| JUNE, 2006 |  |
| Tips, Tricks & Trends Keeping Your Customers Happy A recent article in Home Accents Today stated that more than 50 percent of Americans will stop shopping at a store if they hear about a friend or family member’s negative shopping experience. The floral industry depends on its customers, and customer service is one of the most important foundations of a floral shop. The top three problems, according to the article, are time (can’t find a parking spot), merchandise (hard to find product or product has run out, store layout is too confusing) and the front line staff has a poor knowledge of product and are not customer-friendly. One might think this just applies to large department or grocery stores, but even local shops can lose business through negative word-of-mouth. Customer service is really common sense. "Meet and Greet" your customers, ask if they need help. If they say they are just looking for now, check back again five minutes later. Or better yet, ask them what they are looking for specifically. Make sure the store’s atmosphere is friendly and inviting. Change any burnt out light bulbs, make sure there are not any offensive odors and most importantly, your staff should be friendly. I used to work in a national department store in the summers during college. Our store manager said something that really hit home. The customer doesn’t care if you’ve had a bad day. This includes breaking up with a significant other, having a flat tire on the way to work, or any other bad situation that makes you cranky. So while you’re at work, grin and bear it. Be polite and courteous, and never let the customer know how bad your day has gone. Teenage employees might need more help and guidance from management than other staff, because of their maturity level. Same goes for employees venting and gossiping where customers can hear. The shopper does not want to hear about what is going on behind the scenes. They simply want their needs met in a prompt and courteous manner. The more pleasant and enjoyable their visit to your store is, the more times they will come back. If you’re worried about your employees not treating customers appropriately, or being lax in responsibilities while you’re gone, hire a friend or anonymous relative to be your secret shopper. Have them check on other things too, such as the tidiness of the store. Is the floor swept? Is the water in the cooler vases clean and fresh? Are all the dead leaves off the plants and not on the floor or display areas? Or simply ask your frequent customers how their shopping experience has been at your store. They will most likely be more than willing to tell you, and might even be able to offer you suggestions. |
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What's New Syndicate Vase Shapes Adopt a Fresh New Look Kokomo, Ind. (March 1, 2006)—Syndicate Sales has Infused warmth, sunlight and nature into four of their most popular vase shapes with the trendy new line of Tropical Two Tones! Available only in the spring, these vases are sure to provide a welcome sense of brightness and a whimsical impression of drama. The Tropical Two Tones bring three exciting new flavors to Garden Color Collection® with the introduction of Island Berry, Sea Breeze and Sunset. The 7” Sweetheart Vase (No. 4018-12-156) and the 9” Jordan Vase (No. 4049-12-156) come in cases of 12, with four each of the assorted colors, while the 10-5/8” Diva Vase (No. 4103-06-156) comes in cases of six with two each in the assortment, and the 8” Small Gathering Vase (No. 4110-09-156) is offered in cases of nine, with three each of the assortment. The various shapes and sizes make it possible to fit this hip line into virtually any space or event, and the jazzy use of color on these already popular styles makes them ideal for a variety of floral arrangements, as well as a fun stand alone object d’art . All Syndicate Sales product can be viewed online at www.SyndicateSales.com and is available on a drop ship to your store basis. Call your wholesaler to order or for more information. For more information on this product please contact Syndicate Sales at customerservice@SyndicateSales.com or (800) 428-0515. |
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Role of Antimicrobial Chemicals in Flower Preservatives Bacteria and fungi are present everywhere – computer keyboards, doorknobs and even in the air that we breathe. Where floral is concerned, you already know the importance of cleaning your countertops, cooler buckets and tools with an antibacterial or antimicrobial cleaner to control bacteria and fungi growth. However, you should also be aware that bacteria and fungi are present in the stems of cut flowers as well! However, with proper attention this too can be controlled. The effects of bacteria and fungi (also known as microorganisms) become evident when flowers and foliages are allowed to sit in water for an extended period of time. By nature, after a few days, flowers and foliages will start decaying. As the bacterial and fungal count goes up as a result of the decay, a physical barrier for the upward movement of water and nutrient solution is created which leads to the demise of flowers and foliages. This decaying process will also cloud the water in which the flowers reside, giving the arrangement an unhealthy appearance. In other words, your vase arrangement will look yucky and mucky and your flowers will die faster – can you imagine a more undesirable scenario?! To make matters worse, microorganisms multiply more rapidly in the presence of a carbohydrate source like sugar which is present in all preservative solutions. But wait, aren't you supposed to use a floral preservative? The answer is unequivocally YES. The key however is to be certain to use a preservative that also contains an antimicrobial chemical. The antimicrobial chemical not only keeps the vase solution looking clear and aesthetically pleasing but it is good for the flower! It helps clear stem blockage caused by microorganisms thus promoting water and nutrient uptake - all of which results in extended flower life! A good thing for you and your customers! Keep in mind however that not all the antimicrobial chemicals are capable of keeping the vase solution clear for the duration of the flower arrangement’s life. Most preservatives on the market claim to and do posses an antimicrobial agent. However, not all perform equally. So how do you know which preservative is best for you? The suggested course of action is to try them for yourself! A simple test can be performed to ensure that you buy a cut flower preservative that will keep the water clear while discouraging microorganism growth and encourage long lasting, healthy-looking flowers.
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| While all vase solutions should net approximately the same result in flower life, you will start seeing a difference in the clarity of the vase solution in about 5-6 days. The preservative products which do not completely fight the microorganisms will start going cloudy in 5 -6 days, sometimes sooner. But the products which completely eliminate the microorganisms will stay clear, for the whole duration of cut flower life … and beyond! It is essential, for flower health and longevity reasons as well as aesthetic reasons, to choose a cut flower preservative which can control the growth of microorganisms thus keeping the water clear. Provide your customers with the best product on the market. Their flowers will last longer, look better and customers will come back for more! Dr. Pawan Srivastava received his PhD in Horticulture from The Ohio State University. He has worked in the field of Care and Handling for 10+ years. He is currently lead Research and Development Scientist for Syndicate Sales Inc. |
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| Syndicate Sales Has A New Web Site Kokomo , Ind. (April 10, 2006)— True to their desire for continuous improvement, Syndicate Sales is pleased to announce the launch of a newly redesigned web site. The new web site is easy to navigate, aesthetically pleasing and chock full of useful information. Log onto www.SyndicateSales.com to see frequently updated new products and access the Syndicate Sales catalog and other marketing materials page by page. You can also read the monthly eNews and learn more about the company by taking a virtual tour! Additionally, you will find useful floral industry information such as a holiday calendar and flower guide by month. The “members only” section will be available soon providing even more value and information to customers. For more information, contact Syndicate Sales at customerservice@SyndicateSales.com or (800) 428-0515. |
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All the products shown in this newsletter and much, much more can be found in the Syndicate Sales online catalog. Click here to browse. |
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