Choosing your Florist

 With all the different types, colors, textures, shapes and sizes of flowers, choosing the right kind of flowers can seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately there are some simple tips to help you find just the right florist for your needs.

For many people, choosing a florist is based on convenience. They may find themselves gravitating towards a particular florist simply because it is close to their homes or because their supermarket has a flower department. However, if you truly want the best, you have to be a little bit savvier when selecting your florist. Try looking one for one who is affiliated with a professional group. Professional florists who always try to be the best at their craft and business will belong to at least one of several groups such as wire services like FTD, Teleflora, etc. They will also be more likely to belong in other organizations such as a growers association, civic groups and the local chamber of commerce. Affiliation with these groups, especially wire services, not only say they are committed to their craft but this will allow customers to send flowers just about anywhere.

Look for a florist with quality products and good selection. The flowers should be fresh, the colors of the flowers should be rich and the plants should look healthy. Don’t go for florists whose flowers are already starting to show brown edges or wilting plants. Look for product selection variety as well. Florists that have cut flower arrangements, exotic flowers and tropical plants are usually considered to be of better quality than those who don’t stock as many flowers. Florists with a larger stock of flowers usually rotate freshness better as well.  A good florist is also somebody highly creative. Their artistic expression should show through the shop. If the florist has nothing else but the usual, ordinary bud vases, the customer should start looking for other florists with a more artistic flair. Creativity should be part of every good florist’s credentials.  We believe this happens through accreditation with Floral Associations such as the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD), a prestigious organization that tests and certifies florists with exceptional talent for design.

Aside from creativity, a good florist also knows how to establish rapport with the customer. They must be very good at customer relations because this is an important component of the floristry business. They must able to answer customer questions well and be able to provide customer with the same proper care and attention that he does to his flowers.  A good florist should also remember the types of bouquets or arrangements you prefer, he must be able to keep track of your occasions and send you reminders about them. This happens with the use of modern floral technology.  A good florist will also ask questions so they will know exactly what your needs are.

Another vital part of the business is the service. The florist must have his stall or establishment at a place that is clean and easily accessible and he must be open at convenient hours. A florist should also have a professional opinion ready, just in case customers have a hard time deciding what he wants. In addition to having quality flowers, a good florist will also have other complimentary products available, such as nice, decorative vases, floral food, and other gifts such as teddy bears, balloons, cards, etc.

A great florist will have years of experience and many returning happy customers.  It’s really great to find exceptional florist that you can always come back to whenever the occasion calls for it.