruit Top Talent
Employers need to rethink the hiring process given the difficulty finding workers — and the workforce’s new attitude towards their jobs. In her...
4 Resources to Promote International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is March 8, and this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, which focuses on challenging stereotypes, fighting bias, practicing...
Sharpen Your Team’s Design Skills for Wedding Season
With Valentine’s Day behind you (and newly engaged couples seeking floral services), it’s time to gear up for a busy wedding season. The Society of...
Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Promos Made Simple
The crunch is here. Your shop is busy getting ready for Valentine’s Day, prepping vases with greenery, and analyzing the production and delivery...
4 Media Talking Points for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to take advantage of media opportunities to increase your business’s visibility and promote flowers. As the...
Tap Into Plant Power
Plants continue to be a hot-selling item in flower shops. To help you capitalize on the plant craze, the Society of American Florists’ learning...
Use Social Media Templates to Drive Valentine’s Day Sales
Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and the Society of American Florists has new social media and marketing materials to encourage customers...
Get Ready for a Successful Valentine’s Day
[mom_video type='vimeo' id='665268788' width='800' height='533'] [gap height="10"]Valentine’s Day is always busy, but this year, February 14 falls...
Get Help to Make Your Next Hire
Ongoing labor shortages continue to impact retail florists as Valentine’s Day approaches—and the Society of American Florists is here to help with...
Get Ready for Wedding Season with a Winning Contract
The holidays are a prime time for engagements, which means happy couples will soon be seeking wedding services from florists. The Society of...
Save the Date for SAF’s 2022 Events
The Society of American Florists has a full slate of events for 2022 that will help take your business to the next level, including the new Next Gen...
Use Holiday Social Media Resources to Boost Last-Minute Sales
The holiday season is in full swing, and the Society of American Florists has new social media and marketing materials to help you reach last-minute...
Tips to Counter Negative Publicity
Advertisements that disparage flowers are more frequent before major holidays as competitors seek to position their products as the better gift. The...
Maximize Sales with the Holiday Planning Package
The holiday season is quickly approaching. The Society of American Florists’ learning hub, Career Connection, is here to help boost holiday sales...
Remind Customers that Poinsettias Aren’t Poisonous
Poinsettia season is almost here! Remind customers that the plants are not poisonous to humans or pets. Be prepared to dispel the toxicity myth and...
Encourage Fall Holiday Sales with SAF’s Social Media Graphics
The fall season is in full swing with holidays such as Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 25) and Hanukkah (beginning on Nov. 28) coming up...
Six 2021 Annual Convention Sessions Now Available On Demand
The Society of American Florists has brought the expert knowledge shared at its annual convention to the floral industry with access to a sample of...
Keep Petal It Forward Exposure Going
Are you among the hundreds of floral industry members who participated in Petal It Forward? The good vibes you generated during the event can have...
Leverage Petal It Forward Resources for a Successful Event
Press releases sent? Check. Social media plan in place? Check. Signs printed? Check. Petal It Forward, the Society of American Florists’ annual...
Spread the Power of Flowers on October 20
Petal it Forward is Oct. 20 — just three weeks away. It’s not too late to participate in this feel-good event where participants hand two flowers or...
SAF Seeks Award Nominations and PFCI, AAF Applications
Professional credentials not only give you and your business clout in the industry, but they also distinguish you from competitors. Ready to take...
3 Steps for a Successful Petal It Forward
The Society of American Florists’ annual feel-good initiative, Petal It Forward, is a chance for floral industry professionals to spread the power...
5 Webinars to Navigate the COVID-19 Delta Variant
The Society of American Florists has a variety of resources — including a COVID-19 webinar series — to support floral industry businesses as the...
5 Resources to Sharpen Your Social Media Skills
Headed to SAF Orlando 2021 in less than two weeks? You may want to brush up on your social media skills so you can share the Outstanding Varieties...
Remind Customers to Connect with Flowers this Fall
The Society of American Florists has created new fall social media graphics and banners to celebrate the season of change and encourage your...
4 Tools to Help with Succession Planning
Thinking about the next phase of life and what it might look and feel like to pass the business to a successor? The Society of American Florist’s...
Learn the Elements of a Winning Contract
After a year of cancellations, postponements, and reduced guest lists, weddings are back. It’s more important than ever to ensure contracts are up...
Advocate for Your Bottom Line by Inviting Congress to Call
Several issues in Congress, such as the renewal of the GSP which would reinstate duty-free Ecuadorian roses, have the power to affect your bottom...
Improve Your Wedding Business
Now that postponed weddings are back on the calendar and new weddings are in the making, it’s important that customers know you are ready to help....
Get Inspired at SAF Orlando 2021
Lori Wheat, AAF, attends SAF’s annual conventions to get inspired. And at SAF Orlando 2021, she is looking forward to watching how designers use new...
4 Tips to Counter Negative Publicity
While negative ads are most prevalent during major floral holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, disparaging flowers to promote other...
Spark Extra Summer Sales
Summer is here, bringing opportunities to remind customers to make flowers part of their summertime rituals. Society of American Florists has...
Beef Up Your Bottom Line at SAF Orlando 2021
Anna Page knows the best place to learn how to grow her business is at SAF’s annual convention. And at SAF Orlando 2021, she is looking forward to...
Train Your Way to a Bigger Bottom Line
Five new courses on the Society of American Florists’ new Career Connection learning hub will set up your new hires for success, get inexperienced...
Connecting with Peers Pays Off
Jodi McShan, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, knows who has the best secrets for improving her business — her peers. And at SAF Orlando 2021, she plans to take...
Capitalize on the Plant Trend this Summer
Plants are big — and they just keep getting bigger — as the pandemic fueled a desire to connect with nature. Make plants a priority during your...
Get Creative to Boost Father’s Day Sales
Father’s Day (June 20) is quickly approaching, how are you drawing in customers for this not-so-typical flower-giving holiday? The Society of...
Boost Your Local Profile
With the pandemic reinforcing the love of local businesses, are you trying new ways to connect with potential customers in your community? Don’t...
Get Ready to Promote Wedding Season
Last year, weddings were scaled down, postponed, and even cancelled with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, with restrictions lifting...
Remind Your Customers that Dads like Flowers, Too
Father’s Day might not be thought of as the typical flower-giving holiday, but for customers looking to show their appreciation to their father...
Help Your Customers Say Congrats to Grads
Last year, the typical excitement that comes with senior year was taken over with uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled graduation...
When They Go Low, Be Reasonable
Ahead of major floral holidays, such as Mother’s Day, negative or misleading publicity or references regarding flowers and florists can often be...
3 Tools to Promote Prom Flowers
Last year, high school students watched as their end-of-year celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, they’re eagerly...
Share Your APW Successes With SAF
It’s Administrative Professionals’ Week and we hope your customers are celebrating the hard-working and devoted administrative professionals on...
3 Tips to Share with Customers for Administrative Professionals’ Week
Research shows that a gift of appreciation will naturally lift an employee’s mood, create a lasting memory, and boost productivity. Plus, giving...
Encourage Customers to Give Thanks this Admin Professionals’ Day
Show appreciation for the hard-working, devoted administrative professionals on your team by celebrating Administrative Professionals day! This...
Use Social Media to Boost Mother’s Day Sales
Mother’s Day isn’t until May 9, but it’s never too early to start promoting the holiday on your social media channels. Did you know that social...
3 Resources for a Successful Easter
Easter is right around the corner but there is still time to encourage your customers to hop on over to your shop and pick up flowers! The Society...
How to Drive Sales and Manage Volume on Valentine’s Day
2020 taught us to expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. Valentine’s Day 2021 is no exception — the country is still in the midst of...
Welcome Springtime with Flowers
Springtime is quickly approaching, bringing warmer weather and new beginnings. While the COVID-19 pandemic may be keeping loved ones apart, there...
4 Resources to Drive Sales for International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is March 8 and this year the theme is #ChooseToChallenge, which focuses on challenging and calling out gender bias and...
Learn How to Capitalize on the Houseplant Trend
Curating, caring for and displaying indoor plants has rapidly become one of the biggest trends across all ages and demographics. The pandemic has...
Flowers Are Here for the Good Times and the Bad
To err is human, and we know that some of your customers might forget to order their Valentine’s Day flowers on time. Be ready to help them get back...
Floral Industry Awards Deadline Extended for 2021
The Society of American Florists recognizes the industry’s best and brightest with a range of awards and professional designations acknowledging...
3 Industry Statistics that Show Valentine’s Day Opportunities
After a long year away from friends and family, everyone is looking for ways to connect with loved ones. This means that Valentine’s Day sales have...
4 Media Talking Points for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and big floral holidays are the perfect time to increase your visibility by taking advantage of media...
Apply for SAF’s Industry Awards
The new year is here, which means it’s time to submit your nominations and apply for the Society of American Florists annual industry awards. Each...
2 Ways to Get Ready for a Successful Valentine’s Day
Each year, Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest holidays for florists. This year, February 14 falls on a Sunday during a long holiday weekend,...
3 Tips for Effective Year-End Employee Evaluations
As the end of the year quickly approaches, it is important to set aside time to meet one-on-one with your staff. Year-end evaluations are an...
Remind Customers that Poinsettias Aren’t Poisonous
After a tough year, many people have chosen to embrace the holiday spirit by decorating their homes and businesses earlier than usual. As new stay...
Remind Customers to Spread Holiday Cheer with Flowers
Like everything else this year, the winter holidays will likely look a lot different than what we’re used to. Holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah,...
Prep for a Strong, Successful Valentine’s Day
If you’re not registered for the Society of American Florists’ virtual event, Gear Up for Valentine’s Day, taking place on December 4, don’t worry....
Gear Up for Valentine’s Day on Dec. 4
Valentine’s Day 2021 falls on a Sunday, during a holiday week and in the midst of a global pandemic. Feeling overwhelmed? Kick off a strong,...
Remind Customers to Give Thanks with Flowers
Thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, Thanksgiving gatherings will likely look a lot different – and a lot smaller – this year. Thanksgiving, in a typical...
2 Ways to Get More Visibility Post-Petal It Forward
Last week hundreds of floral professionals in 44 states and three countries spread the power of flowers during the Society of American Florists’...
2 Ways to Make ‘Petal It Forward’ Vibes Last Longer
Were you among the hundreds of floral industry members who participated in Petal It Forward on Oct. 21, 2020? The good vibes you generated can have...
3 Powerful Messages to Share During Petal It Forward
Every day the floral industry sees the positive reactions of people as they are exposed to flowers. SAF’s groundbreaking research studies — in...
3 Tips to Boost Your Media Coverage for Petal It Forward
We all know Petal It Forward as the Society of American Florist’s annual feel-good initiative that spreads the power of flowers. But, more than...
3 Social Strategies for a Successful Petal It Forward
Science proves that flowers make people happy. Hopefully your business is planning on spreading some cheer this fall with the Society of American...
6 Must-Have Tools in SAF’s Petal It Forward Resource Center
The mission of SAF’s Petal It Forwards is to spread the word about the power of flowers by having floral industry members give two bouquets to a...
3 Ways to Use SAF’s New Petal It Forward Templates
This year’s Petal It Forward will certainly look and feel different than past years but there are still ways to make your recipients feel safe. The...
Host a Safe Petal it Forward in Your Community
Many floral industry members have been wondering if the Society of American Florists’ popular Petal It Forward initiative will still take place this...
3 Steps for a Successful Petal It Forward
The Society of American Florists’ annual feel-good initiative, Petal It Forward, is a chance for floral industry professionals to spread the power...
Raise Awareness Now for Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day, a day focused on honoring grandparents around the country, is September 13 this year. This day is an opportunity for your...
Connect with Flowers This Fall
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 56.4 million students are projected to attend elementary, middle, and high schools across...
Take Advantage of SAF’s Social Media Graphics
The Society of American Florists has created new social media shareables to promote flower buying for the rest of the summer. Since social...
Reignite Your Business
At the end of July, the Society of American Florists’ Reinvention Summit gave industry professionals insight into the tremendous challenges the...
Full Calendar? Flexible Options Available for SAF Reinvention Summit
If you’re not yet registered for the Society of American Florists’ all-virtual Reinvention Summit taking place next week, from July 27-31, don’t...
2 Ways to Promote New Practices, Services
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in some areas of the country, already high anxiety levels are inching up even more. That means it’s a good time to...
Preview the Reinvention Summit Program
By now you’ve heard all about the Society of American Florists’ first ever all-virtual Reinvention Summit taking place July 27-31. SAF recently...
SAF Unveils Online Classifieds
Looking to find or sell a cooler? Tired of hanging onto surplus gifts and merchandise? Trying to promote a service you think other floral industry...
Spread Happiness Through Flowers
Did you know that, according to a survey by Wakefield Research, 68 percent of people feel stress on a weekly basis and 32 percent are stressed every...
Reignite Your Business with These 7 Tips
During the month of June, the Society of American Florists' Reignite Your Business webinar series, sponsored by Teleflora, focused on helping you...
Save the Date for SAF’s Reinvention Summit!
The Society of American Florists has unveiled new details for the Reinvention Summit scheduled for July 27-July 31, 2020. You won’t want to miss out...
Take Advantage of SAF’s Benefits, Virtually!
Last week, the Society of American Florists announced that in keeping with government regulations regarding travel and crowd size, the association...
Enhance Your Website with These 4 Tips
As restrictions ease across America and florists are either reopening after being closed or simply getting back into the flow of a more “normal”...
4 Ways to Connect Virtually with Customers
While social distancing is keeping Americans apart, everyone is looking for ways to stay connected. Stay close (virtually) with your customers by...
Look Ahead to Father’s Day Resources
Just like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day will look a bit different this year with social distancing practices still in play. Though Father’s Day isn’t...
3 Tips to Stay in Front of Customers Every Day
Now that the rush of this year’s unusual Mother’s Day is over, it’s time to think summer strategy. SAF has pulled together three tips from a recent...
SAF Creates New Tools to Promote Gifts for Grads
Graduations will look a little different this year with the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. But that means florists have new and different marketing...
How to Turn Negative Feedback into a Positive
Negative feedback about floral arrangements (“too small,” “died too quickly”), delivery (“too late”) or customer service, alas, happens pretty...
Video Tips for Virtual Connections
Selling flowers and staying top-of-mind with customers in a pandemic requires a full embrace of technology, according to a trio of creative...
SAF Editors Refocus April/May Issue
Longtime readers of Floral Management may have noticed the April/May issue has yet to hit their mailboxes and inboxes. Don’t worry: The new issue is...
New Social Media Graphics Emphasize Safety, Community
The Society of American Florists has new social media posts up this week to help members send positive to messages to consumers on safe floral...
Do You Know Your Numbers?
How are you doing so far in 2020 — and what do you need to do now to prepare for the future and minimize your risks in good times and uncertain...
Spring Forward
Why not use the before spring holidays to pre-plan some spring and summer promotions? Check out SAF's collection of beautiful, four-color artwork...
Countdown to Prom
Ready for a four-letter word? P-r-o-m. If prom work is more burden that boon, you and your team may be missing some of the key “do’s and don’ts” of...
Get the Word Out: No Lilies for Cats
With Easter around the corner, let’s avoid sending any customers on an emergency trip to the vet. As you may know (and your customers may not),...
Five Facebook-Ready Posts to Push for Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is March 8, and this year’s holiday could feel especially appropriate to customers active or inspired by the #MeToo and...
3 Things Every Successful Florist Does AFTER Valentine’s Day
We know! We know! You’re in the belly of the Valentine’s Day beast right now — but the days after the holiday are just as important for florists who...
Take 75 Percent off Postcards, Posters and Stuffers in SAF Store
“Mood Changer,” “Happiness Delivered,” and “Make Any Day Special” headline the postcards flying off the shelves as part of the Society of American...
Baby, How You Feelin’? How to Pitch V-Day to Singles
Fresh, new (Lizzo-inspired!) social media posts from the Society of American Florists can help you pitch V-Day promos to clients who love the...
What’s On Your Valentine’s Day To-Do List Calendar?
It’s no secret that February is the most chaotic of all months for retail florists. Feeling overwhelmed about what to do when? Here are day-by-day...
7 New Social Media Posts for Valentine’s Day
“Don't get feathers all ruffled, flitting about at the last minute in February. Order Valentine's Day flowers now. You know we're already thinking...
10 New Ways to Promote #HolidayShopping
“Close at 5? Oh no, Santa won't be having that. We are extending our hours to help you keep your sanity in reach! (insert your shop’s store hours...
Get #LastMinute Consumers #ChristmasShopping with You
“Feeling more frazzled than dazzled by the pace of the holidays? Sit back, sip some eggnog and let us deliver. We’re ready to load up the sleigh and...
5 Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines for Hanukkah and Christmas
Subject lines can make or break your email open rates — especially during the busy holiday season when customers are busier than ever. “If your...
11 New Graphics to Spread #HolidayCheer
“All I Want for Christmas is Hue,” “Life of the Party,” and “Friendships are evergreen” are among the latest graphics added to the Society of...
Just in Time for Christmas: A Primer on Holly and Ilex Care
There is no more iconic symbol of the Christmas season than holly — Ilex aquifolium, that is, sometimes called English or European holly. But today,...
Five Friendly Phrases that Win Over Any Customer
Saying “good morning” to someone may seem like a standard nicety — but employees who are introverted might occasionally let those greetings slide....
2 Stunning Holiday Designs that Play Up Texture
Shiny baubles. Twinkle lights. Candy cane stripes. Ribbon. Tinsel. Glitter. It’s the most ostentatious time of the year! Mindful that many customers...
6 Ways to Capitalize on Engagement Season
Let us take a moment to give thanks that the not-so-nice political commercials that dominated airwaves for much of this year have finally come to an...
Floral Industry Pros Share Top Product Picks for 2020
Resolved to incorporate more novel and cutting-edge products into your line-up in 2020? The New Products Showcase at SAF Amelia Island 2019, the...
Print, Copy and Distribute Poinsettia Brochures and Fliers
Consumers appreciate education and show loyalty to businesses that give it to them. This holiday season share poinsettia knowledge — such as history...
‘Ladies Night Out’ Sets the Mood for Holiday Shopping
In early November, Blumz…by JR Designs hosted “Ladies Night Out” at its Ferndale and Holly, Michigan locations. The party-like atmosphere, complete...
Give the Gift of Floral Management
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Do your team members have the education they need to help your business thrive? One great resource is...
Steal these Social Media Posts for Small Business Saturday
This video is among the free resources available at ShopSmall.com/MarketingSupport to help you promote your business for Small Business Saturday....
Put Thanksgiving Designs Front and Center
Walk into any grocery store in America and you'll find giant displays of canned pumpkin, green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, stuffing, marshmallows,...
FREE! Small Business Saturday Marketing Materials
Three ready-to-use and three customizable templates for Instagram Stories are among the free marketing materials available to promote your business...
5 Posts to Drum Up Small Business Saturday Sales
An estimated 66.6 million consumers are expected to shop on Small Business Saturday this year on Nov. 30, according to a survey by the National...
5 SAF Holiday Resources to Use Now
The holidays are such a busy time, and the Society of American Florists is here to help. SAF members have exclusive access to resources and...
Hiring for Christmas? Give Boomers a Chance
Like many others in the industry, Georgianne Vinicombe has struggled to find positive, dependable employees for her business. She has had three new...
Direct Mail, Tweaked for Better Holiday Returns
Here's a new twist for your Valentine's marketing: This year, go old school. "Direct mail, one of the most maligned marketing practices, is having a...
3 Marketing Ideas to Drive New Valentine’s Day Sales
Want to stand out on Valentine’s Day this year? (Of course!) In anticipation of the fast-approaching big day, we combed through our Society of...
Open House Draws Crowd, Moves Merchandise
While many people were still coming down from Halloween’s sugar high, employees at Furst the Florist & Greenhouse were swiftly swapping out...
3 Ways to Boost Online Holiday Sales
Your holiday open house is set. Your Christmas merchandise is ready to go. But if you haven’t started setting specific strategies for online sales,...
5 Ideas for a Better Holiday Open House
There are now just 77 days to go until Christmas 2016. For many florists, that means it's time to promote and finish planning your annual holiday...
Shop Video Captures the Joy of Receiving Flowers
Mere hours after delighting strangers with flowers last week for this year’s Petal It Forward, the team at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and...
Top 6 Ways to Get More Bang Out of Your Petal It Forward Event
Following up after your Petal It Forward event is one of the most important things you can do to keep the goodwill momentum going. Here are...
How to Deliver Fast, Smooth Service — with a Human Touch
In working with florists across the country, I often hear this complaint: “Technology helps me work faster, but it kills the personal touch! And my...
Nielsen’s Florist Celebrates 75 Years with Open House, Front-Page Article
A milestone anniversary is helping one Society of American Florists member shop engage with its community and stay top-of-mind with customers...
How to Make Deliveries More Profitable and More Streamlined
Want to make deliveries more profitable? Streamline your processes? Just in time for the busy fall and winter season, veteran floral industry...
Confused About Delivery Costs? Longtime Industry CPA Can Help
Delivery is a key service that retail florists offer. It’s something that sets your business apart from other brick-and-mortar businesses and makes...
Stock Up and Save! SAF Postcards, Posters and Statement Stuffers on Sale Now
[gap height="10"]Posters, postcards and statement stuffers are a fast and effective way to stay top-of-mind with customers and to ensure they’re...
Convention Handouts: Your ‘Cheat Sheets’ for Top-Notch Education
During SAF Amelia Island 2019 in September, 60 expert speakers and panelists came together in 44 educational sessions and events on targeted issues...
What Makes Payroll Tricky?
The answer to that question and other essential flower shop accounting, financial management, and benchmarking best practices that's specific to the...
Better User Experience — and Sales — for Events
When Ryan O’Neil, PFCI, and his wife, Rachael, founded Twisted Willow Design in St. Louis six years ago, they knew they wanted to focus on events...
SAF Member Logos Promote Your Professionalism
By Mary Westbrook “I would like to have the SAF logo on my website,” a member florist wrote the Society of American Florists recently via the...
Ride in Style — and Save $$$
Members of the Society of American Florists can drive away with a bargain. Avis offers SAF members discounts up to 25 percent off base rates, and...
Want to Up Pay-Per-Click Traffic Without Spending More Money? Try this SAF Webinar.
Pay-per-click advertising is a great way to get your shop in front of online shoppers and to drive traffic to your web site. However, it can get...
How to Keep Hackers Out
With the benefits that come along with computers, the Internet, and all they have to offer also comes the potential for fraud and data breaches. As...
Hip, Hip, Hooray for Grandparents Day: Sept. 8, 2019
Across the country, busy parents are hustling kids back to school — and many are ready to give thanks for the grandmas and grandpas who stepped in...
‘Instantly Increase Interest’ with Select High-End Products
The staff at Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop in Darien, Connecticut, a two-time Floral Management Marketer of the Year award-winning business, has...
Better User Experience — and Sales — for Events
When Ryan O’Neil, PFCI, and his wife, Rachael, founded Twisted Willow Design in St. Louis six years ago, they knew they wanted to focus on events...
SAF Webinar Shares Secrets of PPC
Pay-per-click advertising is a great way to get your shop in front of online shoppers and to drive traffic to your web site. However, it can get...
Three Small Web Fixes to Increase Floral Event Business
Looking to convert more wedding and event clients from your website? Then check out the latest session in the Society of American Florists’ WebBlast...
Want to Generate Sales Leads? Build Up Your Blog
The dog days of summer are here and you — like many florists — might be looking for ways to attract more everyday business and stay top-of-mind with...
Oklahoma Florist Delivers Smiles to Foster Children
Last week in Edmond, Oklahoma, dozens of foster children and seniors received a surprise pick-me-up, courtesy of the team at Madeline’s Flowers in...
Why Asking ‘How Much Do You Want to Spend?’ Crushes Sales
If you want to drive customer service pro Tim Huckabee truly bananas, ask a person browsing your store, “How much do you want to spend?” The...
Looking to Improve Sales and Service? You May Need to Go Undercover
Ever wonder what your staff really sounds like to customers when they call to place an order with your store? Are they professional and efficient?...
Shop Now for Big Savings on SAF Resources
Amazon’s 2019 Prime Day — or rather, Prime Days — may have ended yesterday but guess what? The savings continue at the Society of American Florists....
Take 75 Percent Off SAF Posters
Enhance your shop walls and design work room with colorful floral posters. The Society of American Florists offers 21 poster and four banner designs...
Need a Better Sales Strategy? Learn from an Expert in Kansas City
What makes a good business a great business? A loyal, happy customer base. Your success can come down to making that key demographic — your repeat...
Stock Up with 75 Percent Off SAF Postcards
Postcards are an effective way to alert current and potential customers your shop’s services and specials. The Society of American Florists offers...
Researching Insurance? Check out Hortica
Members of the Society of American Florists can take advantage of a range of discount programs and services from SAF’s business partners. These...
SAF Slashes Prices on Statement Stuffers
Statement stuffers are an easy, effective way to create floral reminders and keep your name in front of customers. The Society of American Florists...
Bring in the Bachelorettes
When you read the phrase “bachelorette party,” what comes to mind? Plastic tiaras? Sky-high stilettos and dancing on tables? Drinks galore? For many...
Summer Cleaning? Display Strategies That Drive Sales
Have you vowed to work on your visual merchandising this summer? Here are a few best practices, courtesy of display expert Becky Tyre, author of the...
Save 75 percent on SAF Posters, Postcards and Stuffers
The Society of American Florists kicks off summer with a big sale guaranteed to boost local marketing efforts. Save 75 percent on SAF posters,...
Generate Foot Traffic, Fun With Christmas in July Party
Need a way to beat the heat — and the infamous summer sales slump? Get in the holiday spirit. A Christmas in July party is a fun way to stand out in...
‘What’s Your Price Range?’ and Other Sales-Busting Phrases
Imagine: A customer calls in, bursting with pride about the impressive promotion his favorite niece has landed. He can’t say congratulations in...
SAF Resources to Help You Win More Corporate Accounts
Have a little time this summer to think strategy? You aren’t alone! A Society of American Florists member recently asked our team via Live Chat for...
Retail Group Predicts Near-Record Spending on Father’s Day
If a new survey from the National Retail Federation proves correct, Americans are ready to show the dads in their life some love this Father’s Day....
5 Ways to Improve Wedding Sales
Ah, weddings. The romance. The personal touches. The elegance. The poignant moment when two lives become one … Who are we kidding? For florists,...
Why Saying ‘No’ Can Grow Your Business
If you want to grow your business in the next year, you may need to learn to say “no” a whole lot more often. That’s advice from Derrick Myers, CPA,...
Want to Hold Customers’ Attention? Focus on ‘How To’ Content
Alert: By the time you finish reading this sentence, you may…already be bored. In our age of Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, people’s...
2 ‘Secret’ Sales Opportunities to Leverage Now
Need a little sales-pick-me-up around your business this summer? Um, yes, please! Look to grooms and in-store workshops if you want to leverage...
Creative Ideas to Boost your Father’s Day Sales
Let’s face it, dear ol’ dad sometimes gets the short stem when it comes to expressing sentiments with flowers. However, by using practical items as...
Is Your ‘Nice’ Staff Hurting Sales?
Here’s something you probably want to hear from customers about your sales team: “Everyone is so nice!” Nice is good, right? Actually, when it comes...
How to Answer Your Customers’ Toughest Questions
“Why are your prices so high?” “Why do you charge more than the florist down the street?” “You guys did it for me last time I was here. Why not this...
Members Save on Avis and Budget Car Rentals
Members of the Society of American Florists can drive away with a bargain. Avis offers SAF members discounts up to 25 percent off base...
Where to Source Flowers for Petal It Forward? Just Ask.
One secret to success for hosting a local Petal It Forward event on Oct. 24? Don’t be afraid to ask suppliers for help — they most likely want to...
Have You Ordered Petal It Forward Flower Cards or T-Shirts?
Customizable Petal It Forward event materials can help promote the October 24 event. SAF provides members with a Flower Card Template and a T-Shirt...
Publicity Pointers from Petal It Forward Superstars
Before hosting KSAZ Channel 10 reporter Carmen Blackwell, Denham practiced talking points with her marketing manager. “You really only have about...
5 Questions to Ask Your Team the Week After Mother’s Day
While you and your staff can still recall details ask questions, hold a team debrief on what went right, what should be improved upon with Mother’s...
Nine Social Media Ideas to Post for Mother’s Day
Post this message on social media with a photo of one of your custom floral designs. “Super moms deserve superior flowers from (shop name) this...
3 Spring Design Trends to Perk Up Sales
Pop quiz: Who is in charge of profitability at your store? If you said, “the owner” or “the manager,” we’ll understand, but according to industry...
Five Easy Ideas for Mother’s Day Social Media Marketing
Looking for inspiration for your social media posts during the lead up to Mother’s Day? “Get personal,” said SAF Vice President of Marketing...
Steal these Ideas for Mother’s Day Social Media Posts
“With Mother’s Day around the corner, it has us thinking about our moms! What is it about your mom that you love? Tell us below!” Post this message...
How to Market and Sell in a College Town
Caps and gowns will soon be replacing T-shirts and jeans for many college seniors and that means booming business opportunities if you have an...
Pitch #StressLess Stories to Earn Local Publicity
Stress abounds. According to Wakefield Research, 68 percent of people experience stress on a weekly basis and 32 percent endure it daily. “Pretty...
Remind Customers Now About Administrative Professionals Week
Administrative Professionals Week kicks off next week. Has the gratitude-filled event fallen off your radar, or your customers’? If so, you have...
Promote #FlowerPower with SAF #StressLess Social Media Calendar
“How did this make you feel? We have lots more to delight your senses. Come on by to stop and smell the flowers and experience a moment of calm....
14 Floral Photos to Post during Stress Awareness Month
Communion Crowns Help Illinois Shop Court New Customers
First communion, a tradition for young Catholics (typically 7-year-olds), is just around the corner. For more than 30 years, Lake Forest Flowers in...
Customer Service Pro Shares Tips on Online Review Management
It’s the end of a long day. You’re beyond ready to get home. Suddenly you get a notification. A dissatisfied customer has given your shop a...
How Better First Impressions Lead to Higher Phone Sales
You know the old expression, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” For phone sales at retail flower shops, that adage is...
Hallmarks of an Effective Prom Menu
Just as prom fashion has evolved from the demure tea-length dresses of the 1950s to the slinky, form-fitting cuts popular now, customers today shop...
Partnering with Popular Illustrator Boosts Boston Shop’s Visibility
Collaborating with a popular local illustrator has helped a Boston-area flower shop grow its following, while also depicting flowers as a work of...
SAF Offers New Stress Awareness Month Social Media Content Calendar
Stress Awareness Month, observed annually in April, is when public awareness is raised on stress with health groups and news outlets highlighting...
Toy Flower Crown Provides Fun, Unexpected Marketing Opportunity
You never know when inspiration will strike. During her past few trips to the bank, Tiffany Fulton Jones, of Blomma Flower Farm in San Clemente,...
Tuxedos Boost Ohio Shop’s Prom Biz
Two years ago, Schneider’s Florist became the go-to source for teenage boys preparing for prom in Springfield, Ohio thanks to a new offering:...
Texas Shop Hosts ‘Spring Fling’ to Boost March Sales
For years, Debbie’s Bloomers held its annual open house at the start of the holiday season. But in 2018, the El Paso, Texas shop decided to try...
Michigan Florist Plans Events to Make Prom Dreams Come True
Prom, one of high school’s most celebrated rites of passage, is quite an expensive experience. According to a Visa survey, the average American...
Prompt APW Orders with Business to Business Postcards Portfolios
Administrative Professionals Week (APW), April 21-27, 2019, opens the door to cultivate new business clients or remind current clients of the value...
Enthusiasm Elevates Service, Sales Potential
Want to instantly improve customer satisfaction and your sales numbers? One word: emote. That’s the message sales Tim Huckabee wants all florists to...
Social Media Content Calendar for Valentine’s Day
Rushing to get everything done for Valentine’s Day? The Society of American Florists can help streamline your social media marketing with content...
Flowers by George Interviewed for Hulu Show
Earlier this month, the same week Amazon became the most valuable publicly traded company — seemingly more evidence of the e-commerce giant’s retail...
3 Ways to Promote Women’s Day
Ready to build on the positive buzz you created in your community on Valentine’s Day? International Women’s Day, March 8, presents a variety of ways...
Highlight Your Female Staffers for Women’s Day
Looking for a way to promote Women’s Day that doesn’t feel overtly sales-y? Why not spend the week celebrating your female employees and sharing...
Review Notes, Employee Feedback for Future Holiday Success
Congratulations, you survived Valentine's Day! Hopefully you took time to savor some solitude (and maybe some of that V-Day chocolate or a bottle of...
Apply for AAF and Century Awards by March 1
Are you active in a community service organization? Has your company been in business since 1919? If you answered yes to either question (or both),...
Tips for Handling Post-Holiday Online Reviews
The busiest sales week has come and gone. And in its wake, you may have landed a bad review or two. Take it in stride — with an influx of...
Capitalize on His Guilt
Help Romeo out of the doghouse while making social media fans smile with the Society of American Florists’ “Exactly How Mad Is She?” graphic. When...
3 Valentine’s Day Mistakes to Avoid
The countdown to your biggest holiday of the year is on, and we know you are B-U-S-Y. But don’t forget to check in with your sales and design teams...
You Do You: Stand Out Online with Authentic V-Day Messages
The bad news: The competition for Valentine’s Day customers this year is intense. The good news: You already have everything you need to connect...
Fresh Posts for V-Day (Fast!) with SAF’s Social Media Content Calendar
Valentine’s Day is (gulp) EIGHT days away. You have so much to do — prepping, planning, training, and more — but now is not the time to neglect your...
Kissing Booth Elicits Photo Ops, Early V-Day Orders
Name a more perfect Valentine’s Day window display than a fully functioning kissing booth. (We’ll wait.) While browsing the Burton + Burton gift...
Detroit Florist Engages V-Day Customers with SAF Social Media Content
Gorgeous floral design? Check. Verbiage that gets customers thinking ahead for Valentine’s Day? You bet. Those two components came together...
Prep Tips for V-Day Interviews
The good news? You have the chance to go on your local news program — or to be featured in a local publication — in the days before Valentine’s Day....
Partner with the Competition to Earn More V-Day Sales
It’s an unfortunate reality for retailers that, the closer Valentine’s Day falls to the weekend, the more likely people will celebrate it with an...
5 Tactics That Elicit Early V-Day Orders
Do an onslaught of last-minute orders drive you bonkers every February 14? You’re not alone. In recent years, “procrastinating customers” has been a...
SAF V-Day Notebook: A Treasure Trove of Promotions, Pointers and More
Are you ready for some football?! The countdown is on for the biggest sporting event of the year, with the AFC and NFC conference games scheduled...
4 Practical Tips for Finding Great Valentine’s Day Helpers
With just over a month to go until Valentine’s Day, the heat is officially on… to find great seasonal helpers. Because the holiday — which takes...
Daddy Daughter Party Generates Goodwill, Extra Sales
Romance gets the lion’s share of attention for Valentine’s Day — but it’s hardly the only type of love worth celebrating. At Allan’s Flowers in...
4 Marketing Resolutions for 2019
You, no doubt, realize that marketing is important. But given the myriad obligations of a small-business owner, you might not always give shop...
Wanted: SAF Award Nominations
Pop culture’s awards season kicked off Sunday with the Golden Globes honoring achievement in television and film. Though the floral industry’s...
Listen for Cues To Pitch Bigger Sales
A new year means a new column for long-time Floral Management author Tim Huckabee. Throughout 2019, the FloralStrategies founder will share “Tim’s...
5 Business-Building Ideas to Try in 2019
Want to see your business grow in the coming year? (Obviously!) Here are five diverse tactics to try in 2019. Buddy up with another business in the...
Help Customers Find Their Zen
On January 1, millions of people will once again embark on a path for self-improvement (at least for a few weeks). Some will vow to cut out vices...
Three Holiday Social Media Posts to Schedule Now
Social media can be a key component of your holiday promotion strategy. The Society of American Florists knows members are busy — and that planning...
NY Florist Forms ‘Sweet’ Relationship with Baker
Recently, Wendy Rockcastle has seen a boost in business thanks to a new clientele: sugar lovers. Last month, the co-owner of Rockcastle Florist...
Visual Techniques to Move Merchandise
The holiday season (i.e. the busiest shopping stretch of the year) is an apt time to clear out all the backstock you’ve accumulated over the past...
Get Ready for Wedding Season with Details Flowers Software
Did you know that Christmas ranks as the most popular day to get engaged? Are you ready for bridal season and wedding consultations? Can you create...
Design Ideas, Merchandising Techniques to Boost Holiday Sales
Between customers’ desire to deck the halls and their need to pick up gifts for family, friends, coworkers, etc., there a lot of opportunities to...
Advent Calendar Flaunts Shop’s Vast Offerings
December presents many opportunities for the team at Wascana Flower Shoppe in Regina, Saskatchewan, to flaunt their vast offerings that cater to...
Mine HR Toolbox for Productive Performance Reviews
Before your staff disperses for the holidays, carve out time to meet one-on-one with employees and review the highs and lows of 2018. Annual...
Steal these Social Media Posts for the Holidays
Decorating. Cooking. Shopping. Mailing holiday cards. Gathering with family and friends. For many of us, the most wonderful time of the year...
Gratitude’s Power as a Management Tool
Employees’ mental welfare matters greatly for business owners and managers. Happy workers score higher on surveys assessing engagement and loyalty....
Why It Might Be Time to Ditch Discounts
‘Tis the season for shoppers to be on the lookout for a deal — but be careful about running mega sales and employing budget-friendly lingo. Those...
A 4-Point Plan for Small Business Saturday Success
The most wonderful time of the year is just days away! Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday created by American Express in 2010 to promote...
Get the Word Out about Small Business Saturday with Free Graphics
Get your community excited to shop with you on Small Business Saturday this Nov. 24. American Express provides free promotional materials at...
Patriotic Promotion Drives Foot Traffic, Online Engagement
The midterm elections served as a marketing muse for several florists around the country. Scotts Flowers in New York City was among those offering...
Is Your Design Room Efficient?
Florists are always looking for ways to increase sales as the solution to their financial problems; however, if underlying processes are not running...
Fall Scavenger Hunt Attracts Families to Denver Flower Shop
Family-friendly activities, particularly those that are free, can be hard to find. City Floral Garden Center came up with an idea that fills the...
How to Avoid Having Emails Marked as Spam
Cyber Monday (November 26) is mere weeks away. Last year, 81 million Americans participated, accounting for $6.6 billion in sales. Email marketing...
Pajama Party Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season
Cold weather calls for nesting — preferably in warm, cozy duds. Mindful that people treasure personal comfort, the owners of Madeline’s Flowers in...
Make a Lasting Impression with Savvy (Fast!) Petal It Forward Follow-Up
Keep the smiles, hugs and good feelings going and get the most out of your Petal It Forward event with these important — and fast!— follow-up...
How to Design a Major Event with Ease and Flair
Along with first-class education programs led by respected business leaders in and outside of the industry, the Society of American Florists’ annual...
Costume Ideas to Charm Customers
According to recent Google searches, Halloween 2018 will see a lot of superheroes, princesses, pirates, dinosaurs and unicorns. Want to stand out...
Citywide Fall-Themed Contest Earns Community Cred
Entering (and winning) a citywide contest earned a local flower shop community cred — while providing killer visual merchandising and a prize to...
Remind Reporters that You Will Petal It Forward on Oct. 24
With one week to go before Petal It Forward on Oct. 24, it’s time to finalize your publicity push. Pitch local media now about the feel-good story...
Pumpkin Themed Class Leads to Bonding — and Sales
Fall has many admirers. Among them: young women, who clamor for themed-events to celebrate the crisp weather and seasonal bounty with family and...
‘Flower Crown Friday’ Attracts Hundreds to NYC Florist
Eager to entice foot traffic and create a buzz on social media, Nic Faitos planned an interactive fashion-inspired event in front of his shop to...
Train Your Happiness Ambassadors for Petal It Forward
Come Oct. 24, Alexis Dexter of Forget Me Not Flowers & Gifts in Barre, Vermont, will have at least 30 “Happiness Ambassadors” giving away 2,000...
Understanding Insights, Instagram’s Free Analytics Tool
Instagram can be a florist's best friend. Our industry's products are quite literally born to be shared and can create an instant emotional...
Tackling the Instagram Algorithm, Together
It takes a village, as they say, to beat the Instagram algorithm and boost the organic visibility of your content. A village or — in the case of one...
Relationship with Popular Venue Helps Tampa Florist Grow
Building and nurturing partnerships with local hot spots can do wonders for boosting your business’s name recognition and growing your client base....
Quality Images Key to Marketer of the Year’s Success
A multi-faceted campaign aimed at getting their product in front of as many people as possible and influencing design trends earned Resendiz...
Outfit Your Team and Flowers for ‘Petal It Forward’ on Oct. 24
If you haven’t already, now is the time to create and order Petal It Forward logo materials for your October 24 event. The Society of American...
Get the Media Excited About Petal It Forward
Petal It Forward is coming up fast: The date for 2018 is Oct. 24. Once you’ve signed up to participate, organized your staff and connected...
‘Fur Babies’ Fire Up Facebook Interactions
Fur babies are a sure-fire way to attract positive attention to your social media page is through a common human joy. At the beginning of the month,...
5 Ways to Drive Holiday Sales Through Pinterest
We may be a scant one week into fall, but Christmas-related searches are already ramping up on Pinterest. Here are few ways to get your flowers in...
Google Rolls Out Mobile-First Indexing
It's been roughly six months since Google announced that they would be rolling out algorithm changes to "sites that follow the best practices for...
How a Tiny Toronto Coffee Shop Attracted Ryan Gosling, Went Viral
Last week, Toronto coffee shop Grinder Coffee earned international attention when its social media campaign to attract actor Ryan Gosling went...
Mass Email Madness Inspires Clever Promotion
Days into the fall semester, chaos ensued at the University of Missouri when someone hacked into a student’s email and sent a spam blast to the...
47 Common Phrases That Close the Door on Sales
“Can I send you some information?” “Does that make sense?” “Feel free to call me at …” If any of these common phrases are in heavy rotation at your...
Merchandising Strategies That Make Shoppers Linger
Fall is in full force at Helen Olivia Flowers. To usher passersby into the next season — and into her store — owner Rachel Gang has merchandised the...
Want To Sell More? Tell A Story
Storytelling appeals to customers’ emotions, making them more open to making a purchase. Think back to your childhood, when bedtime often started...
Sunflower Photo Contest Generates Excitement
The “sunflower selfie” has been one of the summer’s hottest trends. On Instagram, there are more than 4.2 million posts with the hashtag...
Steal these Emails to Send Business Clients, Interior Designers and Architects
Commercial accounts represent a profitable market. Not only do you have a great product and service, you have the best sales tool possible to...
Rose Sale Draws Hundreds to Indiana Florist
A deep discount on roses has generated a huge boost in traffic for an Indiana florist during a notoriously slow month for sales. For the past few...
How to Leverage the ‘Plant Craze’ to Bring in Customers
According to the 2016 National Gardening Report, five million of the six million Americans who took up gardening in 2015 were 18 to 34. The same...
For Bigger Sales and Better Service, Nix the Nice
“Will this design look nice?” It’s a favorite customer question, which far too many florists instinctively answer, “Of course!” (perhaps with a...
Georgia Florist Grows Biz Through Greek Organizations
More than 800 college campuses in the United States and Canada have Greek organizations, with a total of more than 9 million members. Each fall,...
Orlando Florist Drums Up Business With ‘College Care Packages’
by Katie Hendrick Vincent Back-to-school season presents BIG business opportunities. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, there are 29 million...
‘Puppy Party’ Caters to Animal-Loving Philanthropists
By Mackenzie Nichols Mindful that people love charitable causes as well as their “furbabies,” one New Jersey florist devised the perfect event to...
Why Passive, Impersonal Emails Land in the Trash
By Mackenzie Nichols With nearly 3 billion users, email, the earliest form of online communication, is also one of the best avenues for marketing —...
SAF Tools Help Shore Up Sympathy Relationships
Looking for ways to connect with your local funeral directors or shore up relationships with local funeral homes? The Society of American Florists...
Do You Have A ‘Social Selling’ Mindset?
What does it take to effectively market your retail store online in 2018? Crystal Vilkaitis, founder of the Social Edge, has worked one-on-one with...
Capitalize on Vogue Excitement with Flower Crown Class
On Monday, August 6, Vogue revealed the cover of its much-anticipated September issue. On it, superstar chanteuse Beyoncé wears a massive flower...
5 Instagram Tactics To Steal From ‘Fitluencers’
On the heels of actors and actresses, pop stars and elite athletes, fitness gurus have some of the largest — and most devout — followings in the...
Want Local News Coverage? Petal It Forward on Oct. 24
“Flowers can brighten the day for anyone, but it's even more special when they come for no reason at all,” said WFSB news co-anchor Dennis House as...
How to Grow Your Business with LinkedIn
Many people think LinkedIn exists solely for job searching. True, it is a great recruitment tool for employers and candidates alike, but the...
Pennsylvania Wholesaler Shines with Van Decals — And You Can “Steal” Their Look
For a wholesaler in Pennsylvania, new van decal graphics from the Society of American Florists and the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier...
Curate Existing Content to Repurpose Throughout the Year
Posting regular content throughout the year is a crucial move for search engine optimization and customer engagement, but coming up with content...
Virginia Florist Celebrates Anniversary, Rebranding With Shop T-Shirt
In conjunction with his shop’s 35th anniversary and recent rebranding, George Clements, owner of George’s Flowers in Roanoke, Virginia started...
Surprising Reasons Customers Dump Businesses
Wondering why some customers disappear? A recent consumer survey revealed some surprising reasons that people “dump” businesses — from overhearing...
Wall Street Journal Highlights “Plant Craze.” Here’s How to Capitalize On it
Eager to attract millennials, a demographic with an estimated $200 billion spending power — the greatest of any generation? Stock up on succulents,...
5 Ways to Use SAF Postcards and Stuffers this Summer
Give your marketing approach some summer sizzle. The Society of American Florists’ professional designed marketing tools make it easy to keep your...
New Jersey Florist To Help Locals Find Zen
Summer is a time to rest and recharge — ideally seaside, with a frosty beverage in hand. At Monday Morning Flowers and Balloon Company in Princeton,...
Steal Sales- and Profit-Boosting Wedding Business Materials
“I was looking for a wedding calculator template, do you have that on the site somewhere,” a member asked the Society of American Florists via the...
How to Turn Delivery into a Profit Center
Want to close the (profitability) gap between your shop and the customer's front door? When you turn delivery into a profit center, you can. All it...
Free WebBlast: Independent Contractor Classifications – Things to Know Now
The misclassification of workers as independent contractors can be an extremely costly and a difficult misstep for employers to correct. In light of...
Turn B2B Prospects into Customer with Four Words
What if we told you four words could immediately engage a B2B customer — even a reluctant customer — turning a sales pitch into a real conversation,...
Offer Alternatives to “In Lieu of Flowers”
With the prevalent use of the “in lieu of flowers” phrase, it is important to educate funeral directors and consumers about the benefits of sympathy...
Money Motivates: How to Make Incentives Work for Your Store
Money motivates. It’s a simple yet powerful fact that you should use to your advantage to get more performance from your team while simultaneously...
Turn Midsummer Slumps into Summertime Celebrations
The warmest months of the year don’t signal a slowdown in flower buying in one Scandinavian country. During the first week of summer, people in...
New Vehicle Graphics Help Wholesalers Promote Local Florists
The Society of American Florists is helping wholesalers promote buying flowers from local florists, with three new van decal graphics, available for...
Turn ‘Summer Slowdown’ into Customer Service Training Time
A summer slowdown is no reason for your staff to idly stand around. In fact, a little “free time” is an excellent opportunity to work on your...
Virginia Florist To Hold 13th Anniversary Party
Who says you need to wait for a milestone — or even a round number — year to hold an anniversary party? With all the challenges facing florists,...
Can We Give a Former Employee a Bad Reference?
“A former employee of our business was, at best, a mediocre performer. We have received a reference request from a prospective employer who is...
Kate Penn Spells Out SAF Vision in Facebook Live Video
Following a more than 30-year-tenure with the Society of American Florists — most notably as editor-in-chief of Floral Management and SAF’s online...
Beat Summer Slowdown With Pop Up Concept
Absent any major gift-giving holidays, the summer months can spell long, barren days for retailers. This year, a Michigan florist has an idea to...
Customer Experience Key to SEO Success
Years ago, cramming website copy with meta tag keywords was all it took to achieve a top ranking in Google results. These days, the search engine...
5 Ways to Offer Personalized Customer Service
Shoppers today don’t just appreciate a personal touch from retailers — they expect it. Fortunately, “personalized customer service is one area where...
California Grower Launches ‘American Princess’ Bouquet
Cognizant that millions of people tuned in to watch “Suits” actress Meghan Markle tie the knot with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex on May 19 — many of...
Make Better Hiring Decisions with Hortica
When it comes to hiring, you want to make sure you’re making the right choice. Finding quality employees who’ll do a quality job is key to any...
Lush, Untamed Roses to Delight Royal Admirers
An estimated 29 million people tuned in to watch the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on May 19 — and you can be sure that...
Big Savings. Nice Rewards. Sweet Success.
Big savings are available to members of the Society of American Florists who join the FedEx Advantage program. Save up to 21 percent off select...
The Marketing Opportunity Lurking in Your Email Signature
Anyone who’s ever engaged in a heated argument knows the satisfaction of getting in a good last word. The same philosophy should apply to your email...
Take a Cue from Hollywood and Make Some Summer Blockbusters
Memorial Day weekend is upon us and, as people head out to catch the latest summer blockbusters (“Solo: A Star Wars Story” or “Deadpool 2,”...
NYC Florist Taps Into Pop Culture for Mother’s Day
Mindful that — above all else — moms prize quality time with their kids, Starbright Floral Design in New York City latched onto not one, but two...
Sincere Apologies, Gestures Cure Customer Complaints
Dealing with angry, disappointed customers is an unfortunate reality of retail — especially in the aftermath of a busy holiday. But it doesn’t have...
Google’s ‘Small Thanks’ Campaign Offers Free, Personalized Marketing Materials
Have rave online reviews that you want to promote in-store, too? For a limited time, Google is offering small business owners a free marketing kit,...
Vignette Displays Encourage Browsing, Impulse Buys
In an effort to get visitors to spend more time browsing (a precursor to making an impulse purchase), Regina Cannon Treml merchandized her shop with...
Finding, Courting High-End Brides
If you’d like to land more grandiose weddings, search for chances to rub elbows with affluent people. “Money goes where money is,” said Jennifer...
Flowers Complete End of School Year Celebrations
Around the country, the school year is winding down and celebrations are ramping up. Prom is just the beginning; there are many occasions that call...
Top Four Talking Points for Mother’s Day Interviews
As a shop owner, you are the spokesperson for your business and the flower expert for your community. If a reporter calls or emails asking about...
Harvard Research Sells APW Flowers
Rather than relying on a blatant sales pitch, Gordon Bonetti Florist in Wethersfield, Connecticut tapped into research sponsored by the Society of...
Benefits of Blogging Mother’s Day Specials
Consumers have myriad options for gifting Mom next month. To illustrate why flowers fit the bill splendidly, Breen’s Florist in Houston, Texas...
Mother’s Day Marketing Made Easy
According to the National Retail Federation, 69 percent of people plan to buy flowers for Mother’s Day 2018. Make sure your shop is top of mind...
Touching Story Enchants Fans
A touching vintage photo and enclosure card, shared on social media, is showing people the emotional value of a gift of flowers and giving a subtle...
Warm Customers’ Spirits With Tropical Designs
Frosty weather in December feels festive and fun for the month’s holidays. Flurries in late April? Not so much. Millions of Americans are shivering...
Members Enjoy Special Offer on Mother’s Day Bootcamp
This Mother’s Day, do you want bigger sales, less stress, and more profits? Need help training your sales team? The Society of American Florists...
Advanced Planning Key to Profitable Mother’s Day
According to Prince & Prince, an industry market research group, U.S. consumers could spend as much as $4.4 billion on flowers and plants for...
Feline Mascot Generates Goodwill, Foot Traffic for NYC Florist
A charismatic kitty is doing double duty for goodwill by advertising for a cat adoption service and a New York City flower shop. Scottie Jr., the...
Petal It Forward Prep: Set the Wheels in Motion
The Society of American Florists’ 2017 Petal It Forward campaign date is set for Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, and now is the time for suppliers,...
4 Pricing Strategies to Increase Mother’s Day Sales and Profits
Are you setting your Mother’s Day prices properly? Do you offer charm prices or rounded prices? Do you bundle delivery and services fees, or do you...
Can Facebook Messenger Bots Make You More Productive?
How does selling more arrangements while having customer service questions answered at the same time sound? What if you could accomplish all this...
Is this Order Gathering Tactic Legal?
“My name is Charles Goodfellow and I’m the owner of Paley Florist in Paley, Maryland. When you search the name of my business online, the first few...
6 Steps to Rectify Customer Complaints
Feedback isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, it really stings — say, when a customer calls to say you screwed up. But with the right mindset, you can...
Prom Display Entices Teens, Encourages Bigger Sales
As the adage goes, seeing is believing. That’s why Rissee Zimmerman made a visual merchandising display a priority for prom season. To showcase the...
What Do Flower Buyers Want?
Where are flower-buying consumers spending their dollars? What kind of floral products were purchased? What was the reason or occasion for the...
5 Retail Florists Share Best Practices in Customer Service
Not long ago, Anthony Baradhi of Flower Station in Somerset, New Jersey, decided to put himself in his customers’ shoes. For the role-playing...
Flowers Elevate ‘The Ask’ for Promposals
Hopeful grooms aren’t the only ones pressured to make grand gestures these days. Over the past 15 or so years, high school students have been coming...
To Increase Bridal Biz, Think Beyond ‘The Big Day’
Persuading brides-to-be to go all out on lavish floral arrangements for their ceremony and reception isn’t the only way to increase your wedding...
Share New Made-for-Instagram Video to Attract Prom Shoppers
To help members get teens and their parents excited about prom flowers, the Society of American Florists added a promotional video to its Prom...
How Showroom Design Sets the Mood for Success
At weddings consultations, first impressions are everything. If you want the bride to sign on the dotted line, you need her to feel relaxed,...
3 Easy Ideas to Get Ready for Prom Season
Blink! There went Valentine’s Day and Women’s Day. Before you know it, high school students will be preparing for their big dance. To earn their...
Amidst Winter’s Fury, Boston Florist ‘Conceives’ Clever Idea
What do people do when extreme winter conditions leave them isolated at home? One florist’s bet: get frisky. For couples who combatted the boredom...
Sell Smarter: A New Path for Wedding Sales
Imagine having a wedding consultation, and while you’re discussing flowers, colors and textures, you’re also consciously earning trust, removing...
SAF Graphics Celebrate Spring Flowers
Members can hop over to the Society of American Florists’ library of web, Facebook graphics and banners for grab-and-go reminders to post online...
Wedding Pricing that Makes Sense
When it comes to weddings and pricing, beauty is usually not a problem for the floral industry. Retail florists excel at beauty. Profitability is...
Prom Kits Increase Productivity
When it comes to prom, volume is the name of the game. To maximize efficiency and profit potential, one Indianapolis florist has developed a system:...
Boston Florist Woos Reality TV Fans
Earlier this month, a popular reality dating show involved even more drama than usual when the star rescinded his choice of fiancée during the...
68 Radio Commercial Scripts for SAF Members
“Does SAF have radio advertising examples,” a member asked the Society of American Florists via the association’s Live Chat in early March. Yes. SAF...
Ask One Critical Question to Improve Sales
After making a couple thousand mystery shopper calls, Floral Strategies President Tim Huckabee has heard far too many florists inundate customers...
Florists Cash in on Couples Ready to Spend Big on Weddings
Like millions of Americans, Amanda Allen sets New Year’s resolutions. Unlike the masses, she actually enjoys hers. Rather than committing to...
Enter for a Chance at a Small Business Grant in 4 Easy Steps
What would you do with $25,000 for your business? The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest is accepting entries from February 20 to March 28, and one...
Canadian Florist To Highlight Female Achievement for Women’s Day
On Thursday, March 8, female businesswomen in Swift Current, Saskatchewan will receive a surprise gift of flowers. This year, Poppy Parsons, AIFD,...
Saskatchewan Florist To ‘Pop Up’ in Starbucks for Women’s Day
To celebrate Women’s Day 2018, Wascana Flower Shoppe is leading a low-cost design workshop and hosting it at a location with major foot traffic —...
10 On-Trend Purple Flowers to Light Up Your Cooler
In mid-December, the Pantone Color Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based design firm known worldwide as the authority on color trends, unveiled "Ultra...
3 Marketing Lessons From Netflix
It’s been nearly 21 years since Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph founded Netflix. In that time, their company has evolved from a DVD rental service...
Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Celebrate Women’s Day
Women’s Day, March 8, is fast approaching. Even if you don’t have a special event or promotion planned, you can still benefit from simply making...
Deadline Extended to March 9 for AAF and Century Award Applications
Dotting the i's and crossing the t's can take time, especially after the busy Valentine’s Day season. That’s why SAF has extended the deadline for...
What NOT to Say to Walk-in Customers
Imagine your shop on an ordinary afternoon. A man walks through the front door, looking a little confused — he’s definitely not a regular and you...
Plant a Seed for Women’s Day Coverage
Fare thee well, Cupid. It’s time to move on to Women’s Day. An easy first step? Reach out to media professionals, educating them about the holiday...
Facebook Contest Sparks Dialogue, Collects Valuable Info
Wondering what your customers are really thinking about your store, service, designs —even your flower selection? A social media contest may be the...
Apply for AAF and Century Award by March 1
Are you active in a community service organization? Has your company been in business since 1918? If you answered yes to either question (or both),...
Shop Promotion Makes Valentine’s Day More Inclusive
The sad reality of Valentine’s Day is that it tends to excludes a lot of people. If you’re marketing your Valentine’s Day menu to only married or...
How Will the New Tax Law Affect Your Business?
On Dec. 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law the most sweeping tax bill since 1986. The 500-plus page bill was mostly forward-looking,...
Share This PSA For Buying Local
With less than a week to go until the big day, Jodi Duncan, AIFD, filmed a short video message that expresses the value of purchasing flowers from a...
8 Reasons to Use checXchange Mobile App
Don’t let cupid get away with insufficient funds. The Society of American Florists and Money Transfer Systems Inc. have partnered to bring SAF...
Valentine’s Day ‘Cheat Sheet’ Makes Interviews a Breeze
Don’t let the holiday pressure prevent you from capturing powerful free publicity this Valentine’s Day. "Media coverage of your business, whether...
To Rejuvenate a Longtime Florist, a Family Looks to Financials – and Beer
Ask many small-business owners how they survived the recession, and you’ll likely hear a few appreciative “thank-you’s” to a nice, tall cold one...
Last Minute Tips for a Successful Valentine’s Day
The countdown is on! Sure, a lot of your hard work — at least in terms of sales and marketing — is mostly behind you. But there’s still time to make...
Secret Shoppers Rate Valentine’s Day Flowers
Now is peak season for reporters to conduct research for their Valentine’s Day “test order” news stories, when they pose as consumers ordering...
Valentine’s Day Event Helps Massachusetts Store Find New Customers
Ever feel like you’re reaching out to the same customers constantly? A shop in Newburyport, Massachusetts, has found a lighthearted way to market to...
Turn the Super Bowl into Super Marketing
Emotions will run high this weekend when the Eagles take on the Patriots. If you haven’t had a chance to hitch your marketing efforts to the big...
4 Simple Ways to Improve Your Showroom
Be honest: is your shop neatly organized or does it look like Cupid just threw up in there? In his Valentine’s Day Boot Camp, Thursday, Jan. 11,...
To Grow, Embrace the ‘Four Ps’
When Manny and Clara Gonzalez first bought Tiger Lily, their Charleston, South Carolina, floral business, they thought: How hard can this be? “The...
Fun Valentine’s Day Themed Fodder for Social Media
For consumers, Valentine’s Day is just as the name implies: a day. For florists, though, it’s a season, and coming up with talking points for the...
How to Set (and Achieve) Financial Goals
New Year’s resolutions can get a bad rap, says Derrick P. Myers, CPA, CFP, PFCI. “Too often, they fall into the category of ‘impossible to achieve’...
Save Time with Ready-to-Post Valentine’s Day Graphics
The Society of American Florists added five new sharables to its library of Valentine’s Day graphics for members. The Valentine’s Day library now...
Miami Shop To Engage Customers with Girlfriend Gathering
Why pigeonhole Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romantic love? In Miami Beach, Florida, Zoë Galitz, owner of The Posy, wants locals...
Capitalize on Oscar Season to Score More V-Day Sales
Whether Meryl Streep or Margot Robie will take home a Oscar March 4 is anyone’s guess; but one thing’s for sure, we’re in the midst of...
Valentine’s Day Ideas to Steal Now
Want to step up your Valentine's Day marketing? Members of the Society of American Florists have exclusive access to a vast collection of marketing...
Last Call for PFCI Applications
If you love talking about flowers, floral design or the business of flowers, now is the time to document your presentation experience and audition...
How Does the New Tax Bill Affect Your Business?
The new tax law has major implications for business owners. What exactly does it mean for you? The Society of American Florists helps members figure...
Expand V-Day Menu to Grab More Sales
A dozen red roses may reign as the most popular Valentine’s Day request, but if you only offer this standard design, you may alienate some customers...
How Your Tone Affects V-Day Sales
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it that affects how much your customers will spend. When taking a phone order, you can ramp up your...
Court Brides-to-Be
Champagne and tinsel weren’t the only things sparkling this holiday season. Chances are a substantial number of women in your community received a...
PFCI Starts the SAF 2018 Awards Season
Do you love talking about flowers, floral design or the business of flowers? Do you present programs to garden clubs or other professionals? Then...
Guest Baker Delights Customers
Last month, the staff at Expressions Unlimited in Greenville, South Carolina had a sweet surprise for customers: a pop-up shop featuring a beloved...
Industry Leaders Talk ‘What Comes Next’
The economy is good. The geopolitical scene is less certain. Consumers are confident. They also have more choices than ever, and they still spend...
How to Hire and Prep V-Day Drivers
Here are two things many florists can depend on for Valentine’s Day: last-minute orders and seasonal hires who flake or turn out to be terrible fits...
New Two-Minute Trends Resource Center Helps Members Market Their Business
Looking for a new pitch to promote your shop’s floral services to business clients? Want to draw in business from interior designers or architects?...
Countdown to Prom: Start Your Prep Today for a Profitable Season
Prom, No Pain, More ProfitReady for a four-letter word? P-r-o-m. At least, that is how some florists look at prom season — which brings potential...
Promote Your Wedding Business with SAF Materials
Tell the newly engaged and prospective bridal clients that your shop is “Married to Perfection” — so they can “Relax” if you’re handling their...
How to Turn Twitter into a ‘Massive Lead Generator’
Facebook is a given for florists and Instagram, with its highly visual style, is a natural fit for the industry, but Twitter? That can be a harder...
Daily Deals Clear Inventory, Create Engagement
Eager to end the year on a high note, the ladies behind Madeline’s Flowers in Edmond, Oklahoma — Barbara, Lenzee and Lacee Bilke — decided to host a...
Show Your Favorite Vendors Some Love
As you approach the final days of 2017, it's worth recognizing the people who helped you reach the milestone of another year in business. Are there...
Pop Up Shop at Popular Clothier Boosts Illinois Florist’s Brand Exposure
A special event at J. Crew put Lake Forest, Illinois florist Eileen Looby Weber, AAF in contact with scores of holiday shoppers earlier this month....
7 Simple Strategies to Improve Your Instagram Game
In less than nine years, Lily Greenthumb’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, has grown from a tiny startup to one of the most sought after florists in...
Boston Florist Uses the Force (Glow-in-the-Dark Roses) to Engage Community
Tying in to the much-anticipated release of “The Last Jedi,” the latest episode in the “Star Wars” franchise, one Beantown flower shop is selling...
Don’t Fall for In-Store Pickup Email Scam
‘Tis the season for merry-making, mistletoe and, unfortunately, scammers, who hit up retail florists with an array of seemingly plausible scenarios...
Stop With the ‘F’ Word!
Tim Lawing, AIFD, of Tim’s Touch Flowers & Gifts in Lexington, South Carolina, has a plea for florists. “Don’t use the ‘F’ word,” he said....
SAF Member Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Nic Faitos of Starbright Floral Design in New York City has been chosen as the 2017 Lifetime Achievement recipient at the next Hotel Excellence...
Ornaments Help Nurture Relationships, Spur Extra Sales
While prepping her shop for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Jennifer Pryor had an “aha” moment when she came across boxes of ornaments...
We Want to See Your Holiday Décor!
Poinsettias, stockings, bows, tinsel, wreaths, Nativity scenes, Santa, elves, snowmen, reindeer, holly, candy canes, ornaments, and lights. The...
SAF Partners with Details Flowers Software for Special Member Savings
The average couple spends more than $35,000 on their wedding — an increase of more than $2,600 from 2015 — and an all-time high, according to the...
Florists Share 5 Best Practices for Employee Evaluations
Before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, carve out time to meet one-on-one with your staff and review the highs and lows of 2017. Annual employee...
How to Benchmark Social
The beauty of social media marketing: it provides you with a lot of data. The challenge of evaluating social media marketing: knowing what to do...
Want to Meet New Customers? Grab a Beer
Looking to get in front of young, hip customers with cash to spend and lots of people in their lives to buy flowers for? Get thee to a brewery. You...
Santa ‘Paws’ Pulls in A Crowd for New Jersey Florist
Recognizing that pet owners can’t resist a cute photo op with Fluffy or Fido, Stacey Cofka teamed up with her neighbor, a groomer, to organize a...
Use New Photos and Videos to Promote Flowers for Interior Décor
Looking to elevate your promotional efforts with new professional floral photography and videos? Check out “Two-Minute Trends,” available from the...
More Effective HashTags in 4 Steps
When a London-based interior designer and tastemaker wanted to bump up interest in wintery permanent botanicals, she took to social media with a...
New SAF Graphics Spread Holiday Cheer
“Season’s Greetings,” “Send an Instant Smile for the Holidays,” and “National Poinsettia Day” are new additions to the Society of American Florists’...
Remind Your Customers: Poinsettias Aren’t Poisonous
It’s that time of year: Get ready to remind consumers that university research has proven that poinsettias are not poisonous to people and their...
Discover the ‘Magical Art’ of Tidying (Files) Up
If finally figuring out what to do with the boxes and boxes of back-files hogging space in your office or storeroom is on your list of New Year’s...
Christmas Tree Kits Make Easy, Irresistible Impulse Buys
With a few exceptions (Ebenezer Scrooge, the Grinch, Kim Jung Un), people who celebrate Christmas love the holiday's décor. What those millions of...
Interactive Workshop Helps Florist Stand Out Among Christmas Crowd
In Wilmington, North Carolina, one florist has hit upon a way to turn a local Christmas expo into a reliable sales lead generator: an interactive...
The Showcase Must Go On: New Products to Help Your Business Thrive
Barbara, Lenzee and Lacee Bilke, owners of Madeline’s Flower Shop in Edmond, Oklahoma, always hunt for intriguing containers to raise their designs’...
5 Holiday Marketing Ideas to Steal Now
Ready to step up your holiday marketing? SAF members have exclusive access to a vast collection of marketing resources and successful strategies...
Florida Florist Sets Up Shop for Fall Photo Shoots
Credit Jerry, Christina Brown’s 7-month-old son, with inspiring her latest promotional idea. Brown, FSMD, the owner of Roses are Red Florist in...
Small Business Saturday Prep: Get the Word Out
Make sure consumers know that they can shop with you in-store or online on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25. American Express provides free...
Turn Holiday Decor and Party Work into Lasting Corporate Accounts
Imagine a client who chooses high-profit designs, embraces creative expression and orders regularly. Pretty dreamy, right? For these reasons and...
Craving More Reaction on Facebook? Go Live.
Here’s a scenario that might feel familiar: You come up with a great promotion or new holiday design, create a cute photo, write a snappy caption...
Small Business Saturday: Spread the Word on Social
Want to be in sync with millions of consumers who want to jumpstart their holiday purchasing while supporting their local communities? Quick! Update...
SAF Adds Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving Graphics Library
The celebration of Thanksgiving dinner with friends continues to grow as Millennials embrace the tradition of Friendsgiving. This year, experts are...
Does SAF Offer Health Insurance Benefits?
“I thought I remembered SAF having a health insurance company that worked with the florist industry. Am I remembering that correctly?” Yes. The...
Reach Out to Local Funeral Directors
Maintaining positive relationships with local funeral directors is essential to build your sympathy business. When submitting death notices, some...
3 Ways to Make Small Business Saturday a Bigger Deal
Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25) is three weeks away — and if that deadline makes you think, “So what?” Bob Phibbs, the retailing pro behind the...
Pop-Up Shop Exposes NYC Florist to High-Roller Shoppers
Last spring, when Lord & Taylor asked Nic Faitos if he’d be interested in having a pop-up shop in the luxury retailer’s flagship store in...
Webinar: Floral Purchase Tracking Study
Stop searching the web looking for information on who buys more flowers and what colors are more popular. This data and more can be found in the...
American Grown Field to Vase Dinner Tour Ends Award-Winning Year in Florida
Just one stop remains on the 2017 American Grown Field to Vase Dinner Tour: The pop-up dinner series and winner of Floral Management’s 2017 Marketer...
Wanted: Longtime Team Members Ready to Adapt to Changes
Manuel Sotelo joined Dramm & Echter in Encinitas, California, almost 30 years ago. He started out processing orders and cutting lilies and...
Social Media Flubs That Undermine Your Marketing Efforts
The pressure to participate daily on social media can lead small business owners to scribble off some hurried posts, sometimes with qualities that...
Want to Stand Out on Instagram? Have a Strong Voice
As of this fall, Instagram has 800 million monthly users and 500 million daily app users. That volume makes the platform a perfect place to pitch to...
Dress Up for Halloween with SAF Graphics
With more than 179 million Americans planning to partake in Halloween festivities, up from 171 million last year, spending is slated to reach a...
Southern Plant Conference Announces Speakers
The Southern Nursery Association (SNA) has announced final details of The 15th Southern Plant Conference to be held in conjunction with The SNA...
For An Easy Add-On, Let Them Eat Cake
A New York florist has discovered a sweet idea to fatten birthday and holiday sales. CAKE! About two years ago, Wendy Rockcastle connected with a...
A Canned Food Drive Approach that Helps Your Community and Business
Want to create a holiday charitable event this fall that contributes to your community, generates goodwill and brings more customers into your...
Got Petal It Forward Video? Check out AFE’s New Contest
Did you capture footage of smiling happy people giving and receiving flowers during your Oct. 11 Petal It Forward event? It could lead you to some...
Blending Old and New, a Philadelphia Florist Becomes a Destination
Ask a local to describe Stein Your Florist Co. in Philadelphia, and the description likely starts with the retro, neon signs proudly trumpeting the...
New Marketing Materials Bolster Sales and Visibility
Looking for a way to spruce up your showroom? The Society of American Florists’ 2017 Local Marketing Kit gets high praise from members. “I love the...
Illinois Florist Holds Centennial Celebration
After a year of planning — and many decades of tireless work — the staff of Lake Forest Flowers is ready to party. The Lake Forest, Illinois, shop...
Petal It Forward Wrap Up: Share Updates, Say Thank You
You gave away your last pair of Petal It Forward bouquets hours ago. Now, toot your horn, follow up with reporters and say thank you to all...
How to Create ‘Petite Powerhouses’ for Downsizing Customers
The yard, once a marquee element of the American dream home, has lost some of its status in recent years as millennials and baby boomers gravitate...
5 Tips to Get Ready for the Holidays Now
You may be starting to feel a chill in the air. Kids are brainstorming Halloween costumes. Harvest festivals (and pumpkin-flavored goods) are...
Want a Big Buck for Your Social Time? Make Live Videos
If you have 15-20 minutes to devote to social media, should you whip up a quick blog post about your gorgeous Thanksgiving centerpieces, or take...
Support the Petal It Forward Thunderclap
The Society of American Florists urges its Facebook and Twitter followers to help spread the same Petal It Forward message on social media at the...
Petal It Forward Prep: Finalize Your Publicity Push
With one week to go until Petal It Forward on October 11, now is the time to finalize your social media and public relations game plans. The Society...
More Effective Email Promos in 3 Steps
A weekly email promo might not sound like an earth-shattering sales idea, but for Ashland Addison Florist Co. in Chicago, consistent, well-executed...
4 Formatting Tips to Boost Readership
To have credibility and capture business from online shoppers (read: the majority of consumers), you need quality content, whether it’s for your...
Amplify the Buzz: Support the Petal It Forward Thunderclap
Raising consumer awareness about the benefits of flowers is the goal of Petal It Forward, and the Society of American Florists makes it easy for the...
Petal It Forward Prep: Remind Media and Prepare Messages
Now is the time to send local reporters a Media Advisory about your Petal It Forward event. SAF provides a sample Petal It Forward Media Advisory to...
Attract News Coverage with Petal It Forward Media Advisory and Press Release
From media advisories to talking points, the Society of American Florists has tools and advice at safnow.org/pif-press to help members attract...
Do You Have the ‘Unique Value Effect’?
Any parent who has procrastinated before the holidays knows that the “must-have” toy of the season — the one flying off the shelves — is marked up...
Dallas Florist Pulls Out All the Stops For Annual Design Contest
Seven years ago, Brad Weinstein came across a story in Floral Management about a florist who hosted a live floral design contest with community...
Watch ‘The Social Selling Mindset’ WebBlast
Are you ready to have the phone ring more? Get more people in your store? Increase sales? Gain confidence? Then watch “The Social Selling Mindset"...
Financial Sins to Avoid
Do you know one of the most dangerous legal mistakes a business owner can make? Not paying payroll taxes on time. The slide toward that financial...
Humorous Sign Drives Customers to Illinois Florist
Hurricanes, wildfires, tragedy in Charlottesville, and the constant threat of nuclear war with North Korea — it hasn’t exactly been the summer of...
‘Dreamy’ Cops Provide a Lesson in Silly Done Right on Social Media
Hurricane Irma was no laughing matter, but for one police department in Florida, the big storm, and some savvy social media posts, created giggles,...
Yikes! Hunky Cop Has Troubling Past
A recent story in our Sales Wake Up newsletter set out to illustrate social media marketing tips and ended up highlighting how fast and dramatically...
Florists Share Tips for Petaling it Forward
Taking part in the Society of American Florists Petal It Forward event on Oct. 11? (We hope so!) Here’s a quick tip to keep in mind: When handing...
Petal It Forward Prep: Order T-shirts, Flower Cards and Stickers
Wearing T-shirts in your shop’s signature colors or lime green, fluorescent pink, or neon orange will make your “Happiness Ambassadors” stand out...
For Millennials, ‘Urban Wilding’ is the New Decorating
House jungles. Jungalows. Urban rain forests. These are just some of the terms batted around to describe a new floral industry-friendly phenomenon...
Pet Bereavement Designs Make Easy Sales for Texas Florist
Anyone who’s ever had a pet knows it’s a painful and emotional event when Fluffy or Fido dies — a fact that veterinarians understand quite well. In...
Let Your Business Go to the Dogs
Excited employees, thrilled walk-in customers and grieving family members who get an unexpected pick-me-up. These are just a few of the benefits...
Free WebBlast: The Social Selling Mindset
Do you have what it takes to market your store online? Step No. 1 is getting in the right mindset for success. The Society of American Florists...
Steal This Doughnut Shop’s Sweet Social Moves
Since opening in late May, Five-O Donut Co. in Sarasota, Florida has been the go-to spot for locals craving a sugar fix. The gourmet doughnut shop...
Petal It Forward Prep: Pre-Made Bouquets and Assembly Lines
Florists who participated in the last two Petal It Forward efforts said their No. 1 time-saving tip was to buy or ask for donations of ready-made...
Strengthen Your Relationship with Customers in 5 Words
“Saw this. Thought of you.” Those two sentences — the kind of verbiage often tacked onto a forwarded news article —might not sound revolutionary,...
Promote Grandparents Day with SAF Graphics
Remind social media followers that the first Sunday of September after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day. The Society of American Florists...
Petal It Forward Prep: Source the Flowers
One secret to success during the Society of American Florists’ upcoming Petal It Forward event? Ask suppliers for help — and do it fast. “The sooner...
Promote “Flower Power” with New Graphics
The Society of American Florists’ new “Flower Power” marketing materials — including a shareable Facebook image, Facebook cover image and web...
Marketing ‘Sins’ Could be Killing Your Social Media
Florists may think they are doing a bang-up job on social media, but if you aren’t utilizing video, ads and caption info correctly, you’re probably...
Facebook Post Sends a Message: Buy Your Guy Some Flowers
Buy flowers for your wife? No brainer. Buy flowers for your hubby? Hmmm… That gender divide is an outdated misconception among customers, according...
To ‘Harvest’ More Weddings, Charleston Shop Sends Out Gifts
Want to improve the number of bridal consultations coming your way and stay on your favorite wedding vendor’s radar year-round? Shower her with...
Protea: Go-To Flower for Hot Summer Weddings
Whenever Darenda Darnell-Garbarz, AIFD, sees a bridal consultation on her calendar, she makes sure she has some proteas. “Not many clients are...
Arizona Shop Holds ‘Half Way to Valentine’s Day’ Sale
You’ve heard of Christmas in July and half birthday celebrations. PJ’s Flowers & Events in Phoenix, Arizona has a special take on the off-season...
Texas Florist Celebrates 45th Anniversary with First Client
There was a very special guest at Petals & Stem’s 45th anniversary celebration earlier this summer. Harriet Stern, the company’s very first...
How Will ‘Trumponomics’ Affect Industry Businesses?
What is going on with the economy, and how can I position my floral business accordingly? Is now a good time to hire? Or buy a big-ticket item for...
How to Cut Summer Labor Costs Right
Here’s a question florists ask Derrick Myers, CPA, CFP, all the time: How can I cut my labor during the slow summer and still keep my employees for...
Use Video to Capture Consumer Attention
Social media is a visual medium and consumers love to watch short, feel-good videos. To keep the momentum going from it’s Petal It Forward program...
For Second Year, SAF Launches Feel-Good Effort with ‘Petal It Forward’
Imagine the streets of your city or town filled with smiling people holding bouquets. Picture your social media feeds brimming with messages of...
Petal It Forward Prep: Order T-Shirts
The Society of American Florists is getting ready to Petal It Forward on Wednesday, October 19, and the association has a host of ideas and...
Petal It Forward Follow Up: Spread the News and Say Thank
Your shop’s Petal It Forward event might be over, and now is the time to spread the feel-good news about your flower giveaway. Post about your Petal...
Petal It Forward Prep: Partner Up
For one florist in Kokomo, Indiana, a one-day, feel-good campaign last year led to happy customers, glowing press coverage — and requests from her...
Petal It Forward Prep: Get Your Ducks in a Row
For Valerie Lee Ow, participating in the Society of American Florists’ Petal It Forward event last year was a feel-good effort for customers — and...
Petal It Forward Prep: Order T-Shirts and Flower Cards
Here’s something Annie Taylor wasn’t expecting during the Society of American Florists’ 2016 Petal It Forward event: a run on bouquets that left her...
Petal It Forward Prep: Logistics Checklist
The countdown is on for Petal It Forward on Wednesday, Oct. 11, and now is the time to prepare, said Society of American Florists Vice President of...
Hidden Flowers Pique Community Interest, Goodwill
Despite her careful planning, sometimes Nancy Witte-Dycus, AAF, ends up buying more product than she needs. But a few years ago, the owner of...
Members Save 10% on Crystal Media’s Live Facebook Training Program
Having a hard time keeping up with Facebook? You're not alone. That's why the Society of American Florists partners with Crystal Vilkaitis, a retail...
Four Ways to ‘Wow’ Customers
In his nearly 30 years as owner of Beneva Flowers, Art Conforti, PFCI, grew the Sarasota shop from nothing to one of the nation’s largest and most...
Bridal Show Best Practices
Bridal shows attract throngs of newly engaged women. They can introduce you to dozens or hundreds of leads — or, they can be overwhelming, expensive...
Why I Open My Doors on Sunday
Do your close your doors on the Sunday of a holiday? In Seattle, Rachel Martin of Ballard Blossom wouldn’t dream of doing that. “Consumers’...
Five Ways to Make Customers Feel More Love on Social Media
Want a super-fast way to stand out on social media? When you respond to customers’ comments — positive and negative — sign your name. Doing so...
How to Boost Your Brand By Relating to Fans
Last week, roughly 170,000 people (many of them dressed in tights, masks and capes) descended on San Diego for Comic Con, a 47-year-old multi-genre...
Children’s Design Class Builds on Movie Hype
As everyone in the industry knows, flowers express emotions. A flower shop in Boonton, New Jersey, is taking a very literal approach — an...
For Sales Boost, Try Seasonal Add-Ons and Partnerships
Flowers aren’t always the first thing consumers think of in summer, but beer and ice cream? Yes, please. Those two crowd-pleasing options are on the...
A Silver Lining to Store Closures?
What do Sears, RadioShack and Bebe have in common? They’re closing brick-and-mortar stores. And, they aren’t alone. As of mid-June, 4,789 store...
Get a ‘Bigger Piece of the Pie’ with Pricing WebBlast
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. The high-end florist wants more business from less affluent clients. The value shop...
Give Customers a ‘Floral Vitamin’ Boost with Sunflowers
Sunflowers’ vibrant coloring and full shape make them a go-to choice for anyone needing an emotional pick-me-up. At Sparrows Nest Flower Shop in...
Couples Choose High-End Elopements over Traditional Affairs
Couples are ditching the formalities of a traditional ceremony and reception (not to mention the wild cousins and divorce parents who refuse to get...
Summer Sale Generates Walk-in Business, New Customers and Brand Awareness
A neighborhood block party helps a Portland, Oregon, flower shop stay top of mind in the community and turn over excess inventory. The Northeast...
3 Lessons Florists Can Learn from Prime Day
Amazon’s third annual Prime Day came and went this week, but before you dismiss the mega sale as a gimmick, you might want to consider what its...
Free WebBlast: Pricing for a Bigger Piece of the Pie
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Florists who cater to a less affluent customer base envy uptown competitors with their...
How to Stop the Summer Slump
Sales can be hard to come by in the summer. If it’s a conscious decision to pull back in the summer, that’s one thing. But if you find yourself...
Anatomy of an Impactful Interview
Last week, Lori Kunian, owner of Affairs to Remember in Melrose, Massachusetts, joined the prestigious ranks of the American Institute of Floral...
How to Reinvent Cold Calls to Build B2B Sales
If drumming up new corporate accounts is on your to-do list summer, you might want to pick up the phone, rather than send an email. Gordon Tredgold,...
Can a Facebook Contest Lead to New B2B Work?
In Anchorage, Alaska, Bagoy’s Florist & Home may have hit upon a social media contest that drums up engagement online and creates actionable...
SAF Graphics Celebrate Fourth of July Flowers
Remind social media followers to include flowers in their Fourth of July celebrations. The Society of American Florists provides members with seven...
How to Make Delivery Profitable and Palatable
Imagine the following scenario. A young man visits your website, selects a $50 design and pulls out his credit card. He inputs delivery and payment...
Benchmark Your Business
Wondering how your Mother’s Day sales compared to other retail florists across the country? The Society of American Florists surveys member...
Summer Slowdown Presents Perfect Opportunity for a Party
Without any major gift-giving holidays in sight, the summer typically involves a decline in sales and customer visits. How can you combat it? One...
Free WebBlast to Reveal 3 Tips for Social Media Success
Success isn’t just an outcome, it’s a mindset. Crystal Vilkaitis has nailed down the steps to getting in the perfect mindset for social media...
Flower Bar Boosts Party Experience, Florist’s Bottom Line
Corporate work comes in all shapes and sizes, be it lobby pieces, arrangements for employees or clients, décor for company parties or staging for a...
3 Ways to Turn Instagram Followers into Buyers
You post gorgeous pics regularly to Instagram. You’ve steadily built a following. Now … how the heck do you turn all those polite commenters into...
Practical Tips to Keep Expenses Under Control
How would you feel if someone walked in this afternoon and purchased $1,000 worth of your beautiful flowers? Someone you weren’t expecting. Someone...
Twitter Looks Different — Make Sure Your Logo Doesn’t
One of the biggest social media companies is rebranding its user experience, and the changes could affect how floral industry members communicate...
Arkansas Flower Shop Goes Mobile with Pop Up Camper
When rent increased on their shop’s Bentonville, Arkansas location, Jo Buttram, AAF, and Shelby Shy, AAF, the mother-daughter duo behind Shirley’s...
Free Social Media Training for SAF Members
Social media is crucial to business success. That’s why the Society of American Florists has arranged a special social media training opportunity...
Finish Strong: Memorable, Meaningful Goodbyes in Emails
Imagine hanging up on a customer without saying good-bye or thank you or without trying to inject any kind of person-to-person connection into the...
Customer Wants to Stay Anonymous — Is that Legal?
“Are there legal ramifications if I refuse an order when the customer wishes to remain anonymous to the recipient of the flowers?” Need to have a...
Who’s Minding Your Digital Store?
According to a 2012 survey of nearly 500 small businesses by Vertical Response, 43 percent of small business owners spend at least six hours a week...
Get Paid for the Goods and Services You Deliver
Have you been dinged by a bounced check? The Society of American Florists has an app to make collections a breeze, and Skip Paal, AAF, of the...
SAF Graphics Celebrate Summertime
Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer. Give your website and social media posts some summer lovin’. The Society of American...
Shopping for Insurance? Turn to Hortica
The Society of American Florists endorses business insurance carrier Hortica. Since 1887, Hortica has focused on the floral industry and has a...
Capitalize on Pet Spending with New Products for Animal Lovers
Lucky Fido. The American Pet Products Association reports that in 2016, U.S. pet owners spent about $62.75 billion on their pets. “That estimate is...
3 Ways to Find New Customers with Facebook Ads
Gone are the days of asking people to like you on Facebook or Instagram, then relying on your social media posts for some free advertising. Back in...
Boost Cash Flow, Customers’ Appetite for Flowers with Subscription Service
What do Birchbox, Bark Box, Stitch Fix, Blue Apron, Choco Curb and Taste Trunk have in common? They’re all players in the subscription box industry,...
3 Step Training Process for Better Sales
Have you ever tried to hold your coffee in the opposite hand? Doing so feels uncomfortable — if you try it, you’ll probably switch back to your...
How to Shoot Compelling, Professional Looking Videos on a Smartphone
Memorial Day weekend serves as the launch pad for a host of summertime recreational activities—backyard barbecues, trips to the beach or the pool...
Free WebBlast to Show Three Ways to Find New Customers Using Facebook & Instagram Ads
One thing guarantees business growth: New customers. But how can you reach new customers online with so many competitors? Don’t miss “3 Ways to Find...
SAF Graphics Prompt Memorial Day Sales
Remind social media followers about flowers for Memorial Day. The Society of American Florists provides members with Facebook sharable graphics that...
Out with Mother’s Day, In with…A Good Media Pitch
Although it may seem like the media don’t have many slow news days lately, believe it or not, lifestyle editors are always looking for a good pitch....
Three Ways to Enhance Your Instagram Posts
A recently released report from Facebook, the parent company of Instagram, revealed what drives consumers as they scroll through the photo-sharing...
Movie Quotes Provide Fodder for Last Minute Mother’s Day Reminders
It’s crunch time before a major holiday and you want to squeeze in a few final sales. Post movie quotes to motivate procrastinators without...
Michigan Florist Finds Gold in ‘Trolls’ Revival
When a customer asked Laura Daluga, AIFD, to incorporate a Troll doll into a design, Daluga obliged, but she wasn’t exactly excited about the idea....
How to Fight Back Against ‘Good Enough’
What do you say when someone asks, “How’s business?” If you answer, “meh, fine,” you may have an inertia problem on your hands, according to Brad...
For Mother’s Day Customers Expecting ‘Free’ Delivery, Try Bundles
Floral Management magazine contributor Mark Anderson, who writes the monthly column, The Right Price, said bundling, the practice of combining...
Turn Mother’s Day into an Event
To get the most out of Mother’s Day, make the holiday an event. That’s advice from Rick Canale of Exotic Flowers in Boston, who tries to turn his...
A New Take on the Great Mother’s Day Debate: To Discount or Not to Discount?
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and — because of that — you might be having an age-old debate in your shop: To discount or not to discount...
Promote Mother’s Day Flowers with SAF Tools
Sixty-nine percent of consumers plan to buy Mother’s Day flowers this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Make sure your shop is the...
Watch Mother’s Day Mania WebBlast
Are you, your staff, your shop and website ready for Mother’s Day? Really? Find out by watching the 30-minute “Mother’s Day Mania,” a WebBlast...
A Curated Mother’s Day Collection Makes Upselling a Cinch
Holidays have a tendency to bring out infrequent flower buyers who gravitate to the least expensive option on your website. That’s not an issue at...
Kentucky Derby Provides Fodder for Fun (and Easy!) Event
The Kentucky Derby — also known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports” (or, as we prefer to call it, “the Run for the Roses”) — gets an...
Free WebBlast to Give Mother’s Day Marketing, Sales Pointers
The National Retail Federation is estimating that 69 percent of those celebrating Mother’s Day will buy mom flowers — so now is the time for...
Want a Big APW? Push for Sales Early Next Week
Kevin Keser has a message for florists who write off Administrative Professionals Week as a non-event: Don’t give up — there are plenty of sales to...
Chocolate Unites Neighbors, Spurs Foot Traffic
Small business owners in Sellinsgrove, Pennsylvania, have stumbled upon something locals simply can’t resist: chocolate. About 30 businesses banded...
APW Prep: Prompt Sales
Encourage customers to recognize administrative professionals next week — and tout the benefits of flowers and plants in the workplace. The Society...
Guide Inexperienced Shoppers with SAF’s Prom Flower Quiz
Customer service isn’t all about attitude. A friendly demeanor should be commended, but without substance to back it up, it’s ultimately...
Gym Partnerships Connects Massachusetts Florist with Young, Active Consumers
What do a flower shop and a fitness studio have in common? For starters, a visit to either reaps proven health benefits. They also both contribute...
25 Ways to Ask for a Referral
When it comes to attracting new business, very few things beat a referral. But how do you go about asking for a referral without looking pushy or...
Turn Tight Quarters into Dazzling Consultation Areas
Tight space got you down? You don’t need a lot of room to make a big impression on brides and grooms. In the March issue of Floral Management, we...
South Carolina Florist Makes Prom Pop on Social Media
In Greenville, South Carolina, Staci Bryant is taking prom seriously — and that means she’s having a whole lot of fun on Facebook and Instagram, to...
Saskatchewan Shop Owner Uses Anniversary as Engagement Opportunity
On April 1, Poppy Parsons, AIFD, CAFA, reached the 10-year mark as owner of Smart Flowers in Swift Current, Saskatchewan—an accomplishment she chose...
Attract Teen Shoppers with Prom Quiz Cheat Sheet
The Society of American Florists makes promoting prom flowers a snap with social media graphics and suggested posts — all free for SAF members...
APW Prep: Spread the News
The Society of American Florists makes promoting Administrative Professionals Week (APW), April 23-29, easy with 11 radio commercial scripts, a...
New York Florist Hosts Design Class to Pique Interest in Easter Flowers
Despite the existence of a flower called an “Easter lily,” the spring holiday has not been the boon to florists that it once was. In 2015, the last...
Arizona Shop Plans Spa-Like Mother’s Day Event
A flower shop in Prescott, Arizona, is keeping Mother’s Day high on customers’ radars with an in-store event focused on pampering. Allan’s...
Learn to Staff for Productivity
The single biggest reason for low designer productivity is scheduling too many design hours each day, i.e. staffing too high. Many shops have one to...
Rockcastle Florist to Prom Goers: ‘Bibbity-Boppity-Boo’
Influenced by movies, television shows and fashion magazines, high school students develop a fairytale vision of prom night that’s very sparkly —...
Snow Storm, College Hoops Provide Promotional Fodder for NYC Florist
Consider Nic Faitos king of the spontaneous promotion. When Winter Storm Stella pounded New York City with seven inches of snow on March 14, the...
Capture Some New Looks of Love
Over the past year, Michael Skaff, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, made it his mission to enter the world of the modern bride. As the 2017 Trend Forecaster for...
APW Prep: Send Reminders
Remind corporate clients that a simple "Thank You" can go a long way to motivate employees and build loyalty, and that Administrative...
Anatomy of a Dynamic Display
You don’t need a ton of money or even space to do visual merchandising with panache. Take, for instance, this wall of succulents at Flowers &...
How to Pull from the Big Screen for Your Social Media Pages
When Suzie Canale went to see the steamy “Fifty Shades Darker,” she couldn’t take her eyes off the movie’s flowers. That’s not a euphemism. In a...
Connect to the Industry’s Insurance Experts
Since 1887, Hortica has uniquely focused on the floral industry and has a vested interest in the success of both the industry and your business. In...
Address the “In Lieu of Flowers” Phrase
When submitting death notices, some funeral directors regard "in lieu of flowers" as a convenient, polite way to reference memorial contributions....
N.J. Florist Offers Employers Workplace ‘De-Stress’ Demos
A florist in Princeton, New Jersey, may have found a way to get her designs in front of a key demographic — while helping to turnaround a troubling...
Make March Madness Your Social Media Muse
It’s almost that time again when sports bars hit capacity, employees call in sick and millions of Americans fill out brackets predicting the last...
Use Home Shows to Grow Brand Recognition and Authority
Last week, Heather Waits, co-owner of Bloomtastic in Columbus, Ohio, and her designer, Carrie, stepped away from their usual duties to give...
To Talk Women’s Day, Turn to Your Team
Hustling to figure out a last-minute way to promote International Women's Day next week —and all of the goodwill (and potential sales) the "new"...
Make Opportunity Knock for Your Business
You have a potentially great idea, but you aren’t exactly sure how to put it into action at your business. Or, you know that you need to make some...
Make Your Holiday Media Hits Last
So you landed some excellent local coverage on Valentine’s Day — congratulations! If you haven’t promoted that media, however, you might be missing...
How to Defend Your Business With Poise
A few weeks ago, a man had some beef with Wendy’s, which resulted in a now famous Twitter exchange. The fast food company posted a photo of someone...
Say This to Brides at Wedding Shows
Even though they attract big crowds, wedding shows can be tricky places to connect with brides — precisely because of all those people. Some brides...
Romance and Laughs Beat Out Hard Sales Pitches
People login to Facebook for a number of reasons. To name a few: stalk a crush admire baby photos learn what Disney princess/breakfast food/Mean...
3 Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Buzz Last All Year
Valentine’s Day is always a whirlwind, but with a little planning, you can extend the benefits of your holiday business year-round, according to...
Remind Consumers with Valentine’s Day Facebook Graphics
Looking for another way to remind social media followers to order Valentine’s Day flowers? The Society of American Florists provides members with 24...
Montana Shop To Engage Customers with Girlfriend Gathering
Why pigeonhole Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romantic love? Mum’s Flowers is encouraging residents of Whitefish, Montana to observe the...
Suds, Buds and Sexy Duds to Bring in Fellas for VDay Shopping Night
Dreaming of a way to get a bunch of (happy, ready-to-spend) guys in your shop a few days before Valentine’s Day? In Newburyport, Massachusetts,...
Stay Positive in Valentine’s Day Interviews
As a shop owner, you are the spokesperson for your business and the flower expert for your community. This Valentine’s Day, seize the opportunity to...
Buy, Buy, Baby
Moisturizers that will help a little one sleep, rattles too stylish to hide when company comes and teeny-tiny, fuzzy hats that will have strangers...
Need a New VDay Campaign? Embrace the ‘Bad.’
According to The New York Times, companies, including high-profile brands such as Westin Hotels & Resorts, are working to win over...
Valentine’s Day Fodder for Blogs, Social Media Updates and News Pitches
A Tuesday Valentine's Day this year should bode well for the floral industry. (What better gift to deliver to the office to a chorus of oohs and...
Add Pizazz to VDay Marketing with Video
Need a low-cost way to get in front of potential Valentine’s Day customers fast and memorably? (Of course you do.) Harness the power of video....
Practical Tips for More Profitable Weddings
The “secret” to more profitable wedding work may be as simple as raising your prices or offering couples a service they want but never realized you...
On Valentine’s Day, Train Your Team to Act ‘FAST’
Need a quick tool to help ensure your year-round and seasonal team members are working from the same playbook on Valentine’s Day? Teach everyone who...
Boston Shop Ditches ‘Can I Help You?’ for ‘Go Pats!’
In Boston, Rick Canale has found a new way to solve the ongoing challenge of helping staff members connect quickly with customers in an authentic...
Starbucks Courts Millennials with Higher End Brand
Consumers can find Starbucks coffee just about anywhere — in airports, Targets, the grocery store. And that ubiquity has become a problem with...
Marketing Tactics to Increase Millennial Floral Purchases
The Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) has released results from a new study that provides a detailed analysis about the floral consumption...
Two Ways to Reduce Wait Time on Valentine’s Day
Most florists are predicting an increase in Valentine’s Day sales on this year’s Tuesday holiday. For a florist in Glastonbury, Connecticut, that...
Can Lost Sales Hold the Key to Future Ones?
Picture yourself on Valentine’s Day. The shop is busy. The design room is hopping. Phones are ringing and orders are heading out the door. You spot...
3 Christmas Follow-Up Tasks You Can’t Ignore
We know a certain mega holiday is only a month away, but before you turn the page on December 2016 holiday work, take the time to follow up on some...
Will an ‘Exclusive’ Rose Pique Customers’ Curiosity?
To make his rose selection stand out, a Boston florist is tweaking his Valentine’s Day promos this year to feature a specific, high-end rose along...
On Tap for 2017: A More Social Year
Resolving to do a better job with social media next year? We have you covered. Here are some of our top social media sales tips from our 2016 Sales...
“We’re Married to Perfection” Engages Brides
Promote your wedding business with the Society of American Florists’ “We’re Married to Perfection” materials. The materials feature a professional...
Have You Ignored These Sales Opportunities?
We know you have Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day covered, but are you making the most of events and opportunities between the big holidays? This...
3 Sales and Marketing Tasks to Tackle Before 2017
Your holiday work has been delivered. Your corporate parties are done. But before you put up your feet and ring in the New Year, make time to plan...
Resolutions for a Better Sales Year
As we count down to 2017, Society of American Florists editors combed through the Sales Wake Up archive to find top stories from the past year — and...
Are Complicated Discount Codes Holding You Back?
If your discount codes aren’t pulling in the results you hoped to see, it might be time to look at the codes themselves. Around the holidays, when...
A Four-Letter Acronym to Help You Sell Anything
Want to sell something surprising — say a cutting-edge floral design to a discerning customer? Make it familiar (with flowers you know she loves)....
One Reason to ‘Happy Holidays,’ Not‘ Merry Christmas’
The most wonderful time of the year can turn into a real headache for retailers who use the wrong seasonal greeting with customers. Just ask...
Count Those Pinecones!
Here’s a great story the media will love: how many pinecones (or stems of holly, ilex or any other holiday favorite) do you use during the holiday...
4 Sales-Boosting Blogs for the Holidays
'Tis the season to market online and position your business as the go-to place for great gift ideas, according to Susan Friesen of the website...
How a ‘Grumpy’ Gen Xer Cracked the Code on Millennial Spending
If you go to a Punch Bowl Social restaurant, one person might stand out amidst the local food, microbrews, craft cocktails, 1980s arcade games,...
Need Wheels? SAF Members Save More During Ram Truck Month
Building Ram trucks takes guts. Getting a great deal right now, during Ram Truck Month – that’s the glory. Stack your $500 SAF vehicle discount...
Post Festive Social Media Graphics for the Holidays
'Tis the season to decorate the halls — and your digital properties — for the holidays. The Society of American Florists makes the online part easy....
Hosting Interns Just Got Easier
Would your company benefit from the work of an intern to support staff and increase overall productivity? Whether you have a need for a professional...
3 Tips for Better Online Sales, in Time for Cyber Monday
Get ready. This year, Cyber Monday on Nov. 28 is expected to be the “largest online shopping day in history,” according to Forbes magazine. If...
3 Ways to Get Engaged Couples to Say ‘Yes’
Forty-three percent of engagements happen between November and January, which means your next wedding clients will be entering the planning stages...
Turn Unsold Christmas Merchandise into Hot Holiday Items
Tired of slashing prices on unsold Christmas merchandise after the holiday, two years ago, Andy Knowles of Rob's Flowers & Gifts in Poplar...
5 Apps to Try Out this Fall
There’s a reason “there’s an app for that” became a catchphrase, according to Crystal Vilkaitis, owner of Crystal Media. “It seems like there is an...
What’s in a Word? Money
Your website says, “Send a breath of spring! This bountiful array practically bursts with sunshine!” Do customers sense similar energy and...
Will Your Staff Ace the Undercover Shopper Test Call?
Have you ever really listened to what your staff says to customers on the phone? Are they energetic and engaging? Do they upsell and cross sell and...
Have You Received a Bounced Check?
The Society of American Florists and Money Transfer Systems Inc., a leader in electronic check re-presentment and recovery, have partnered to bring...
A Quick Fix for Better Open Rates
Chris Drummond, AAF, of Plaza Flowers in Philadelphia has discovered a "secret" for improving open rates. Put a low price point in the subject line....
Pumpkins Add Punch to Thanksgiving Work
In British Columbia, Christa Dannhauser has found a way get her customers excited about Thanksgiving floral designs: pumpkins — and a dose of...
Leverage the Slow Shopper Movement
The showroom of McNamara Florist's new headquarters in Indianapolis is 3,000 square feet —but Toomie Farris, AAF, AIFD, knew right away he wanted it...
Skip These, and You’ll Skip Some Profits, Too
The next time you hear one of your sales team members pick up the phone, ask yourself: Did your employee identify herself right away? Did she...
Keep Existing Customers Coming Back in Three Steps
The allure of new customers can be strong for any retail florist, but the best customer for your business is likely the person who is already...
3 Ways to Turn Petal It Forward PR Wins into Sales Success
If you are among the floral industry members who executed a local Petal It Forward event in more than 225 cities this week, you may be wondering...
Check your Gut?
To hire the best team possible, including seasonal workers, give some job candidates a second look, even if they don’t make a sterling first...
Attract More Millennials to Your Shop in Four Steps
Millennials are now the largest age group in America and they had an estimated buying power of $2.45 trillion last year. If you're struggling to get...
North Carolina Florist Glows with Pumpkin Carving
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, one shop has found an unexpected pocket of Halloween sales: pumpkin carving. For the last few years, customers...
Instagram Business Profile Offers New Tools to Connect with Customers
One of the first things Nikki Lemler, AAF, did this week after returning home from SAF Maui 2016 was to convert her Instagram account to a business...
3 Modern Sales Skills that Build Business
The next time you and your team meet with a bride but fail to land her wedding, try asking yourself three questions: Did we shut down the...
Get a Handle on Better Pricing
Pricing is tricky business, with no one-size-fits all solution. Nonetheless, a good pricing strategy can make or break a business. That’s why Paul...
Use Facebook Live to Generate Sales, Connect with Customers
Late last month, Sally Kobylinski of InBloom Florist in Orlando tried out a new social media tool: Facebook Live. Kobylinski was tempted to try Live...
Increase Falls Sales with High Texture Cuts
Could one of the “biggest trends in floral design” help increase your average transaction and set you apart from the grab-and-go selections...
Charging the Right Amount for Services and Labor
Ever have a bride waltz in and ask if you’re willing to take on more than flowers and décor? Maybe rent linens? Provide “day of” planning services?...
Petal It Forward Prep: Order T-shirts, Flower Cards or Stickers
If you haven’t already, now is the time to create and order Petal It Forward logo materials in advance of your October 19 event. SAF provides...
Improve Your Email Marketing Approach in Two Steps
Consider the following scenario: You connect online with the manager of an exclusive wedding venue and then quickly add her to your shop mailing...
Spur Fall Sales with New Displays
Early fall can be a tricky territory for retailers who want to spruce up their showroom and convert browsers into buyers: Labor Day has come and...
To Get a Customer Talking (and Buying), Mirror her Behavior
You've seen it a thousand times: The waffling customer. The "no thanks, I'm just browsing" window shopper. The aloof corporate client who no one on...
Philly Florist Cuts Energy Costs by 30 Percent
Herb Rothe III recently set a goal: Cut energy costs around Rothe Florists in Philadelphia. Since then, he’s seen those costs drop by 30 percent,...
Members Receive Discounts on FCA Vehicles
Shopping for a new car or work vehicle? All SAF members and family members (in the same home) qualify for a $500 cash allowance on the purchase or...
Bumper Crop of Start-Ups Looks to Disrupt Floral Industry
In the past five years, bolstered in cases by millions in venture capital funding, a new crop of online start-ups marketing curated designs and...
Build Better Social Media Posts with These Three Structures
If your social media posts sometimes run together, you're not alone. ("Did we promote that already?" "Haven't we run that photo recently?") "From...
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go: Chase Fitness-Fueled Sales
Summer is on its way out and that means another season is fast approaching: The season of road races. According to Running USA’s 2015 “State of the...
Ice Cream Partnership Leads to Sweet Rewards
When Lindsay Irwin of Bitterroot Flower Shop in Missoula, Montana, introduced a new gift option to her customers last Valentine’s Day, she was...
3 Tactics for Better Email Open Rates
If you aren't satisfied with the number of customers opening your emails, it may be time to take a look at your subject line strategy and rethink...
In Fight In Fight for Customers, Brick and Mortars Get ‘Homey’
If you want customers to linger longer, spend more and — well — set foot in-store in the first place, you may want your showroom to look less like a...
Give SAF’s Legal Eagle a Call
The bride refuses to pay. What should you do? Need to have a fast chat with an attorney? Give SAF’s legal eagle a call. It’s free. The Society of...
Petal It Forward Prep: Get Help from Your Friends
For the second year in a row, the Society of American Florists is spearheading a feel-good effort to promote florists and get flowers into the hands...
To Bring in ‘Just Because’ Customers, Arizona Florist Shakes Up Product Offerings
Rakini Chinery, AAF, AzMF, has found a sweet spot — in terms of both price point and location — for generating additional everyday, "just because"...
Can Emoticons Make Customers Like you More?
Concerned that using exclamation points and emoticons in your customer support correspondence come across as unprofessional? Don't be! According to...
Prepare to Petal It Forward on October 19, 2016
SAF's 2016 Petal It Forward event is two months away, scheduled for Wednesday, October 19. Petal It Forward is a "random acts of kindness" type of...
“Express Yourself” Flirts with Personal Style
Promote your ability to accentuate individual styles with the Society of American Florists’ “Express Yourself” materials. The materials feature a...
Surprise, Surprise!
An anonymous arrangement may be the way into the hearts of new customers. Is there a certain someone (or business) you've been longing to have as a...
Steal These Email Ideas from 4 Brands
Email marketing fetches a 4,300 percent return on investment for U.S. businesses, according to the Direct Marketing association, and marketers...
Free Test Call for SAF Members
Have you ever really listened to what your staff says to customers on the phone? Are they energetic and engaging? Do they upsell and cross sell and...
What Can We Learn From The Campaign Trail?
Whether you’re #withher or #greatagain, there’s something every floral industry marketer can learn from the respective successes of both...
“Nature’s Sympathy Card” Offers Comforting Reminder
The Society of American Florists’ “Nature’s Sympathy Card” materials are designed to gently remind consumers about the healing effects of flowers...
Give Your Lawmaker a Tour
In this tumultuous political year, members of Congress would appreciate a friendly invitation to tour your floral business. Members of Congress are...
Gold Medal Ideas for Cross Promotions with Rio 2016 Olympics
The Rio 2016 Olympics start August 5, and when they do, a flurry of highly produced, super expensive ads from national and international companies...
Boston Florist Jumps in Presidential Election with Themed Designs
Delegates (and protestors) may have cleared out of both Cleveland and Philadelphia, but one resourceful florist in Boston still is capitalizing on...
Summertime and the Designing is Profitable
With a plethora of bright and sunny flowers at the ready, summer is a fun time to experiment with new designs to intrigue customers and generate...
Attract Back-to-School Shoppers to your Store (Really)
Here’s a number that used to rattle in Susan Palazzo’s head: $68 billion. That’s the amount of money the National Retail Federation estimated...
Pizza Parlor Owner Dishes Tips on Customer Service for all Industries
What can a small-business owner learn from an annual convention of pizza parlors? (Other than the realization that you are probably really, really...
Plan Your Oct. 19 Petal It Forward Event Now
Want to position your business as a positive force in your community, make consumers feel good about you — and give a morale boost to employees at...
Better Verbiage for Sticky Sales Situations
You probably already know some common customer services phrases that can annoy customers: “Still working on that?” versus “May I clear your plate?”...
How to Put a Slow Sales Season to Use for Long-Term Growth
If your showroom is quiet lately, you might be tempted to simply write off the laidback vibe as your “slow season,” but that’s a mistake, according...
Dallas Florist Describes ‘Quiet, Shocked’ Atmosphere after Shooting
As Dallas reels from the shooting that left five police officers dead, local florists are once again doing their part to help a community heal. The...
Quick Tips on Conversions
If you’re like most florists, website revenue represents 30 to 40 percent of business. Many of these purchases are from local customers already...
Promote Your Event Expertise
The Society of American Florists’ “Table for Two. Party of Six. Celebration of the Year” materials are designed to promote florists’ expertise at...
Tips on Making Stronger Calls to Action
Do these headlines sound familiar? “She found this cardboard box, but when she rips it open, you’ll be speechless.” “When you read these 19 shocking...
On Facebook, Boosted Posts, Ads Can Lead to New Sales
Have some cooler designs you want to move today? Looking to promote a weekday special (and generate foot traffic) next week? Drum up some mid-summer...
Free WebBlast on Fiscal Forecasting for a Fickle Economy
What is going on with the economy, and how can I position my floral business accordingly? Is now a good time to hire? Or buy a big ticket item for...
Care & Handling Tips for Wedding Flowers that Last
According to The Wedding Report, the most popular months to tie the knot are June, July and August, which also happen to be the steamiest and...
Extra Touches for Better First Impressions — and Sales
What does a shoe shine have to do with your sales team? A lot more than you might think, says Rick Canale of Exotic Flowers in Boston. In a blog...
Sell Executives, Corporate Clients on Your Gifting Savvy
Need a stronger hook to reel in corporate sales? Tell potential corporate clients, “We will make you stand out — and we might even get you behind...
Upsell Your Next Wedding with Flower-Centric Trends
If you’re looking to shake up your wedding business this summer — and find some new opportunities for additional transactions and upsells — take...
Save Big: RAM Commercial Truck Season
Tackle the most intimidating jobs with a Ram Commercial Truck. Right now, get a great deal during Ram Commercial Truck Season. The $500 SAF Member...
Free WebBlast to Explore Generations of Flowers Study
Which generation has the highest appreciation of flowers? What is the most common reason consumers give for purchasing? Which generation is most...
Colorado Shop Boosts Fall Sales with Sorority Ties
Want to boost sales during the relative slowdown between the busy summer wedding season and Christmas? If you’re located in a university town, you...
For Better Emails, Get Cozy
If you aren’t getting the response you hoped for from emails to customers, you may need to take a step back — and then get much, much closer. “For...
Speakers to Swap Strategies at AIFD National Symposium
Do you love talking about flowers and floral design? Do you present programs to garden clubs or other professionals? Come talk shop with experts...
Build Sympathy Sales with Creative Approaches
If you’ve watched your sympathy sales decline over the years, take heart: With some out-of-the-box thinking and top-level service, you can improve...
Reminder Calls Key to Summer Sales
Want to keep the phones ringing (and the website orders buzzing) all summer? Don’t wait around. Pick up your own phone and start dialing. That’s...
Summertime Shape-Up: Point of Purchase
Your summer wedding prep is going well and your Mother’s Day sales have been tallied and reviewed. Now might be a good time to tackle tasks that...
Snapchat Tips for Small Business Sales
You’ve mastered Facebook, gotten the hang of Instagram and Pinterest and maybe even dabbled on Twitter…do you have to try yet another social media...
Get Your Work Vehicle Ready for Summer Driving
It’s plain fact that certain vehicle components wear down with time and use. The effect is especially pronounced for work vehicles on the go all day...
Compete on Solutions, Not Price
The (relative) slowdown after Mother’s Day and before the busy fall months may be a good time to remind staff of a key sales philosophy for higher...
For Early Summer Boost, Plug Father’s Day — and Dance Recitals
We say Father’s Day, you say, “Helllloooo, big spenders”? OK. Not exactly. Father’s Day may not be the most lucrative holiday of the year, but...
Garage Sale Creates Sales Opportunities for Unsold Items
Remember the old expression about one man’s trash being another man’s treasure. Toomie Farris, AAF, AIFD, of McNamara Florist believes it. More...
Studies Prove Convenience is King
To get more people to consume more of a product, two new studies suggest a straightforward solution: Make things (really, really) easy. The studies,...
Get on Reporters’ Radar with SAF’s Customizable Press Releases
Hometown newspaper and magazine editors and local TV and radio news producers thrive on turning national news items into community stories. So get...
Are You the Next Floral Management Marketer of the Year?
What do a new floral holiday, a rebranded bridal spin-off business, and a partnership with a Major League Baseball team have in common? They’re all...
Turn News Stories into Sales Opportunities
To jumpstart sales and build credibility in your community, step in front of a TV news camera. That’s according to Edward Yang, managing partner at...
Higher Open Rates through Better Subject Lines
That’s curiosity, urgency, relevancy, value and emotion. It’s a system Alex Williams, vice president and creative director of Trendline Interactive,...
Five Words Customers Hate
Hopefully, most of the Mother’s Day feedback you receive this week and next falls into the kudos category, but for the occasional slip-up, train...
Help Nurture the Nurses with Social Media Reminders
Here’s a feel-good plug for your social media that could bring in a few additional sales this week — particularly among health care professionals...
5 Questions to Ask Your Team the Week After Mother’s Day
Before you decompress from Mother’s Day and while you can still recall details, debrief with staff on what went right, what went wrong and simply...
Coach Delivery Staff to Make a Great Impression
This Mother’s Day weekend and year round, your delivery staff is on the front lines of customer service. Here are some pep talk pointers to give...
SAF Members Save Big During RAM Commercial Truck Season
Tackle the most intimidating jobs with a dependable Ram Commercial Truck. Right now, get a great deal during Ram Commercial Truck Season. The $500...
Practice ‘Small Talk’ for Bigger Sales
When a call comes in for a sympathy arrangement in the middle of a busy, busy day, does your staff take the time to express sincere sorrow for the...
Tips on Pricing — from a Pro
Here’s a scenario you may find yourself in lately: A price-sensitive customer asks about a standard Mother’s Day design. Does your sales team member...
Put Some ‘Charm’ in Your Mother’s Day Pricing
Florists looking to drum up sales and increase average transactions in the final stretch before Mother’s Day may want to look at how precisely they...
South Carolina Florist Shines in Mother’s Day Ad
When Clara Gonzales shared her experiences as a working mom during the Society of American Florists’ 2015 convention, she had no idea the...
Find ‘Hidden’ Dollars in Existing Wedding Work
Instead of hustling to book more events, review the services you already offer and make sure you’re charging appropriately. Too many florists give...
Mood Changer Poster Creates Instant Connection
During a visit to to Fassler Florist in Fort Wright, Kentucky, last week, SAF Chairman Shirley Lyons, AAF, PFCI, of Dandelions Flowers and Gifts in...
Petal It Forward and Save $50 on IFE Registration
Last October, SAF capitalized on popular pay-it-forward initiatives with Petal It Forward, a public relations campaign to randomly give two bouquets...
Turn Instagram Followers into Engaged Users
Last year Instagram hit 400 million users—many of them young women—so, of course you’re active on the social media site. (Right?) But according to...
Top Designer Dishes Fashion Trends
Want to create a shop or design collection that’s irresistible (and very on-trend) with fashion-loving customers? Incorporate black into your visual...
Attract Prom-Goers with Personality Quiz
Prom season is in full swing, and it is often the first time teens buy flowers from a local professional florist. Get those teens coming to your...
Here Come the Pants
We told you last fall about one bridal trend raising eyebrows (and hemlines on tops) — bare midriffs. Now The New York Times has turned its...
Free Customer Service Help, April 13-20
Have you had any tough situations with customers this week? Do you have questions about the best way to handle certain customer requests? Or have...
Florists Ponder Pricing Strategies
How do you set prices? Do you offer “charm” prices (those ending in the number 9) or rounded prices? Do you charge for delivery and services...
For Stronger Connections, Bring ‘Gifts’ to Conversations
Before your next local networking event, take a minute to brainstorm a few “gifts” to bring to each conversation. We’re not talking floral gifts...
Small Business Takeaways from Tesla Launch
Talk about anticipation. By the end of the day on April 7, Tesla Motors had processed $1,000 deposits from more than 325,000 people for its new...
New York Shop Turns April Fool’s Prank into Branding Event
Did you roll your eyes at silly April Fool’s pranks last week? For one New York City florist, the mirth-filled holiday is no joke: It’s an annual —...
Advertise Your Blooms on the Radio
A Nielsen Catalina Solutions research study found that each dollar spent on radio advertising generated an average sales return of $6 from the...
Boost Your Prom Sales with New Quiz
Prom is a major rite of passage for teens, and often the first time they buy flowers from a local professional florist. SAF is doing its part to get...
Boost Wedding Sales with New Trend Knowledge
Want to wow your wedding customers with a look they just can’t find on Pinterest (and increase your average wedding transaction in the process)?...
Sales Lingo to Ban: ‘Need Any Help?’
When it comes to serving in-store customers, here are three words to banish from your sales team’s vocabulary: “Need any help?” The well-intentioned...
Invite a Member of Congress to Visit Your Shop
Inspired by Nick Fronduto’s and Charles Ingrum’s efforts to get their lawmakers to visit their operations? (see co-sponsor story.) You, too can host...
SAF Makes Employee Benefits and Health Insurance Easy
Today's economy and health care reform present monumental challenges. Health insurance is becoming increasingly complex. Working in partnership with...
Spring Clean Your Sales Lingo
To present a truly fresh face to customers as the weather warms up, you’ll need to do more than sweep your store and update your online graphics,...
Prompt APW Orders with an Office Visit
Remind bosses to thank the hardworking employees who keep them organized and efficient throughout the year. Contact corporate clients now with a...
To Win Over Clients, Ask Them for Help
Having a hard time growing your wedding business — or your corporate sales? (Or, insert just about any other segment in the above sentence…) It...
Legal Questions? Use Your Complimentary Consultation
Have a question and want to talk to a lawyer about it for a few minutes without running up a huge bill? Give our legal eagle a call. SAF partners...
Spring Fever
The countdown is on to the first day of spring on March 20 and the holidays and observances that come with it. Check out SAF’s Spring Resources for...
Key to Closing Brides: Ask for the Business
Not happy with the percentage of brides saying 'I Do'? Columbus, Ohio, retailer Heather Waits, of Bloomtastic Florist, said it's simpler than most...
SAF Offers New App to Recover Bounced Checks
Have you received a bounced check? SAF and Money Transfer Systems, Inc., a leader in electronic check re-presentment and recovery, have partnered to...
Give Final Push for Women’s Day
The countdown is on for International Women’s Day, March 8. If you haven’t been promoting this holiday that celebrates women’s achievements (and has...
Go Green with St. Patrick’s Day Graphics
What could possibly top corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: cymbidiums, Bells of Ireland or Green Trick dianthus. Show customers...
Ontario Florist Hosts Charitable Party for Women’s Day
Janet McLeod, owner of East City Florist in Peterborough, Ontario, observes Women’s Day, March 8, with a party to benefit local women’s shelters....
Oklahoma Florist Plans Design Class, Flower Giveaway to Build Awareness for Women’s Day
Women’s Day doesn’t yet enjoy the same popularity in Edmond, Oklahoma as it does in places like Europe, but Barbara, Lacee and Lenzee Bilke, owners...
Prom Resource Center
Teens (more likely their parents) shell out anywhere from $700-$1,200 on prom today — and they’re not skimping on the flowers. Retail florists...
Fast V-Day Follow-Ups Capture More Spring Sales
Be sure to collect email and mobile numbers with every Valentine’s Day — so you can follow-up with a thank-you and an effort to secure the...
Easy Ways to Promote Women’s Day Sales
Women’s Day is March 8, just shy of three weeks away — plenty of time to shore up some sales. Here are a few ways to do it: 1. Mine your mailing...
Draw Attention to Women’s Day By Highlighting Heroines
Creating awareness is a big part of Women’s Day marketing. Although the holiday started in 1909, it’s still relatively unknown in the United States....
Five Super Bowl Strategies To Win Over Your Customers
In case you weren’t among the 11.9 million who watched Super Bowl 50 Sunday, February 7, the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10....
Personalized Postcards Pay Off for Illinois Florist
There's been an undeniable shift to all things digital in recent years, but “old fashioned” tactics, such as sending snail mail, still resonate with...
Use ‘Gift’ in V-Day Tags to Nab More Sales
According to search engine Bing, 40 percent of Valentine's searches last year used 'gift' as a keyword. This is valuable info to pass along to...
Women’s Day Promotional Graphics
International Women’s Day is March 8. You can build more early spring business, — and help grow sales for the entire floral industry — by jumping on...
Easy Posts to Ramp Up Your V-Day Visibility
If you think you’re too busy to bother about social media during the Valentine’s Day countdown, think again. Customers are placing orders now, so...
Valentine’s Day Playbook
Want your team to look as sharp as the Alabama Crimson Tide did Monday night? You, too, can experience victory, if you prepare with The Valentine’s...
Nominate a Floral Super Star for an Industry Award
Awards season kicked off Sunday with the Golden Globes. Though the floral industry's night of recognition is still months away, the deadline for...
South Carolina Shop Petals it Forward at Anniversary Party
Tiger Lily Florist in Charleston, South Carolina, turned 20 this week and owners Manny and Clara Gonzales have invited customers to celebrate the...
ISO Dependable Delivery Drivers for Valentine’s Day? Call the Post Office
There aren't many reasons to rejoice about the timing of this year's Valentine's Day. But one benefit of a Sunday holiday is that it opens up a pool...
Interview Dos and Don’ts
If you've followed our advice and reached out to the media to generate some Valentine's Day coverage, you likely have a big interview coming up....
Brighten Up Your Customers’ World With Orchids
Last weekend's blizzard, which blanketed much of the mid-Atlantic, including SAF’s headquarters, with two feet of snow, has us wishing we were at...
Valentine’s Day Fodder for Blogs, Social Media Updates and News Pitches
For consumers, Valentine's Day is just that: a day. For florists, though, it's a season, and coming up with talking points for four to six weeks is...
Be Ready for the Test Order
Journalists don't pull any punches when reporting on the good, the bad and the ugly of Valentine's Day. Right now, they're in research mode, posing...
Court Football Fans for More V-Day Sales
We've entered the tail end of football season, when every game counts and captures the attention of so many men, right before Valentine's Day (the...
In Search of Health Insurance? SAF Has You Covered
Sniffle. Cough. Achoo! All that time in December spent at crowded shopping malls, parties and airport terminals presents a lot of opportunities to...
Review Highs and Lows of Valentine’s Days Gone By
It's a brand new year, a blank slate on which to break sales records. And the first step toward that achievement is … to look back. Prepare for...
Multiple Promotions Keep Christmas Spirit Strong All Season Long for Pennsylvania Florist
Piggybacking on local holiday events can be a great way to get a bump in your holiday traffic without having to create an event from scratch....
Santa Visits Rothe Florists
A certain celebrity makes the annual open house at Rothe Florists a "can't miss" family event. For seven years, parents have packed the Philadelphia...
On Review Sites, Be Fast and Open to Improve Ratings
How far would you go to correct a handful of bad reviews on Yelp? In California, restaurateur Andrew Gruel told The New York Times how he recently...
Beat the Big Boxes By Putting Your Poinsettias on a Pedestal
Ever hear a customer complain that florists inflate the price of poinsettias? It's sad that many consumers believe this — but sadder that the...
Show Your Favorite Vendors Some Love
As you approach the final days of 2015, it's worth recognizing the people who helped you reach the milestone of another year in business. Are there...
A Master Guide to the Art of Floral Design
Looking for a holiday gift your designers will absolutely adore — and that will inspire them in 2016 and beyond? Consider “A Master Guide to the Art...
Wisconsin Florist Feeds Customers’ Appetite for Holiday Treats
If you're hosting a holiday party at your shop this month, it pays to put special thought into your refreshments. Sandy Schult Buss, owner of Trig's...
Strong Visual Merchandising Lands N.Y. Florist Holiday Press
Kittelberger Florist and Gifts in Webster, New York, scored some prominent ink right before the biggest shopping weekend of the year, all because of...
Set the Record Straight on Poinsettias
Though many consumers consider the poinsettia the quintessential Christmas plant, some people (namely, pet owners and parents of young children) shy...
Save When You Ship
Shipping gifts to friends and family this holiday season? Good news! As an SAF member, you are entitled to the FedEx Advantage, which provides...
Use Mood Music to Make More Sales
This time of year, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Andy Williams might be among your most influential salespeople. (But not Alvin, Simon and...
Branded Items Build Major Awareness
Walking through an airport terminal or grocery aisle, it's hard to miss Botanica International's jumbo-sized kelly green tote bag with the company's...
Customers Reward Companies Who Make Shopping Easy
The pursuit of delighting customers might be simpler than you think. According to a Harvard Business Review survey, customers rarely patronize a...
Holiday Banner Ads
As Clark Griswold will attest, decking the halls can be a painstaking chore, indeed. Fortunately, dressing up your cyber store (website and social...
Social Media Cards Encourage Posting, Tagging
In late August, Jackie Levine, manager of Central Square Florist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, posted on Twitter a photo of the shop sandwich board...
Score Some Pre-Christmas Press
A positive feature story and quality photo can help you end the year on a high note. Looking for an angle to get your business in the news this...
Give Thanks For Your Staff
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to thank the employees who help make your dream a reality. Before you break for the long weekend,...
4 Tips to Make Your Holiday Displays Shine
It's time again to deck the halls. Tempting though it may be to simply hang a wreath or some lights and be done with it, you'll draw more customers...
Wedding Resource Center
How do you woo the newly engaged? Gorgeous photos are just one part of the equation; expertise and enthusiasm can help seal the deal. Get inspired...
Share Why It Pays to Shop Small
We've entered the busiest shopping season of the year, and the competition for consumers' money is fierce. Remember, it's better to be nice than...
Prepare for Engagement Season
Tinsel and champagne aren’t the only things sparkling in early winter. Enter: the parade of engagement rings. Tis the season to pop the question!...
Google Insider on SEO: Keep Content Fresh and Use Those Free Tools
In the run-up to Thanksgiving, Christmas (and, for that matter, Valentine’s Day), make sure blogging is on your daily to-do list. Otherwise, you’re...
Michigan Florist Partners With Local Vendors for Holiday Party
Camaraderie and charity help a Michigan florist kick off the holidays on the high note. Blumz…by JR Designs in Ferndale, Michigan, hosts its fifth...
What’s Your Customer Response Time?
What you say to customers matters — as does when you say it. No one likes to wait, but customers with a problem or a question have even less...
Ultimate Floral Industry Supply Guide
Inspired by the phenomenal flowers and products in this month's Floral Management? Want to upgrade your designs with some modern touches — maybe a...
Two Dozen Daily Deals Drives Yuletide Traffic for Oregon Florist
Determined to end the year on a high note, Doug Fick treats the holiday season as a marathon, not a sprint. The owner of Broadway Floral Home and...
‘Butterfly Moments’ Yield More Effective Copy
We've all seen those advertisements for weight loss products, promising to help you lose 20 pounds in a week. Those messages rank so high on the...
How Some Mini Pumpkins Saved Thanksgiving For One Oklahoma Florist
Do you struggle to sell the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece: a long and low candelabra design? You're not alone. After watching Thanksgiving...
Thanksgiving Web Ads
Help flowers find their rightful spot on the table next to the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie with SAF’s Thanksgiving collection of web ads....
Schedule an Inspiring Getaway in Des Moines
Before the holiday chaos descends in full force, give yourself the gift of education by attending SAF's 1-Day Profit Blast, Saturday, November 14,...
Sign Up For Small Business Saturday
Last year, 88 million people patronized a small business during the Thanksgiving weekend, according to a report by the National Federation of...
Customer Service Protocol Empowers Employees to Put Out Fires
Dealing with angry, disappointed customers is an unfortunate reality of retail. And if your employees are always running to you to put out these...
Four Simple Ways to Get Your Blog Posts More Views
Anyone who's ever tried blogging knows it's a challenging art. Between coming up with compelling content, finding your voice, tracking down...
Enhance The Shopping Experience, Increase Sales
The longer customers linger, the more they'll spend. That insight, outlined in the 1999 book, "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping," has motivated...
Perk Up Fall Sales With Pumpkin
In search of a simply irresistible add on gift? Take a cue from Starbucks and Trader Joe's and pedal the orange stuff. Few things are more...
Send Out Holiday Save the Dates
Before you can even say, “Deck the halls,” the holiday season will be once again be upon us. (Funny how time seems to speed up every fall...) You...
Halloween Banner Ads
Scare up some sales with SAF’s Halloween web ads. These colorful graphics will get customers thinking beyond the gourd for their fright-night party...
Start Marketing Homecoming Flowers
School dances aren’t solely springtime rites of passage. As temperatures drop and leaves turn colors, high schools and colleges around the country...
With Millennials, Experiences Trump Objects
To attract millennials, a demographic that commands an estimated $1.3 trillion in consumer spending, try marketing experiences. According to a...
Start Boosting Holiday SEO Now
You wouldn’t go into the holiday season without the right inventory of hard goods, gift items, signage and shop décor. Be sure to do the same for...
Rethinking Your Health Coverage? Start Here
Working in partnership with Digital Benefit Advisors, a leading national employee benefits agency, SAF’s members-only Business Health Insurance...
Hey, Good Looking: SAF Website Gets Strategic Update
If you’ve visited safnow.org in the past five days — and we hope you have — you’ve probably noticed a new look. On Friday, SAF unveiled the “soft...
Steal Holiday Promo Ideas from Major Companies
The National Retail Federation predicts holiday sales will increase 4.1 percent (to $616.9 billion) this year, a full percentage higher At...
A Discount for Prescription Drugs, Exclusively For SAF Members
SAF membership is good for your health — literally! SAF has partnered with Hortica Insurance and Employee Benefits, to get members, their families...
Halloween Enthusiasm Can Capture Millennials Now
Halloween is prime time to capture the attention of millennial customers. According to the National Retail Federation, 70 percent of people aged...
Six Signs You’re Losing a Sale
You’ve been meeting with a potential corporate client for half an hour when you see it — that glazed look, that checking of the smartphone. You’re...
Brands Scramble to Connect with Millennials
If you’re trying to reach millennials, you probably already know that radio, TV and (gasp) newspaper ads are ineffective… but did you know that...
Drive Away With a Bargain
Your SAF membership can save you money if you rent a car. Both Avis and Budget offer discounts of up to 25 percent. For Budget, call 800-527-0700...
A Simple Trick to Make Brides to Pay Up
It's a scenario straight out of florists' nightmares: You spend hours and hundreds of dollars designing a client's wedding. And then she stiffs...
Contest Serves as ‘Facebook Focus Group’
Earlier this month, Sara Hill of Beaverton Florists Inc. in Beaverton, Oregon, used social media to engage customers during a traditionally slow...
Out of Stock? How to Suggest Substitutions With Ease
We've all been there. A customer calls requesting an arrangement she saw online, but you don't have the exact flowers or containers pictured in your...
3 Simple Rules For Better Phone Calls
In the duration of a phone call, there's ample room for error, such as starting the conversation with price instead of the card message or placing a...
Twenty-Seven and Counting: New Discount Drives Van Purchases
Reduced gas prices aren't the only things making SAF members smile this summer. Between the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram lineup and the FIAT 500L,...
Share This: 23 Persuasive Reasons To Buy Flowers
Sometimes, good things just fall in your lap. Such is the case with an article circling the Internet titled, "23 Perfectly Valid Reasons to Buy...
Reaching Out to Consumers and the Media
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Angry Customer? Imagine a Cute Kid
Here’s a simple strategy to keep your cool when dealing with an angry, flustered customer:Picture him or her as a small child, “happy and running on...
Customer: “Puleeze…can I give you more money?” Florist salesperson: “Nope.”
The headline sounds harsh, but that’s still the gist of many “secret shopper” conversations sales expert Tim Huckabee with FloralStrategies, LLC,...
Be a Mobile Marketing Master
Nearly 80 percent of Americans (more than 186 million of them!) own a smartphone, according to ComScore. “Figuring out the best way to reach those...
Rake in More Sales With Recital Flowers
Prom’s not the only dance that can give florists a sales boost. Don’t forget about recital season! Parents love watching their little ones...
Successful Social Media Marketing in 3 Hours a Week (Or Less!)
Social media has done wonders for small business owners, helping them spread their messages in front of hundreds, thousands, or (for the truly savvy...
How to Win Back MIA Customers
It doesn’t take something as unforgivable as, say, delivering the mistress’ arrangement to the wife, to lose a customer. Quite the contrary,...
How to Climb to the Top of Search Results
If you’ve loaded down your website with keywords (“city name,” “city name florist,” “city name’s best florist,” etc.) in an effort to please the...
B2B Materials to Cultivate Corporate Client Relationships
Without any major floral holidays demanding your attention, summer's a fine time to target areas for potential growth, such as corporate work. This...
Flower Factor Promotional Ideas
How to Maximize Your Bridal Show Experience
Bridal shows are great opportunities to snag new clients, but they can be overwhelming, especially if you work in a city known for destination...
Millions of Workers Could Become Eligible for Overtime Pay
New regulations from the Department of Labor will expand the number of U.S. workers eligible for overtime pay. Under the 1938 Fair Labor Standards...
Pick Up Some Practical Tips from The Knot’s ‘Dream Wedding’ Series
The idea that lots (and lots) of people weigh in on a bride and groom’s wedding decisions isn’t new — but would you ever encourage a couple to...
Tech and Teamwork Improve Email Campaigns
Tired of too few clicks and too many unsubscribers, Ken Denaburg, president of York Flowers in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., has made a...
Grab Some Grads with FREE Web Graphics
Some things are synonymous with graduation — caps and gowns, for instance. Wouldn't it be great if flowers were part of the mix? Nudge customers in...
Father’s Day Contest Highlights Shop’s Gifts For Men
There are dozens of words to describe flowers, but masculine is not one of them. Thus marketing holidays such as Father's Day can be a challenge for...
Put Last Weekend’s Garden Roses to Good Use
Chances are you have a bride (or 10) using garden roses for her nuptials this summer. And, more than likely, you'll end up with a few spare stems...