Fair pricing?

badkittyct

I met with a florist for my first consultation today. I feel like he was not straight with me. He quoted me price ranges via email and I feel like it was just "teaser prices" because his actual quote today was so high! He also wouldn't give us an actual size as to what constitutes a small, medium or large bouquet. I know times are tough but I wasn't asking for fancy or exotic flowers and wanted in season ones. What the heck? What should I consider fair for 4 BMs with small bouquets of mostly gerber daisies and 14 centerpieces with gerbers and other seasonal flowers? I'm providing the vases and fillers. I have some calls to make tomorrow and think I might have found someone who isn't shady.

flower_diva

think you should find someone else now that you have called him a thief.   There are many variables when it comes to pricing flowers. Just because they didn't fit into what you thought they'd cost does not mean he is a thief.

I can do bokays for $15......if you want daisy mums......but if you want gerbers it is going to be more like $40-50 depending on size

perhapps you should have shared what your budget is ........then he can tell you if you are being realistic for what you want or not.

FYI......I would not do your flowers if I found out that was your opinion of me.

badkittyct

I wouldn't feel like he was trying to rip me off if his quote was even sliiiiightly similar to the quote he gave me originally. I even trimmed down sizes to keep the prices down. $40 or $50 isn't $175, which is what he was asking. Vendors aren't allowed to post here either. I wouldn't hire a florist who can't spell "bouquet" anyhow.

flower_diva

My understanding is that  posting replys to a thread is alright....just can't solicit business. And You are correct in the spelling,it's floral shorthand kinda like FYI

Maggie0829

Prices vary from region to region.  Prices also vary from florist to florist...you could have 5 florists all on the same street and they will all give you different prices.  When talking with a florist you should be upfront with what your budget is...this way they can make recommendations that fit within that price range.  If you don't like what they can offer go somewhere else.  His preliminary prices were estimates...after talking with you about what you wanted those prices were going to change...if you liked his preliminary prices then you should ask what he can do for you at that price range.  I used to work at a florist and people would ask all the time how much a bouquet would run...we always said that they start at $50 (basic flowers such as daisies and carnations) but can go up as high as a couple hundred depending on the flowers and size.  So in conclusion, a lot of variables come into play with prices of flowers...don't write him off yet...you should go back and talk with him and also talk with at least 2 other florists and compare notes.  I hope this helps!

janicejab

  Flower pricing is incredibly subjective. Let's say that you asked for a small bouquet with gerber daisies. A small bouquet loosely arranged may contain 4-6 gerber daisies, filler and greens. A small bouquet tightly arranged (and the same size as the other one I mentioned) may contain 12 gerber daisies (no filler or greens) and cost considerably more because of the amount of flowers included. As well, if you want a cascade style, you need a bouquet holder, which costs money. If you do a hand tied bouquet, a bouquet holder is not needed and would cost less. 
  Anyhow, if you aren't comfortable with this florist, I wouldn't use him because you'll constantly be second-guessing what he does and stressing out. If you decide to go to another florist, have a clear idea of what you like and what you want to spend. You may be surprised what a good florist can come up with within your budget. Let them use their creativity and expertise to make something you love and can afford.