Cheap Flowers, Labour Not So Much...

It might seem strange, but steaks are a lot like flowers.

A local flyer had steak at around $6.88/lb, or $3.44 for 8 oz.

But when I go to a restaurant, that same steak (with a potato & a few veggies) is suddenly $28.99.

Why the difference? It's the time to marinate, age, cook, and present the steak.

It's all about labour.

Flowers are the same as a steak. If a florist in Canada doesn't have to pay for a lot of design time, there are more flowers in the arrangement.

Let me walk you through some examples.

This is what we call a "cut & plop". Flowers are not arranged, but rather simply cut down to fit the vase. Next to no labour, so more flowers. This item sells for $37.99 on the Simon Says Roses website.

Next, there is the "presentation style" bouquet. There is some labour time in structuring the bouquet, to make the flowers look presentable. This item sells for $49.99 on our website.

Taking another step up is the formal vase arrangement. Each & ever flower is strategically placed one at a time to give the best look to the flowers. That takes time. One of most popular flower vase arrangements sells for $69.99 to $89.99 at Simon Says Roses.

But the REALLY time consuming floral arrangements are often found when constructing sympathy designs. This sympathy casket floral arrangement is packed with exquisite high value flowers like Calla lilies, dendrobium orchids, ginger, & more. Each stem must be inserted into floral foam, ensuring that not one bit of foam can be seen when the design is completed. Time consuming to say the least!
This item sells for $799.99.

The dedication, time & skill of a trained floral designer is not much different than your favourite chef. It takes time to get it right!