In working with florists across the country, I often hear this complaint: “Technology helps me work faster, but it kills the personal touch! And my...
How to Deliver Fast, Smooth Service — with a Human Touch
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customer service
SAF Webinar Tackles Missteps in Service — and How to Fix Them
“What flowers do you want us to use?” “Is $55 OK?” “We have a delivery fee, too — is that all right?” If you overhear these kinds of cringe-worthy...
Looking to Improve Sales and Service? You May Need to Go Undercover
Ever wonder what your staff really sounds like to customers when they call to place an order with your store? Are they professional and efficient?...
In Tight Labor Market, Industry Members Look for Novel Solutions
The government’s latest jobs report showed that U.S. employers added roughly 224,000 jobs in June, exceeding expectations. That’s good news for the...
Save 75 percent on SAF Posters, Postcards and Stuffers
The Society of American Florists kicks off summer with a big sale guaranteed to boost local marketing efforts. Save 75 percent on SAF posters,...
‘What’s Your Price Range?’ and Other Sales-Busting Phrases
Imagine: A customer calls in, bursting with pride about the impressive promotion his favorite niece has landed. He can’t say congratulations in...
Is Your ‘Nice’ Staff Hurting Sales?
Here’s something you probably want to hear from customers about your sales team: “Everyone is so nice!” Nice is good, right? Actually, when it comes...
How to Answer Your Customers’ Toughest Questions
“Why are your prices so high?” “Why do you charge more than the florist down the street?” “You guys did it for me last time I was here. Why not this...
How Better First Impressions Lead to Higher Phone Sales
You know the old expression, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” For phone sales at retail flower shops, that adage is...
Remind Consumers and Your Sales Staff about Lilies and Cats
The Society of American Florists loves lilies and cats, but the two don't mix. As you may know (and your customers may not), several types of lilies...
In Boston, Learn Simple Strategies for Extraordinary Customer Service
How many times have you walked into a store and immediately heard, “Can I help you find something?” Unless you were in a huge hurry, chances are you...
Enthusiasm Elevates Service, Sales Potential
Want to instantly improve customer satisfaction and your sales numbers? One word: emote. That’s the message sales Tim Huckabee wants all florists to...
3 Ways to Prep for Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Customers
While you and your team have been diligently prepping for Valentine’s Day for weeks — or longer — you know last-minute customers are inevitable come...
Industry Pro to Share Sales Tip Ahead of Christmas in Portland
The calendar may read September but according to one floral industry expert, it’s high time for florists to be thinking Christmas. And that means...
For Bigger Sales and Better Service, Nix the Nice
“Will this design look nice?” It’s a favorite customer question, which far too many florists instinctively answer, “Of course!” (perhaps with a...