Product and Recipient - A Winning Combination!

Imagine playing tennis without a racket, flying a kite without string, or bungee jumping without a chord. Granted these are absurd situations, but they demonstrate the importance of being prepared for specific situations. Likewise, preparation is key to a business’s survival, particularly florists because they deal specifically with people’s emotions. So it is extremely important that every effort be made to ensure that customers purchase the products that best satisfy their needs, and New York City florists can only accomplish this mission if knowledgeable, courteous employees are available to assist in determining those needs and ensuring that customers are offered a variety of appropriate selections.

People buy things from florists for many reasons and occasions, and the first step in matching product to customer is determining the motive for a customer’s potential purchase. Often this can be accomplished by asking a few basic questions. Is the recipient a male or female? What is the occasion? Does the recipient have any special interests or hobbies? Once these questions have been answered, some items will immediately be eliminated from consideration while others will become possibilities.

After the reason for the purchase has been established, specifics must be decided on. For example, color is often very important to customers and should always be taken into consideration. The recipient or sender may specifically want to include or avoid particular colors, or there may be a predetermined color scheme that the item being purchased needs to complement. Additionally, some colors are typically associated with particular seasons or holidays and are automatically considered appropriate for specific times of year.

If an actual floral arrangement is being purchased, the style of the design may also be important to the customer. A one-sided arrangement, for example, would be inappropriate for use as a centerpiece, and customers who favor traditional arrangements are not likely to be happy with high-style contemporary designs. Customers should always be asked if they prefer a particular design style. If not, the salesperson can make appropriate suggestions.

Many people also enjoy adding a personal touch to floral orders. Reflecting something in the selection that the sender or recipient is especially fond of, such as a particular animal, sport, cartoon character, hobby, etc., often effectively adds a more personal touch. Give careful consideration to the personality traits of the sender, receiver, or both when making suggestions.

After the reason for a purchase has been established and customers’ wishes regarding color, style, etc., have been determined, the price range becomes particularly important. Shop employees must assist in making selections that match the customers’ specifications within the allotted price range.

Agreeing on an appropriate delivery date and time is also vitally important. Floral products for weddings, parties, or funerals lose much of their meaning if the event or service has already taken place when they are delivered. Flowers for birthdays and holidays may also seem less special to recipients after the important day has passed
Considering each of these things is essential to ensuring success in matching customers and products. As mentioned earlier, this can only be accomplished when a shop’s employees are receptive to the needs of customers and knowledgeable enough about the shop’s inventory to assist customers in finding that winning combination!