My florist "fired" me and I'm scrambling to find a new one

Re: My florist "fired" me and I'm scrambling to find a new one

• banana468 member

  

  March 2020

  I'd really recommend looking at local places.   You can probably still get a decent deal if you go to another supermarket location.
  
  Sometimes DIY doesn't work for things like bouquets but you may be able to reasonably DIY a centerpiece.   

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• OliveOilsMom member

  

  March 2020

  If you have a Wegmans nearby, look at them.  Their bouquets are beautiful and they always have a varied price point on the flowers available.

  

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• honeybunchesok member

  

  March 2020 edited March 2020

  Thanks everyone. I mean, did I dodge a bullet here? She said I was making her uncomfortable with our relationship when I questioned payments and cancellations by going directly through her not Kroger. I don't know her even though she seemed right, I don't think I was being difficult by having the right to try to protect myself.
  
  I'll try other grocery stores...
  
  We don't have Wegman's but I see they also own WholeFoods. I can try them as well...

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• OliveOilsMom member

  

  March 2020

  Wegmans does not own Whole Foods - they are two different companies.  Amazon owns Whole Foods and Wegmans is a private family owned company.  Bummer you don't have one near you - they are awesome!
  
  I do think you dodged a huge bullet.  Is she the manager of the floral department at Krogers?  You can probably still use Kroger, though I would not if she is the manager in the floral dept.  You were right to ask questions and have a contract drawn up.  Also, this side work of hers could get her in big trouble if Kroger finds out she is pulling customers away from them.  I'm assuming she is letting people buy the flowers from Kroger, but then she arranges them separately.  If Kroger found out that they were missing out on making money by selling fully put together bouquets, I don't think she will have a job for much longer!

  

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• honeybunchesok member

  

  March 2020 edited March 2020

  No, I don't thinks she is the manager. Anyway, I ended up calling around Krogers and finally found one that does weddings close to me! I set up an appointment to discuss my vision and see if she can meet it (which isn't anything fancy for me so it shouldn't be a problem). Get this, she said labor cost was only like $1.60 more per item and they charge you for flowers, that's it! This one felt more like professional business as well.
  
  Sounds like I did dodge a bullet! She made it sound like I would be paying double the cost if I went through Kroger. 

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• short+sassy member

  

  March 2020

  FWIW, it sounds like a blessing in disguise that she bailed out.  You DO need to protect yourself and know what the conditions are and what you are paying for.  For anything you do.  The fact that these normal questions/concerns made her "uncomfortable" is a red flag.  She's definitely operating in a "this is something I do on the side", not my professional business, kind of way.  And, while there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that, it can be riskier.  Especially when she won't address pretty basic stuff.
  
  So glad you were able to find the solution with a different Kroger store!
  
  I was also going to suggest one of those warehouse stores, like Sam's Club or Costco, if you have one near you.
  

  

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• honeybunchesok member

  

  March 2020

  Thanks so much for the reassurance...I was starting to be sad but you're right it's a blessing...I also found out from other locations that labor cost was like $1.60 per not much higher like she was making it out to be...and THEY DO DELIVER! She's been lying about a few things so I am so relieved. I also asked around on Facebook and some people gave other options that are reasonable and even florists that do DIY parties for budget friendly bouquet options before the wedding. Not that I'd prefer that but it doesn't sound too bad! Lots of good reviews.
  
  
  

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• mrsconn23 member

  

  March 2020

  She sounds shady.  My BFF's mom did my flowers for our wedding (she is a pro) and while I got the family 'discount', she still signed a contract with me.  I'm glad you found someone else. 

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• climbingsingle member

  

  March 2020

  Sounds like you dodged a bullet! 

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