After Prom Review

Here at Fitz Design we have a policy. After every project is completed we host a review. We ask three simple questions. 1)What did we do right? 2) What did we do wrong? 3) What can we do better next time? As I train new employees, this exercise tests them. Interestingly the hardest part is often figuring out what we did right. Its easy to look at the negative. But we are all more successful and productive if we focus on the positive rather than the negative. In our prom design and marketing classes for years we have been encouraging our customers to hold an “after prom review”. This year, as we were training our education team, one of our designers raised her hand and said to me, “Wait a minute. We promise everyone that we will always give them the tools to accomplish what we tell them to do. What tool do we have for after prom review?” I realized that she was right - we need an After Prom Review Form! So our team got together and created this form. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the form to download it in Excel format.) I encourage YOU to sit down with YOUR team soon after prom season is over and go over this form. Be sure to do this while prom season is still fresh in your mind. It will help you tremendously when the time comes to prepare for next year’s prom season. Until next time...

What IS Prom?

I know - you are all going crazy with proms this weekend. But stop for a quick break and think about something with me. What IS prom? Sure, we know it is a dance where kids get all dressed up and stay up late. But where did it come from and what is it REALLY? Dictionary.com defines prom as: “ student formal dance in celebration of graduation.” According to history, proms were held at the college level in the 1800s. They came to be in existence at the high school level in the 1920s and 1930s. They really took hold in the 1940s as America recovered from the Great Depression and World War II. They took the form that we know them now, fancier and more affluent, during the 1950s. But what is more interesting is what prom really IS. It is a big day in the life of these youths. They are at a turning point in their lives, when they are gradually turning from children to adults. Prom is one of the most notable of those turning points. Isn’t it wonderful that WE get to be a part of that day? We get to help them make new purchases that as children they wouldn’t have made (flowers) but will making for years to come? We get to briefly educate them about the wonderful part flowers can play in their “new lives.” Treasure this opportunity. It is not one that comes along everyday. Until next time...

Make it Special!

We are in the heart of prom season all over the country. One way many of your fellow florists are setting themselves apart is by making the corsage purchasing experience special for the young ladies and gentlemen. Here are some options that add much to the experience while costing you little to nothing! 1) VIP treatment - Bring the corsage out on a silver platter! You can pick up a silver toned platter at your local dollar store and instantly you are create a classy environment in your shop! 
 2) Refreshments - Offering simple refreshments to your customers can make a big impression. I recently heard of one florist with a Keurig style coffee machine in her shop. The kids love it! It helps to make flower buying a GOOD memory for them.
 3) Written Thank You notes - Its a proven fact that hand written thank you notes GET NOTICED. You can purchase simple thank you notes for about $.50 a piece, and the stamp will cost you $.45. For less than $1, you can make an impression on a young person’s mind that will stick with them forever. Until next time...

Are You Selling Something Extra?

In past years, prom flowers were a corsage and a boutonniere. But times are changing! Many florists are having great success offering a third piece, what we here at Fitz call the “Something Extra.” What is a Something Extra? A hair piece, a belt, an ankle piece. The possibilities are endless. The key to success is HOW you offer the “Something Extra.” Many florists find that by telling the students that prom flowers are more than just a corsage and a boutonniere, they sell more items. Don’t be afraid to lead in this way. When closing your prom sales, try saying, “Now we have your corsage and boutonniere order, WHICH hair piece do you think will look best with the hair style you have chosen?” or “WHICH ankle piece will complement your shoes the best?” You get the idea.... Until next time...

More Sales Strategies From Fellow Florists

More Sales Strategies From Fellow Florists Don’t just look at the price of the corsage as a way to increase the sale. Can you charge more for boutonnieres? Try making couture bouts. You can charge more for more artistic boutonnieres than the simple ones, and often with little increase in labor or product. Make the best use of add-ons. The corsage and bout add ons are some of the most profitable items in your store. They add “wow” and increase the dollar value of the corsage without increasing your labor. Sometimes they actually save labor. They are an easy sale that add dollars in a hurry. Until next time...

Sales Strategies From Fellow Florists

The 2012 Prom Season is in full swing. I thought today I would give you some sales strategies to use with the girls in your shop that have worked for other florists across the country. SELL THE BRACELET FIRST. The girls have come to you to order flowers - they are not leaving without the flowers! So sell the bracelet first, then the bling, then the ribbon, and finally the flowers. Presentation is everything. Remember that you are now selling jewelry. Have the girls try the bracelets on. Bring out a nice black velvet pad and a mirror. Once she has tried the jewelry on, she will always be able to see her self in your item, just like trying on clothes at the store. Offer options in three price ranges - good, better and best. Nobody wants the cheapest option, and not too many want the most expensive option. You will sell the most of the mid priced option. Until next time...

Teens Buy More From Their Friends!

So, who is the designated prom sales person in your store? Many florists have found success by having the youngest person in the store be the designated prom sales person. The teens will relate best to them. They are comfortable with their peers. They will get more excited about the products if someone close to their own age is selling them. The prom girl will not leave your shop and get into her mom’s mini van and say “Mom, you should see the cool corsage that the gray haired old man in the florist shop just sold me.” But she will get into her mom’s mini van and say, “Mom you have GOT to see the cool corsage that Suzy from school just helped me create.” So, who’s the youngest person in your shop? If it is someone like me... you need to hire someone younger for prom season! Until next time...