Florist Tips for Selling Last-Minute Arrangements

 Last-minute and rush flower orders can be some of the most stressful for florists but also represent chances to boost profits.

Last-minute and rush flower orders can be some of the most stressful for florists but also represent chances to boost profits. While custom arrangements require advance scheduling, having an efficient florist pos system for shop management and streamline operations. With some strategic preparations and foresight, florists can be prepared to capitalize on revenue opportunities from panicked walk-ins or procrastinators running low on time. Here are several tips for florists to successfully secure sales from unexpected, incomplete last-minute arrangement orders through better accessibility and customer service.

Be Prepared with Last-Minute Options

Modern florist management software helps track inventory in real-time, making it easier to know what's available for last-minute customers. Having options for single stem flowers, small bud vases, or short mini-bouquets will allow you to quickly make a sale for someone who needs something for today or tomorrow. Make sure to have simple and colorful designs that will appeal to a wide variety of customers. Price these options affordably so they sell fast during busy times.

Display Pre-Made Options Prominently

Pre-made arrangements for same-day delivery should be prominently displayed at the front of your shop. A well designed eCommerce florist website helps florists to display pre-made arrangements and increase sales with online orders. A reliable floral shop software can help you track which displays need restocking throughout the day. Having them as the first thing customers see when they walk in will increase chances they will buy one of the ready-to-go options instead of placing a custom order. You can even create a separate colorful sign that says "Same Day Delivery" to really draw attention. These on-the-spot purchases help your shop earn revenue from shoppers who may not have planned far ahead.

Extend Shop Hours if Needed for Rush Periods

Be flexible with your shop hours if you know certain days tend to be busier like Friday afternoons before a weekend or Monday mornings after holidays. A comprehensive flower shop point of sale system makes it easy to process transactions even during extended hours. Customers wanting same-day arrangements may come in later than normal hours. You could lose sales by turning them away after official closing time. So consider temporarily extending hours on high-volume days, even if just for 1-2 hours extra at night or opening early the next morning. Customers will appreciate the effort to still help them with last minute needs.

Suggest Alternatives for Unavailable Options

Your flower shop management system should provide real-time inventory updates, making it easy to suggest alternatives when items are out of stock. Instead of simply saying "no" to customers asking about certain flowers, colors or vase styles, suggest some alternatives they may also like. "I'm afraid those red roses are all sold out at this time, but I have a nice selection of colorful carnations or an assortment of tulips in similar shades you might enjoy instead." Take a bit of extra time to show substitutes and explain why they would work just as beautifully for the occasion. They will be happier leaving with something, even if not their top choice, rather than empty handed.

Upsell Additional Items with Arrangements

A modern floral shop software solution can help you track popular add-on items and suggest relevant pairings. When fulfilling last-minute orders, use it as an opportunity to gently recommend purchasing added extras like balloons, treat boxes or bears along with the arrangement. For example "Since you're needing this for tonight, would you like me to add some 'Get Well Soon' balloons to help brighten her room and let her know you're thinking of her?" Extra items boost the order total while not requiring much more work on your end. People scrambling for a same-day gift are often open to suggestions to make the purchase more complete.

Offer Delivery Prices Appropriate for Rush Orders

Your florist management software should help calculate fair yet profitable delivery rates for express or urgent service, especially on days you provide extended shop hours. Customers expecting or needing immediate delivery will pay slightly more, so set premiums just high enough to cover any overtime, after hours staffing or premium delivery service fees charged by your suppliers or partners. Clearly communicate how much extra express delivery will cost upfront so they can decide if it is worthwhile for their situation. A few extra dollars can make a difference in your bottom line during busy last minute periods.

Thank Rush Customers Personally

Be sure to sincerely thank customers who opted to order last minute arrangements from your shop. A good flower shop point of sale system can help you keep track of rush orders and customer preferences for future reference. Whether in person during pickup or a short phone call if delivered, express your gratitude that they chose you during their time of haste or panic. Comments like "We really appreciate you thinking of us during your rush. I hope the flowers bring a smile." help strengthen customer loyalty and increase chances of a repeat purchase down the line. They will feel good supporting a shop that acknowledges the extra effort on their part. Positive experiences even during stressful flower-buying situations keep customers coming back to your florist shop.

Take Advantage of Technology and Marketing

Consider offering online ordering options through your floral shop software for busy customers so the arrangement details can be entered ahead of time even if same-day delivery is requested. Send promotional emails and posts a few times per busy month encouraging people to place orders early to avoid last-minute rushes. For example set up automated messages 7-10 days before major holidays with pre-made arrangement previews and discounted early-bird pricing to help spread out demand more evenly across the season. Embrace technology and marketing tactics to make last-minute sales less hectic for everyone involved.

With cloud-based POS systems like Hana Florist POS, florists gain efficient online ordering capabilities to spread out demand and please customers in a pinch. Let Hana Florist POS empower your shop to stress-free turn rushed customers into repeat buyers all year long.

Company Details

Organization: Hanafloristpos

Contact Person Name: Hanafloristpos

Website: https://www.hanafloristpos.com/

Email: info@hanafloristpos.com

Address: 12410 Milestone Center Dr Suite 600 Germantown, MD 20876 USA

City: New York

State: New York

Country: United States