Ways To Improve Florists Shop?

I have a florists shop and despite being situated in a pretty busy place, buisiness is'nt very well and the profit is'nt very much.


Does anybody have any ideas to improve buisiness? All ideas are welcome, and I'd be pretty grateful too!!

Ways To Improve Florists Shop?
Have you taken a look at your competition and tried to figure out what you could offer that people in your community would enjoy but that your competition is not providing. Something unique and unusual that would set you apart from your competition.





In addition to asking here at Yahoo! Answers, I would ask people in the area that your florist shop is located what they would like the most.





In many communities, flowers that are 1). grown organically would be very popular, 2). flowers that are grown locally - especially any from community supported agriculture (CSA), and 3). heirloom varieties - are three related and interesting types of products that might create a lot of interest in your shop.





Plants in great containers - for both the patio or back yard as well as for the inside of the house. I especially like displays of forced bulbs for interiors. Container gardening is very popular and could be a good fit with a florist shop.





If there is enough space inside or just outside your shop, there might be a couple of local artists, especially water colorists, who could teach simple workshops on flower painting or still life using your flowers.





To generate a long list of creative ideas to increase consumer interest in your business, you might want to check out Jay Conrad Levinson's book "Guerrilla Marketing" (and other information on the subject).





I wish you much success.








http://www.caed.uga.edu/publications/200...


http://www.care2.com/greenliving/why-org...


http://www.greenbeam.com/features/they02...





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_m...
Reply:personally i'd want low prices, great products (to be honest flowers from tesco/asda last a lot longer than those from a florist and are cheaper!), and good customer service.





i know my dad uses the same florist for my mum - they remind him a week or two before her birthday, anniversary etc and take his order! i think that's good for both the customer and the business itself, perhaps you could do something like that?





also think outside the box a little - do you take customers email address (or any other contact details) and let them know about special offers etc?





for some business advice you could also try http://www.newbiztips.net/





hope this helps, good luck x
Reply:i would recommend that you get professional advice from a former florist who was successful. i have many questions to ask you, but i would have to charge you, and that is exactly what you are trying to avoid. good luck, you will need it.
Reply:I worked for a florist many years ago and recently sold a food outlet and the gross profit margin should be 60/65% minimum.


With the info you supply I would firstly look at your supplier and his prices and secondly at your presentation of the goods for sale.Putting at it`s basic level, a few daffs thrown in a bucket won`t look very inviting, whereas a spray of pampas grass or stephanosis will tart them up.


Do you work the shop yourself. or do you have staff? What is the relation of the staff to your customers? Nobody wants to be served by a stroppy assistant.


With regard to your supplier,the cheapest isn`t always the most cost effective in terms of shelf life etc.


With a view to expanding your field of operation, are there any businesses in the area that would take regular dried arrangements in their reception areas.


The options are endless, if I can be of any further assistance, please don`t hesitate to mail me.


Good luck.