Every couple of months I design for an event company in my town (which I totally love, by the way) that also owns a retail shop that we work from (very smart business move as one business is busy when the other isn’t). Recently I was looking in a closet for some supplies and saw BOXES of wire service containers staring me in the face. “Wow” I thought to myself “why do they have all this flower shop product just sitting in this space, not making any money for them?”. So being the helpful soul I am (you know, the old shop owner stick’n his nose in!) I asked about the unused product. “Well” the owner revealed “those holidays are over, and we’ll just have to hold on to those flower vases till next year.” I held myself back from jumping out of my skin and politely explained that the only holiday containers that possibly couldn't be used are Christmas ones (unless you can), while the others can be used for various designs during the year such as birthdays, anniversaries, plant containers, etc. “Oh, I hadn't thought of that” was the confused response. The discussion went from there, and now those containers hold beautiful floral designs that make clients happy and help the shop’s bottom line get to where it should be.
Let’s face it: these containers are not cheap. They are higher end quality, and thus require a higher retail cost. But that doesn't exclude them from being used nor should we shy away from using them. We never know what a holiday will bring, so we purchase using last year’s totals and go from there. Some years you run out; some flower holidays leave us with extras. So we dig in and create various designs to get these off our shelves.
Don’t hide these containers in their shipping boxes, stored away to be forgotten for a year (or more!). Get them out, display them and make money from the product. You don’t need the wire service signage to show that they have only one use. Allow them to bring in dollars instead of being a thorn in your side. Once this new door is opened, you’ll feel sooo much better... and happy that you made the purchase in the first place. It’s time to turn problems into opportunities and allow yourself to feel good about the process. You totally deserve it and you work hard for those good feelings. Now go reap those floral benefits with a happy smile on your face!
Let’s face it: these containers are not cheap. They are higher end quality, and thus require a higher retail cost. But that doesn't exclude them from being used nor should we shy away from using them. We never know what a holiday will bring, so we purchase using last year’s totals and go from there. Some years you run out; some flower holidays leave us with extras. So we dig in and create various designs to get these off our shelves.
Vases and such should not hang around over 3 months. If it does, you’re definitely losing money. So let’s use our brains and fill these containers with a variety of flowers and goods to turn our profit quicker and keep those shelves rotated. Instead of purchasing planted gardens, use these containers and plant them yourselves. Red vases from Valentine’s Day? No problem! Use them for all those loving occasions that the romantic vibe asks for, especially if they have a “heart” theme. Mercury glass lying around? Perfect for wonderful permanent designs that have today’s look and quality. Even a trio of the smaller units can be designed with artificials to create a dining table unit. You can even attach these onto a small board with reindeer moss glued onto it, a few votive candles thrown in for a complete table design. Any of these containers can be used for a wedding or event as well. Even the tall glass containers can be used for plants…..used some stacked stones, then soil, then your plant(s). You’ll amaze yourself what you can come up with when those creative vibes enter your mind.
Don’t hide these containers in their shipping boxes, stored away to be forgotten for a year (or more!). Get them out, display them and make money from the product. You don’t need the wire service signage to show that they have only one use. Allow them to bring in dollars instead of being a thorn in your side. Once this new door is opened, you’ll feel sooo much better... and happy that you made the purchase in the first place. It’s time to turn problems into opportunities and allow yourself to feel good about the process. You totally deserve it and you work hard for those good feelings. Now go reap those floral benefits with a happy smile on your face!
