One of my softball umpire buddies asked me this the other day.
"So who's the best flower shop in all of Vancouver?"
Wow...great question. If I was a consumer, I know the choices when I Google "Vancouver flower delivery" would be intimidating.
I appreciated his asking me however, as we have developed some credibility in knowing "who's who" in the Canadian florist world.
Sure we have a preferred list of flower shops throughout the Vancouver area that we've relied on to deliver our orders over the past 22 years.
But can we get a little more specific?
First of all, are we talking Vancouver proper or Greater Vancouver?
Greater Vancouver covers over 2,200 square miles, and that would be a HUGE flower delivery area for any florist! Metro Van is a major Canadian city. For example, Vancouver has about 604,000 people, while Greater Van has about 2.5 million. That's more people than Manitoba and Saskatchewan combined. Big difference!
So to better answer his question, I emailed him our listing covering all Vancouver florists in each city comprising Metro Vancouver:
Hopefully this narrows his choices...and of course he can always call us at Simon Says if he wants that professional touch!
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Sunday 28 September 2014
#SympathyFlowers in Oakville, in the nick of time.
Your service is truly remarkable Frank. Thank you so much.
Nice. An unsolicited flower testimonial...my favourite kind.
The comments were from an Executive Assistant for a former CEO of a large Canadian coffee franchise (no, I'm not going to name drop)!
It wasn't the first time the customer had ordered, and the orders had always been for a sizable amount.
But this one was going to be tough.
The order came in at 4:50pm on Friday afternoon. 10 minutes to closing for most flower shops.
It didn't come in by phone, it came through online instead. For a funeral service for the following item:
Sympathy flowers are different than flowers for a birthday or
anniversary. They have to be there before a set time, or forget it.
Deliver when the service has already begun, and you might as well take
the flowers back to the store.
We needed flower delivery in Oakville before 11:00am on Saturday morning.
And of course this wasn't a few flowers that could be arranged in a vase. It was a sympathy floral spray on an easel, and that's a bit more complicated.
We had to make the sure that enough red & white carnations, asters, & pom poms were available, enough Oasis foam saturated with water & flower food, the easel spray was in stock, the designer had free time to construct the arrangement on short notice, and the delivery service willing to do a rush delivery first thing in the morning.
...and past experience has taught us that there are only two florists in Oakville that we could trust with this flower delivery.
So there was no way that I was going to send this order without talking to the flower store owner, but I knew the shops would be closing soon. What's a guy to do, but...
Drop everything, and get on the phone!
- The first shop had no red & white flowers left of any type going into the weekend, but
- The second shop could do it!
Did they get it there on time? Yes, at 10:47am (13 minutes to spare).
Sometimes so many things have to come together that it seems like a miracle.
Or as the customer said...remarkable.
Saturday 27 September 2014
#Randy Bachman "Taking Care of Business"
Happy 71st Birthday today, Randy Bachman.
I grew up with BTO (that's Bachman Turner Overdrive for you youngun's). They were the headliners at my first live concert in 1975 back in my hometown of Saskatoon.
Wow...39 years ago!
They had some some great songs, but one of my all time favourites is "Takin' Care of Business".
The lyrics became my inspiration to take my degree in Commerce. To use my knowledge and start my own business. Eventually it led to my owning my first flower shop.
I grew up with BTO (that's Bachman Turner Overdrive for you youngun's). They were the headliners at my first live concert in 1975 back in my hometown of Saskatoon.
Wow...39 years ago!
They had some some great songs, but one of my all time favourites is "Takin' Care of Business".
The lyrics became my inspiration to take my degree in Commerce. To use my knowledge and start my own business. Eventually it led to my owning my first flower shop.
You get up every morning
From your 'larm clock's warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
There's a whistle up above
And people pushin', people shovin'
And the girls who try to look pretty
And if your train's on time
You can get to work by nine
And start your slaving job to get your pay
If you ever get annoyed
Look at me I'm self-employed
I love to work at nothing all day
And I'll be
From your 'larm clock's warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
There's a whistle up above
And people pushin', people shovin'
And the girls who try to look pretty
And if your train's on time
You can get to work by nine
And start your slaving job to get your pay
If you ever get annoyed
Look at me I'm self-employed
I love to work at nothing all day
And I'll be
Taking care of business (every day)
Taking care of business (every way)
I've been taking care of business (it's all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime.
Taking care of business (every way)
I've been taking care of business (it's all mine)
Taking care of business and working overtime.
What's this about taking a train at 8:15? Get to work by 9:00? Must be talking about a government worker!
By 9:00 this self-employed business owner has already been at work for two hours!
Taking care of business and working overtime. It's like the 35 hour work week...it's just a dream.
Try the life of the self-employed, at 60 hours plus!
Ah the life of a Canadian florist...we love to work at nothing all day?!
Thanks Randy! I guess I missed that part...
Thursday 25 September 2014
#AnniversaryFlowers from Morticum?
My wife is great on the phone. Calm, friendly, concerned with detail, she's everything you want when it comes to customer service.
But she does have a hearing problem.
This morning, it lead to funny consequences when taking a phone order for flowers and balloons in Red Deer.
First, the card message was to read "thank you for 27 wonderful years...Morticum".
Given the unusual name of the sender, Dale asks how to spell Morticum.
The sender is confused, but spells it out anyway.
Now that's funny. Dale was laughing so hard, I had to come from down the hall to check out what was happening.
But it gets even better.
The sender orders a dozen roses in a gift box, plus our anniversary balloon package of 6 latex balloons with 2 mylars.
Dale wanted to know the sentiment on the two mylars.
"Would you like Happy Anniversary...and I Love You"?
Now this customer was quick.
His response?
Finally, it gets to the end of the order, and Dale asks for the method of payment.
"I already put my wallet away. Since you love me, I thought you would pay for it."
If only every flower order had its LOL moments like this one!
But she does have a hearing problem.
This morning, it lead to funny consequences when taking a phone order for flowers and balloons in Red Deer.
First, the card message was to read "thank you for 27 wonderful years...Morticum".
Given the unusual name of the sender, Dale asks how to spell Morticum.
The sender is confused, but spells it out anyway.
More to come.
Now that's funny. Dale was laughing so hard, I had to come from down the hall to check out what was happening.
But it gets even better.
The sender orders a dozen roses in a gift box, plus our anniversary balloon package of 6 latex balloons with 2 mylars.
"Would you like Happy Anniversary...and I Love You"?
Now this customer was quick.
His response?
I love you too, but these are for my wife.
Finally, it gets to the end of the order, and Dale asks for the method of payment.
"I already put my wallet away. Since you love me, I thought you would pay for it."
If only every flower order had its LOL moments like this one!
Wednesday 24 September 2014
#JimHenson, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy & Romance with Flowers
Jim Henson would be 75 years old today.
I grew up with Jim's Muppets.
As an only child, I thought of many characters as quasi-siblings (weird but wonderful). Sesame Street was my baby sitter...the characters my friends.
Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, The Swedish Chef, Guy Smiley, Ernie, the list goes on & on.
But after all these years, the two most iconic continue to be Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
These two characters taught me a lot over the years, but especially about tolerance.
About colour ("it ain't easy being green").
About size (small statured male versus large statured female).
About demeanor (extroverted Miss Piggy versus introverted Kermit).
These characters also taught me about love...romance...and the value of flowers in a relationship (no matter how long it took to come to fruition).
Like fairy tales of old, Kermit knew what it would take to win Piggy's heart...and it often involved the gift of flowers. Piggy might be demanding, but flowers could always melt her heart. It took years, but finally Kermit realized how important Piggy was in his life.
In the end, the two incurable romantics came together...and of course the Diva Miss Piggy had a fabulous wedding bouquet to commemorate the event!
Thanks Jim...you're impact on my life especially as a florist will never be forgotten.
I grew up with Jim's Muppets.
As an only child, I thought of many characters as quasi-siblings (weird but wonderful). Sesame Street was my baby sitter...the characters my friends.
Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, The Swedish Chef, Guy Smiley, Ernie, the list goes on & on.
But after all these years, the two most iconic continue to be Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
These two characters taught me a lot over the years, but especially about tolerance.
About colour ("it ain't easy being green").
About size (small statured male versus large statured female).
About demeanor (extroverted Miss Piggy versus introverted Kermit).
These characters also taught me about love...romance...and the value of flowers in a relationship (no matter how long it took to come to fruition).
In the end, the two incurable romantics came together...and of course the Diva Miss Piggy had a fabulous wedding bouquet to commemorate the event!
Tuesday 23 September 2014
Tramps Like Us...
...baby we were born to run!
Happy 65th Birthday today, Bruce Springsteen.
And speaking of babies born running...and important birthdays...it's like that for most flower deliveries to maternity wards in Canada these days.
It's seems that there is hardly any recovery time any more, before Mom & baby are sent running back home.
So the problem for florists is that by the time Mom gives birth & Dad gets around to letting family & friends know, Mother and baby have often been discharged.
The flower shop calls to verify that Mom is still a patient, and the delivery driver arrives to find Mom & baby already gone!
Now we have to track down a home address, and the delivery service charges us for two deliveries.
We've now started asking for a home address when we first take the order, "just in case".
No sense running up delivery charges when trying to catch up with those babies on the run!
Happy 65th Birthday today, Bruce Springsteen.
And speaking of babies born running...and important birthdays...it's like that for most flower deliveries to maternity wards in Canada these days.
It's seems that there is hardly any recovery time any more, before Mom & baby are sent running back home.
The flower shop calls to verify that Mom is still a patient, and the delivery driver arrives to find Mom & baby already gone!
Now we have to track down a home address, and the delivery service charges us for two deliveries.
We've now started asking for a home address when we first take the order, "just in case".
No sense running up delivery charges when trying to catch up with those babies on the run!
Monday 22 September 2014
Amazing Race Canada in #Floral Emblems
Watched the finale of the Amazing Race Canada last night (congrats Mickey & Pete).
I loved watching this show, as it allows me to see parts of our great country that I will probably never experience. I learn something new on every show.
But the segment on our founding fathers in Charlottetown really bothered me. Other than Sir John A Macdonald, I hadn't even heard of most of the others. Sad.
So...being in the flower industry....how well would I do in naming the floral emblems of Canada?
Remember, this was a test on last year's final episode!
I got three right.
It's the three provinces that I've lived in...Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. Pretty bad, I must admit.
So how did anyone else do?
Please reply & let us know!
I loved watching this show, as it allows me to see parts of our great country that I will probably never experience. I learn something new on every show.
But the segment on our founding fathers in Charlottetown really bothered me. Other than Sir John A Macdonald, I hadn't even heard of most of the others. Sad.
So...being in the flower industry....how well would I do in naming the floral emblems of Canada?
Remember, this was a test on last year's final episode!
It's the three provinces that I've lived in...Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. Pretty bad, I must admit.
So how did anyone else do?
Please reply & let us know!
Saturday 20 September 2014
Top 5 U.S. companies advertising flowers in Canada
Had a call yesterday from a customer in Calgary.
She was irate.
"You charged my credit card in U.S. dollars for flowers in Fernie for my Granddaughter!"
Now that's strange. Simon Says Roses is Canadian. We charge in Canadian dollars, not U.S.
"What is the name of the company on your credit card statement, Ma'am?"
"Just Flowers".
And there lies the problem.
We're really bad at marketing in Canada. Especially in the floral industry. We've opened the door to many U.S. companies advertising on our home turf.
And it's confusing Canadian flower customers.
So here are the Top 5 U.S. companies that show-up at the top of Google searches for flowers in Canada, often with huge advertising budgets:
She was irate.
"You charged my credit card in U.S. dollars for flowers in Fernie for my Granddaughter!"
Now that's strange. Simon Says Roses is Canadian. We charge in Canadian dollars, not U.S.
"What is the name of the company on your credit card statement, Ma'am?"
"Just Flowers".
And there lies the problem.
We're really bad at marketing in Canada. Especially in the floral industry. We've opened the door to many U.S. companies advertising on our home turf.
And it's confusing Canadian flower customers.
So here are the Top 5 U.S. companies that show-up at the top of Google searches for flowers in Canada, often with huge advertising budgets:
- ftd.ca - based out of Downer's Grove, IL. Even with a ".ca" suffix making it appear that they are a Canadian company, all charges are in U.S. dollars.
- teleflora.com - based in Paragould, AK
- justflowers.com - based in Los Angeles, CA with a huge order desk in the Phillipines
- wesleyberry.net - based in the Detroit, MI area, with many different web sites
- 1-800-flowers - Long Island, NY
Thursday 18 September 2014
Because some days are shit and you just need some #flowers!
Just received this order coming from Edmonton and going to Salmon Arm.
The title of this post was the actual card message.
And it made me laugh out loud.
It's not PC...but it seemed oh so appropriate.
It kind of sums up why I love the floral industry. The message applies to everybody...almost every day. It's something that flowers can cure.
Imagine if you received the gift of flowers. Wouldn't it make you happy? A pick-me-up on a lousy day? Make up for the crap we all have to endure?
And what was the message?
Heck, this might even be my epitaph!
The title of this post was the actual card message.
And it made me laugh out loud.
It's not PC...but it seemed oh so appropriate.
It kind of sums up why I love the floral industry. The message applies to everybody...almost every day. It's something that flowers can cure.
Imagine if you received the gift of flowers. Wouldn't it make you happy? A pick-me-up on a lousy day? Make up for the crap we all have to endure?
And what was the message?
Because some days are shit and you just need some flowers.
Wednesday 17 September 2014
The price of roses is too low at a West Vancouver florist?!
We sent an order to a West Vancouver florist today for the following item:
It was for a dozen white roses in a glass vase. No baby's breath, just greenery.
We gave the flowershop $79.99 to fill the order, which included our delivery fee.
The order came back to us at Simon Says Roses an hour later.
Now we're not talking delivery to a remote community like Smithers, Mackenzie, or 100 Mile House.
We're talking West Van florists.
Shipping costs for flowers should be minimal. Delivery is not to a rural area. There is not a huge amount of design labour involved in this simple arrangement of roses.
Certain florists in Canada and this West Van florist in particular might wonder why they don't sell many roses. It's really no surprise.
Of course we found a shop that was more than willing to fill this order in downtown Vancouver for the original price, but in the mean time we just give our heads a shake.
How long can some flowershops in Canada survive, when even a fellow florist cannot understand their flower prices?
We wish this shop well in the future, but they certainly won't be receiving any more flower orders from us!
YIKES!
It was for a dozen white roses in a glass vase. No baby's breath, just greenery.
We gave the flowershop $79.99 to fill the order, which included our delivery fee.
The order came back to us at Simon Says Roses an hour later.
"Priced too low. REJECTED."
Now we're not talking delivery to a remote community like Smithers, Mackenzie, or 100 Mile House.
We're talking West Van florists.
Shipping costs for flowers should be minimal. Delivery is not to a rural area. There is not a huge amount of design labour involved in this simple arrangement of roses.
But 80 bux isn't enough.
Certain florists in Canada and this West Van florist in particular might wonder why they don't sell many roses. It's really no surprise.
Of course we found a shop that was more than willing to fill this order in downtown Vancouver for the original price, but in the mean time we just give our heads a shake.
How long can some flowershops in Canada survive, when even a fellow florist cannot understand their flower prices?
We wish this shop well in the future, but they certainly won't be receiving any more flower orders from us!
YIKES!
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Pretty please, did you forget to say thanks for the flowers?
We just received a brief email from the sender of flowers from Nelson to Victoria.
"We were really happy with the flowers sent to our daughter for her birthday! We would definitely use this service again!
Thanks
Julie"
It took maybe 30 seconds for our customer to draft the email.
A simple thank you. A promise to use our services again. It took so little...yet meant so much.
It reminds me of the phone calls I get 4 or 5 times a day. "Are the flowers there yet?"
Instead of calling us, all it would take is a simple email or phone call by the recipient to say "thanks".
But instead the sender waits for our email letting him/her know that the flowers arrived. And when we don't send the email right away, we get the phone calls.
And sorry...but I think that sucks.
We're supposed to be so polite as Canadians. So a simple thank you shouldn't be too much!
Thanks for the flowers. Thanks for the fruit basket. Thanks for the balloons.
So to all recipients, I'm asking nicely..."Pretty Please"?
"We were really happy with the flowers sent to our daughter for her birthday! We would definitely use this service again!
Thanks
Julie"
It took maybe 30 seconds for our customer to draft the email.
A simple thank you. A promise to use our services again. It took so little...yet meant so much.
It reminds me of the phone calls I get 4 or 5 times a day. "Are the flowers there yet?"
Instead of calling us, all it would take is a simple email or phone call by the recipient to say "thanks".
But instead the sender waits for our email letting him/her know that the flowers arrived. And when we don't send the email right away, we get the phone calls.
And sorry...but I think that sucks.
We're supposed to be so polite as Canadians. So a simple thank you shouldn't be too much!
Thanks for the flowers. Thanks for the fruit basket. Thanks for the balloons.
So to all recipients, I'm asking nicely..."Pretty Please"?
Monday 15 September 2014
#Fall flowers in Canada? But it's still summer!
No wonder I can't think about fall flowers yet. They're predicting record high temps in parts of Canada this week, so my mind is still in summer mode, not fall.
But the leaves are starting to change their hues, and our customers' preferred flower colours are changing as well.
Fall flowers are now in season, especially with Thanksgiving less than a month away (YIKES).
I had a customer in Oakville order this floral arrangement for flower delivery in Quesnel today. The Product Order Code wasn't familiar (and yes, most are) so I had to go to my website for fall flowers in Canada to see what flowers were in this vase.
Yellow sunflowers, orange lilies, rust coloured chrysanthemums, yellow roses...yup, it's a sure sign that fall is just around the corner.
...and I spoke too soon! Just got off the phone with a customer in Mississauga sending this flower arrangement for delivery in Calgary SW.
'Tis the season for fall and Thanksgiving flowers in Canada, so please give us a call at 1-800-705-ROSE(7673)!
But the leaves are starting to change their hues, and our customers' preferred flower colours are changing as well.
Fall flowers are now in season, especially with Thanksgiving less than a month away (YIKES).
Yellow sunflowers, orange lilies, rust coloured chrysanthemums, yellow roses...yup, it's a sure sign that fall is just around the corner.
...and I spoke too soon! Just got off the phone with a customer in Mississauga sending this flower arrangement for delivery in Calgary SW.
Saturday 13 September 2014
No helium for balloons in Belleville hospital says Belleville florist.
It usually starts with a problem, and this was no exception.
This wasn't for flowers in Belleville, but rather an order for a balloon bouquet to the Belleville General Hospital.
The sender already knew of the restrictions on latex balloons, as some patients may have allergies to latex., so she wanted an arrangement of all mylar balloons instead.
So instead she wanted an arrangement of all mylar balloons to be sent from a Belleville florist.
The next day we get the call.
"Why are the balloons on a stick and not a ribbon?" Gee, I don't know. Good question!
So we talked to the floral designer at the Belleville flower shop. This all comes down to the shortage of helium.
I actually blogged about this problem with balloons almost 2 years ago to the day, and here was a perfect example. This shop couldn't find a supply of helium, but nitrogen is readily available to inflate balloons.
The only problem with nitrogen is that while it does keep the balloon inflated, it doesn't float like helium does. So rather than tie with ribbon, they insert a stick into each balloon instead.
And here you thought all we worked with were flowers.
Your Canadian balloon "experts" at Simon Says Roses...
This wasn't for flowers in Belleville, but rather an order for a balloon bouquet to the Belleville General Hospital.
The sender already knew of the restrictions on latex balloons, as some patients may have allergies to latex., so she wanted an arrangement of all mylar balloons instead.
NO latex balloons allowed!
So instead she wanted an arrangement of all mylar balloons to be sent from a Belleville florist.
The next day we get the call.
"Why are the balloons on a stick and not a ribbon?" Gee, I don't know. Good question!
So we talked to the floral designer at the Belleville flower shop. This all comes down to the shortage of helium.
I actually blogged about this problem with balloons almost 2 years ago to the day, and here was a perfect example. This shop couldn't find a supply of helium, but nitrogen is readily available to inflate balloons.
The only problem with nitrogen is that while it does keep the balloon inflated, it doesn't float like helium does. So rather than tie with ribbon, they insert a stick into each balloon instead.
And here you thought all we worked with were flowers.
Your Canadian balloon "experts" at Simon Says Roses...
Friday 12 September 2014
Merritt flower delivery - Kamloops flowers?
I've been talking about expanded flower delivery services in Canada over the last few posts, and I'm reminded of a town that is now serviced over a mountain pass!
I believe that its been over 5 years since the last florist in Merritt closed their doors.
Now here is a town of over 8,000 people in the Nicola Valley that has no flower shop. The closest florist in Kamloops is an hour away.
Same day flower delivery?
Not going to happen. An order received today will be delivered tomorrow.
We need at least one days notice to get flowers in Merritt, because the floral arrangement comes via courier out of Kamloops. And it's a $24.99 delivery charge.
Sending flowers in Merritt requires a bit of advanced planning...and a bit more money.
But it can be done!
I believe that its been over 5 years since the last florist in Merritt closed their doors.
Now here is a town of over 8,000 people in the Nicola Valley that has no flower shop. The closest florist in Kamloops is an hour away.
Same day flower delivery?
Not going to happen. An order received today will be delivered tomorrow.
We need at least one days notice to get flowers in Merritt, because the floral arrangement comes via courier out of Kamloops. And it's a $24.99 delivery charge.
Sending flowers in Merritt requires a bit of advanced planning...and a bit more money.
But it can be done!
Thursday 11 September 2014
Dundas flower delivery for Ancaster, Waterdown and Hamilton flowers?
Yesterday, I talked about how the delivery range of flowershops in Canada has increased as there are fewer florists in Canada.
It reminded me of a floral chat room conversation I had with a buddy that owns a flowershop in Dundas, Ontario.
Now Dundas has a population of around 25,000 people, similar to the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area discussed yesterday.
It's one thing to cover a few nearby communities with flower delivery, but this florist in Dundas covers 1,000 sq. kms. daily!
He delivers Dundas flowers to Hamilton, Ancaster, Waterdown, Freelton...in fact he even had a flower delivery to Port Dover (which is over an hour away according to Google Maps)!
This service isn't cheap however, and it shouldn't be.
His delivery charges range from $10 to $30, but given this huge Dundas flower delivery area, there are times when he is barely covering his floral delivery costs.
And as he keeps telling me for same day flower orders, it's well worth it for flower delivery in Hamilton, Ancaster, Waterdown and more!
For flowers in the Dundas area, please give us a call at 1-800-705-ROSE(7673) or order Dundas flowers online from Simon Says Roses.
It reminded me of a floral chat room conversation I had with a buddy that owns a flowershop in Dundas, Ontario.
Now Dundas has a population of around 25,000 people, similar to the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area discussed yesterday.
It's one thing to cover a few nearby communities with flower delivery, but this florist in Dundas covers 1,000 sq. kms. daily!
He delivers Dundas flowers to Hamilton, Ancaster, Waterdown, Freelton...in fact he even had a flower delivery to Port Dover (which is over an hour away according to Google Maps)!
This service isn't cheap however, and it shouldn't be.
His delivery charges range from $10 to $30, but given this huge Dundas flower delivery area, there are times when he is barely covering his floral delivery costs.
And as he keeps telling me for same day flower orders, it's well worth it for flower delivery in Hamilton, Ancaster, Waterdown and more!
For flowers in the Dundas area, please give us a call at 1-800-705-ROSE(7673) or order Dundas flowers online from Simon Says Roses.
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Parksville Flowers in Nanoose Bay and Qualicum Beach?
It's a sign of the times. We had a customer call us at Simon Says Roses looking for a plant to be delivered in Nanoose Bay this morning.
We get it.
Customers are searching the internet looking for Nanoose Bay florists or Qualicum Beach flowers or Coombs floral arrangements, or even Errington flower designs.
But nothing much comes up on Google search results.
Because there are very few florists in smaller communities across Canada these days.
So flower delivery in Parksville now includes Qualicum, Nanoose, Coombs & Errington as everything becomes more centralized.
Instead of just delivering in town, flower delivery services must now be willing to travel 15 to 20 minutes away from the flower shop to reach towns & villages in outlying areas.
Looking for flower delivery in Canada to smaller places?
Give us a call at 1-800-705-7673.
We're getting really good at sending flowers to little outlying communities!
We get it.
Customers are searching the internet looking for Nanoose Bay florists or Qualicum Beach flowers or Coombs floral arrangements, or even Errington flower designs.
But nothing much comes up on Google search results.
Because there are very few florists in smaller communities across Canada these days.
So flower delivery in Parksville now includes Qualicum, Nanoose, Coombs & Errington as everything becomes more centralized.
Instead of just delivering in town, flower delivery services must now be willing to travel 15 to 20 minutes away from the flower shop to reach towns & villages in outlying areas.
Looking for flower delivery in Canada to smaller places?
Give us a call at 1-800-705-7673.
We're getting really good at sending flowers to little outlying communities!
Parksville sand castle competition
Photo by Marty Borsboom
Monday 8 September 2014
No Flowers or Plants in Port Alberni Hospital?
We send flowers and plants to a lot of cities & towns in Canada.
Private homes, schools, businesses, funeral homes...and yes, even hospitals.
But in all of Canada, there is one hospital that has the most stringent rules imaginable when it comes to gifts to cheer up patients that are not feeling well.
The West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni does not allow flowers or plants to be delivered to their hospital. And that makes Port Alberni flower delivery from an Alberni florist impossible to accompish.
No vase arrangements. No flower baskets. No tiny bud vase with 2 or 3 roses. No blooming azaleas or violets or kalanchoes. Not even a little green plant to put on the ledge.
According to this CBC News report, one staff member was having allergic reactions, but flowers and plants will be allowed "once the staff member's specific allergies have been identified".
This was reported in October of 2013, and nothing has changed.
So I guess the only option left to cheer up a patient is this:
And this kind of surprises me. Of all things to allow into the hospital, why a fruit basket? With dietary restrictions for many patients, they allow fruit & chocolate? Apparently there might be bugs on a plant basket, but how about fruit flies? Rotting fruit after 3 or 4 days at room temperature?
I guess they win. We've STRONGLY suggested that our customers provide a home address for all hospital deliveries.
It may not have the same impact, but at least a gift of Port Alberni flowers or plants may be peacefully enjoyed at home.
Because there doesn't appear to be much joy for patients in this hospital!
Private homes, schools, businesses, funeral homes...and yes, even hospitals.
But in all of Canada, there is one hospital that has the most stringent rules imaginable when it comes to gifts to cheer up patients that are not feeling well.
The West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni does not allow flowers or plants to be delivered to their hospital. And that makes Port Alberni flower delivery from an Alberni florist impossible to accompish.
Period.
No vase arrangements. No flower baskets. No tiny bud vase with 2 or 3 roses. No blooming azaleas or violets or kalanchoes. Not even a little green plant to put on the ledge.
According to this CBC News report, one staff member was having allergic reactions, but flowers and plants will be allowed "once the staff member's specific allergies have been identified".
This was reported in October of 2013, and nothing has changed.
So I guess the only option left to cheer up a patient is this:
And this kind of surprises me. Of all things to allow into the hospital, why a fruit basket? With dietary restrictions for many patients, they allow fruit & chocolate? Apparently there might be bugs on a plant basket, but how about fruit flies? Rotting fruit after 3 or 4 days at room temperature?
I guess they win. We've STRONGLY suggested that our customers provide a home address for all hospital deliveries.
It may not have the same impact, but at least a gift of Port Alberni flowers or plants may be peacefully enjoyed at home.
Because there doesn't appear to be much joy for patients in this hospital!
Thursday 4 September 2014
GRAND #Grand Opening Business Gift
Yesterday we had a customer sending a business gift of flowers from Milton with flower delivery in Georgetown, Ontario.
It was for a Grand Opening of a new pharmacy, and the sender wanted to make a splash.
No carnations or daisies with this order, but that's the problem. The order was for delivery within 24 hours, and there was no way that the tiny shop in Georgetown had all of the flowers in stock. Nor could they get them on short notice.
After all, we're talking a mix of Bells of Ireland, Dendrobium Orchids, Ginger, and Asiatic Lilies. Most shops might carry one of these items on a regular basis, but all four? Not a chance.
This would be a custom floral order at best, and would need a week's advance notice just to make sure the wholesaler could obtain everything that was needed.
Thankfully we have choicse in our Canada Florists Network to choose from flower shops in neighbouring communities. We made some phone calls, and sure enough a florist in Brampton had everything we needed.
This is what the sender selected:
The shop also made the choice of delivering the arrangement in a basket, which was very wise. The shallow dish in the image won't support the weight of these large blooms, and would likely tip over from the breath of a baby (bad pun, I know).
Congratulations to the management & staff at the pharmacy. You're thought of very highly!
It was for a Grand Opening of a new pharmacy, and the sender wanted to make a splash.
No carnations or daisies with this order, but that's the problem. The order was for delivery within 24 hours, and there was no way that the tiny shop in Georgetown had all of the flowers in stock. Nor could they get them on short notice.
After all, we're talking a mix of Bells of Ireland, Dendrobium Orchids, Ginger, and Asiatic Lilies. Most shops might carry one of these items on a regular basis, but all four? Not a chance.
This would be a custom floral order at best, and would need a week's advance notice just to make sure the wholesaler could obtain everything that was needed.
Thankfully we have choicse in our Canada Florists Network to choose from flower shops in neighbouring communities. We made some phone calls, and sure enough a florist in Brampton had everything we needed.
This is what the sender selected:
The shop also made the choice of delivering the arrangement in a basket, which was very wise. The shallow dish in the image won't support the weight of these large blooms, and would likely tip over from the breath of a baby (bad pun, I know).
Congratulations to the management & staff at the pharmacy. You're thought of very highly!
Wednesday 3 September 2014
We Can't Deliver Milk in our #Gourmet Baskets?!
You have to be careful sometimes, when language becomes a barrier.
So yesterday we had an order for a fruit & chocolate basket going to a patient in the University Hospital in Saskatoon (as an aside, I always get a kick out of sending gifts to my old home town. You never know, I might know the recipient!)
But back to the point, we were trying to send the following item:
In the description, I put "Fruit basket, with milk & dark chocolates".
Sounds simple enough, until I get this reply...
O.K.
Lesson learned to provide a full description of "milk chocolates AND dark chocolates".
And to imagine the look on the patient's face if a gift basket arrived with a carton of milk.
Too funny!
So yesterday we had an order for a fruit & chocolate basket going to a patient in the University Hospital in Saskatoon (as an aside, I always get a kick out of sending gifts to my old home town. You never know, I might know the recipient!)
But back to the point, we were trying to send the following item:
In the description, I put "Fruit basket, with milk & dark chocolates".
Sounds simple enough, until I get this reply...
"We don't do milk in our fruit baskets".
O.K.
Lesson learned to provide a full description of "milk chocolates AND dark chocolates".
And to imagine the look on the patient's face if a gift basket arrived with a carton of milk.
Too funny!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)