VENT - Price quote gone horribly wrong!

kmbeyer

So I was quoted one price in person for our flowers and then recieved the proposal that was more than double that price!!!  Anybody else had this problem?  I don't even know what to say I'm so frustrated.

JKohio

I've not had that issue. Did you go over the written proposal closely to make sure that things weren't added (quantity of flowers and other decor, additional arrangements, etc) that weren't discussed initially? Did the same person quote verbally and in writing or was the proposal written by someone else? In any case, be sure to get written proposals from 1 or 2 other florists, too. That way you'll know the true ballpark price for what you have in mind. And, those proposals should be for exactly the same order for a real comparison. Good luck! May the best proposal win. 

Ericadef

Aw, what a bummer! Did the florist give you an explanation for the difference in quotes?

JoeyOz

I had that same problem with a caterer!  I think they try to suck you in and then hope when you're surprised you still sign.  Maybe I'm paranoid though.  :-)   Regardless, I obviously did not go with that caterer. I'm sorry you're so frustrated!  That should not have happened.  I was going to use Giant Eagle floral dept. for my flowers, met with the lady and everything, but a new corporate policy says that the floral depts can't do anymore weddings/events.  So the flowers have been frustrating for me too.So I'm going with Nikki Rogers for my flowers (Akron area).  She works out of her home and is awesome.  So nice and accomodating and more than happy to work with the budget I gave her.  My floral budget is small ($200-300) and what she came up with was way closer to the $200 ranged, which made me super happy!  nikki@lifeaccessonline.com, if you're interested.  Good luck!

jchapman330

We had that with our flowers. Honestly, I think when they realize we didn't need as many flowers as most (FI refuses to have boutonnieres and my grandma was making the bridesmaids bouquets) Suddenly my bouquet alone DOUBLED in price, everything else went up $5.00 each or more......amazing.

HAMO

not sure what flower you are using.. but if you choose calla lilies- any color.. I found this great site w/ a TON of positive reviews & pics of actual weddings... very affordable and easy to DIY...  worth checking out to keep cost down:http://www.flowers.pacificcallas.com/

kmbeyer

So girls, It was the same person, same flowers, same everything except they left out the boutineres (spelling?!).  When they called me back they said that they didn't write down that it was a budget account and they will rework it!  So, now am I getting different flowers or less!?  I'm so confused when we went over the whole thing in person they gave me a quote so I wouldn't get sticker shock and then the proposal was $1,500 more than the quote.  Talk about sticker shock!!!!Thanks for the help and reassurance.  They are reworking their price and the other florist I spoke with is doing the same.  Here's hoping! 

JoeyOz

That sucks, but I guess mistakes happen.  Hopefully they'll get it all figured out for you and you won't have to stress anymore!  But yeah...talk about sticker shock!  $1500?  whoa!

Emily99

Seriously, look for another florist if you have time or at least get another quote. That is ridiculous!! They don't deserve your money. Maybe next time they'll think twice before doing the bait and switch routine on a bride.

kse4213

I have been checking out florists too and have also been frustrated. My thing is I have met with some and then they don't send me the quote. Or one other one would not give me a copy of the proposal with the details before I signed the contract (which I thought was a little weird). So I feel your pain. I actually met with a florist last night and the appointment went really well. She priced everything and then is going to send me a detailed price sheet. I really liked her so I am hoping it works out. Definitely check out a bunch of florists. I think when I am done I will be getting quotes from 5 florists. Good Luck and hang in there.

kmbeyer

Wellll.....I got a revised quote and I still can't afford it.  It's about $1000 still over budget.  I'm just kinda bummed about it b/c I was really looking foward to having them do our wedding flowers.   Going back and looking over previous quotes that were just a tad to high and seeing what I can do.    Thanks for the words of encouragement girls.

JKohio

Good luck!

huntgrid10

If you really liked the last florist you spoke with and feel as though you could trust this person, tell them of your budget limit. They CAN work around it if they really want the business. You may have to re-look into just what you really want and what you can cut. The florist can offer you alternative options and suggestions. As an soon to be exflorist, I am stunned what you people go through. If a quote in writing has been changed in some way, it should be thoroughly explained before the new pricing and given options b/c of your budget. I realize flowers are subject to market pricing and quotes given to florists can change but your florist (if reputiable) should eat that price difference if they wish to retain your business. Today's market, florists are folding left and right so they WANT AND NEED the business. Go in with that mental note and keep strong to your budget. And for a florist to demand you sign a contract with them before giving any kind of quote is just plain wrong! I can't beleive what you people have to go through!

juliet1503

That's ridiculous. Look elsewhere. I actually went to a florist in Willoughby who told me her avg wedding runs about $700. When I got the quote back, guess what? It was about the $750 mark. Interesting?? How about that when I went to three other florists, two were closer to $500 and the winning bid was at $320 including tax, etc. There are too many good people out there willing to work with you for you to take any more stress from those folks!