“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...
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...
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),...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 —...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....