Should I fire this florist?

carlykay83 · June 2010

Here's my dilemma: back in February I entered a drawing at a bridal show and won $50 off my bridal bouquet and 10% off my entire flower order for our wedding. My fiance and I went to the florist's shop, had a consult, and was emailed a quote 5-6 days later. Since then, we have been playing endless email tag with the florist either not responding or responding with a promise to get our revised quote to us within a few days - and then several weeks goes by and nothing.

I wasn't too concerned at first because the wedding was so far off, but now we're just under the 3 month mark and it's been 3 weeks since the last email that just said "we're busy, but you're not forgotten".

What I want to know is - first, is the deep discount we will be getting from this florist worth the poor service, or should I drop them and find someone else (who will be more pricey)? Second, is it typical that a florist wouldn't be able to get a revised quote so far off from the wedding date due to fluctuations in flower costs and availability?

Thoughts? Advice? Help!

jennuinne · June 2010

Are you sure its a deep discount? Have you shopped around?

jennyann28 · June 2010

I probably would fire her. But I'd use your experience to try to get a deal from someone else. Tell them what's going on, and how much discount you have, but that you're really getting uncomfortable using someone so flaky, and can they (new florist) match what you would have had with the flaky one?

carrieoz_76 · June 2010

It's not a good deal if they do a crap job. I'd can her.

amandasw · June 2010

I tend to think that bad service (=nervous) is not worth saving money.

Also, PP made a good point - maybe they are not really saving you money (although since we dont know how much you're paying it's hard to say). I'm sure someone could recommend a place that's just as good a deal if not better!

Tygirljojo · June 2010

I agree - I would fire her. Not worth the stress IMO. I actually opted for a florist who wasn't the cheapest and while her quote was about $100 more than the cheapest quote I got, I trust her to do the job moreso. And I like Jenny's idea of using that as a chance to get quotes from other florists.

kinmir30 · June 2010

I completely agree with other posts and with jennuine. Are you really positive this is a great discount?

Sooo.....I have worked in sales before. This is how it works. You tell your potential customers, "YOU WON 10% OFF YOUR FLORAL ORDER".......but you tell this to every single bride that filled out your interest form at the bridal show, because, if you know anything about odds, even if you offer them all a discount, only a very small percentage will end up booking your service. And even then, you don't actually give the discount. Typically they will give you a qoute that is 10% higher than they will usually charge, and then tell you, well it will be 10% less than this qoute, so in the end it is actually the same price that they are giving everyone. Does this make sense? Pretty sad, but that is how sales work.

Moral of the story: Look for another florist who will give you great service and not stress you out. I am sure you will not be dissappointed!

dbraulik · June 2010

I'd shop around using Jenny's suggestions... and see if 1) you find a better deal, 2) if you find a florist you click with more.

kducharme · June 2010

i totally agree with everyone! Fire them!! I would have fired them after the first no response...but I'm less patient than you I suppose!

Good luck with the flowers!

KST_ · June 2010

Kinmir's response is exactly what I'm suspecting with your florist. Although I know florists weirdly seem to be a flakey bunch. However, her excuse for not getting you a quote is wrong. They usually can project flower cost "fluctuations."

Should I fire this florist?

Re: Should I fire this florist?

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