Just getting nowhere fast...!!!

SHIMMY

Hi Jenny

Yes the supermarkets are killing us..... they don't need to sell flowers to survive and they shouldn't - after all I don't sell pork-pies or potatoes.

Also, its a myth that florists are more expensive, yes they will make a £40 Bouquet if you want one but they also sell mixed bunches - mine start at just £3.50 and for that you'd get a least 5 stems of fresh coordinated flowers that have not been subjected to supermarket heating or the cold loading bay - they are always fresh and good value (actually they tend to be our loss-leaders) Go on ask you florist for a £5 mixed bunch you'll be nicely surprised :-D

Shimmy

SHIMMY

Hi

Yes, you are right...! It is good to be in with all-sorts of people and I do get some business from a local funeral director but that has even slowed up. I always check out the competition when I deliver and I see that the Internet florist has been very active - people just find it more convenient (more expensive, but defiantly convenient).

I have done the "Wedding Fayer" thingy in the past but it really don't pay off. The fees, collateral, travel costs and perishable displays left me out of pocket - none of my florist friends have ever made much from showcase events.

I did have a run in with one of the well known coupon companies but they just rip people off and at the end of the day I can't make £45 of flowers look like £200 and my reputation would just suffer.

I've paid for advertising in a well know wedding shop in Bluewater (close to me), I've advertised in the local "Trader" magazine, I've even done the police diary, the local football club, Yell.com and I'm all over the free internet advertisers.

How do we get ourselves out there, how do we promote our business our commitment to quality of service and economy packages...? All the advertising I've ever done has left me with a bad taste in my mouth and the feeling I've been ripped off...!!!

Shimmy :-(

SHIMMY

Thank you Loft Boy that's a lovely thought and I'll give it a go :-D