6 Reasons why you should always Purchase Flowers via an Independent Florist

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Receiving flowers – regardless of the occasion – is an absolute treat. The convenience of walking into just any supermarket to purchase them is definitely noteworthy, but the benefits an independent florist have over all the rest is undeniable.

There’s a level of comfort in selecting flower arrangements from a local or independent florist like no other. It’s a place that not only builds relationships to provide you with the best flora for your occasion, but the fact you can literally smell the local flowers is enough to send anyone over the edge!

Over the years, the flower industry has boomed significantly with independent florists and floral designers working harder than ever before. But just how exactly, will it benefit you purchasing flowers direct from them instead of your local supermarket or non-independent florist? We delve into the benefits of local blooms so you can be sure you’re buying the best.


1. Quality Control


One of the biggest advantages of buying directly from a local or independent florist is the quality control. Instead of an average bouquet that holds little to no personality and a low level of quality, independent florists offer something much more exceptional. Whilst there are still customers who scramble for a bunch of flowers at the last minute at their local supermarket, there’s still a good bunch of certain people who prefer something a little more tasteful and actually want to put some thought into it.

In most cases, supermarket flowers are rarely the freshest blooms. Professional and independent florists have the advantage of sourcing only the healthiest looking flowers fit for their arrangements and seek the highest of quality for their customers. For independent florists – good quality products and services are number one priority and naturally, they’ll ensure that their customers get the best quality products and services possible.

2. Value and Trust


When you deal with smaller, independent florists you tend to build a relationship based on stronger foundations. You’re not just buying off them because you want a fantastic looking bunch of flowers – you’re buying off them because you trust that their products and services have a sense of value to them.

Whilst the added service can come at a cost, the value of those extra steps independent florists will take to ensure quality over quickness and value over price is irreplaceable. Because there’s a significant sense of passion in the craftsmanship of florists, you can trust that they really have put their heart and soul into each individual flower and plant arrangement – and that’s really what counts, isn’t it!

3. Wider Variety of Products


For customers that seek something a little more creative and beautiful, independent florists are definitely the way to go. We’ve all been there before – the mad rush to buy that last minute bunch of flowers from the supermarket – and whilst they may just scrape over the line, there’s really not much variety or quality about them at all.

Independent florists aim to please a large range of customers, different styles and tastes so a wide range of products and designs to suit everyone is essential. Ian Brown, Director at A Touch of Class Flowers believes it’s the variety that gives them a huge advantage over non-independent florists. 

“Local florists offer a wider variety of products compared to the supermarkets”, he admits. “Combined with a one-on-one service to customers, it’s incomparable with its value”.


4. Local and Environmental Benefits


Another fantastic advantage of independent florists is that they tend to offer both local and environmental benefits to their customers. Independent florists often prioritise buying from local suppliers where possible compared to chain supermarkets with a florist department who wouldn’t necessarily bother with this, or have the time and resources to make it happen.

Smaller, more specialised companies often have that advantage of sourcing as much as they can locally. This is hugely beneficial for anyone involved and purchasing from them to know they are getting a product that’s not only high quality, but also supports the local community and environment around them too.


5. Avoiding the Middleman


Dealing directly with independent florists’ means you get to avoid the middleman surrounding the industry. Not only can this reduce overall costs significantly, but it also means that the person creating your arrangements understand your specific needs without translation getting lost.

Mr. Brown says it’s important too, to define exactly who the middleman is. “There’s a number of online florist exchange companies (“middlemen”) operating now within Australia”, explains Mr. Brown. “The process they use is to advertise in such a way to appear they’re located everywhere so it’s vital you thoroughly check their contact details. Be wary of non-location specific phones number (beginning with 1300 or 13) and make sure they have an office address. It’s common for florist exchange companies to just list this number with no actual location.”

Prices tend to be much more reasonable with independent florists combined with what you’re actually getting value wise because the costs of the middleman and overhead expenses are eliminated. “The real effect of using florist exchange businesses takes place when you do an order with a total value of say, $100”,says Mr. Brown. “Fees and commissions are taken out by the florist exchange operation and can be up to 30% extra, so the lovely arrangement of flowers you’re sending will actual have a product value closer to $70”.

“The names used by such businesses aren’t really the sort of names a proud local florist will choose to use either”, explains Mr. Brown. “Business names ending with the word “flowers” are usually a good indicator of an exchange type operation”.

“Perhaps the most compelling reason to avoid florist exchange companies when ordering flowers or special gifts is that you don’t actually get to speak with the florist who’ll be making that unique arrangement or bouquet”, says Mr. Brown. “So the sentiment, the feeling you’re trying to express to the person you’re sending the flowers too is sadly lost”.


6. Avoiding the Myth


Like the middleman, the ‘myth’ can be used as a sneaky selling point to throw off customers. Not only does it make you believe that the middleman is the real deal, but it uses too-good-to-be-true statements that aren’t always genuine.

“A great example of the myth is free delivery”, says Mr. Brown. “There is no such thing as free delivery! Can you purchase a delivery van for free? Can you fill it with free fuel? Does the driver work for free? The obvious answer, is no, so how do certain companies advertise ‘free delivery’?”
“In most cases, a flat delivery component is incorporated into the advertised price you see – typically around $20”, explains Mr. Brown. “Therefore, a $100 arrangement will typically have an average flower value of around $80”.

7. Customisation and Skilful Approach


Florists work in a very creative environment. They use their arrangements and work ethics to express their own set of skills and innovation and thus, a lot of work tends to go into each and every flower preparation. Dealing directly with an independent florist gives you access to both a personalised and skilful approach – and this is evident in every bunch you purchase.

Buying flowers isn’t like buying electronics; a bouquet of flowers or roses is meant to be special, with thought and skill going into it. Thus, if you want the best – you need to take the extra steps to ensure your choice of florist ticks all the boxes.


Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, a freelance writer with a passion for all things creative. Jayde has had various work published with The West – Health and Medicine and Dynamic Business. You can catch her on Google+.


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