Corporate Flowers

I wanted to write a blog to explain a little bit about corporate flowers or what florists call contract flowers. Specifically, what they are, how they work, and why you should invest in them, also to offer a few hints and tips to help guide your way through organising a weekly delivery for your place of work.

What are Corporate flowers

Basically it is a weekly delivery or fresh flowers to the workplace, mostly reception areas but boardrooms and communal work spaces. Other clients could be restaurants, bars and clubs, casinos and retail stores which are the core categories you will find normally using this service.

When do they deliver?

Most businesses are Monday-Friday therefore delivery is made on a Monday morning from as early as 3am to 12noon. For hotels, restaurants, casinos and other hospitality venues that are open 7 days per week we normally would agree  day of the week which is most convenient and maximises the best of the flowers during the busiest part of the week.

What is the point?

I asked a client of mine to give me a detailed testimonial, which is much more realistic than my sales pitch!

Kate Blackham, Studio manager for packaging design group VCG Kestrel based in London Bridge.

PTTM – What was the situation before we worked together

KB – We only bought flowers in for special occasions and important client visits, but often they would be forgotten in the preparations and be completely left out. Otherwise it would be a bunch of Lilies or Roses from the supermarket!

PTTM – What specifically did we do?

KB – Well, you came to the studio and listened to what we do and how we use the space, took on board the importance of branding for our business and in turn presented us with an ideal scenario along with costs. We went for 75% of your recommendations!

PTTM – What was the improved situation once we worked together?

KB – I don’t have to think about it for a start, they are delivered each week at the same time and it works. The flowers and vases are in keeping with our brand identity, often the colours match our logo which is great! We got recognition for the change instantly from staff and importantly clients, it lifted morale and atmosphere and transformed what used to be a pretty generic office space.

PTTM – What would you say to someone considering office flowers?

KB – Understand and appreciate their value. Set a realistic budget and choose a good florist!

How much should I spend?

I would suggest you do some research and ask a couple of florists if they have a starting price. I advise £50.00 as a start cost with additional vases from £15.00 within the delivery. Be realistic about cost, these flowers are designed, bought, conditioned, arranged and delivered direct to your office, its a professional service.

 

What sort of flowers do you use?

Not all flowers are suitable for a weekly contract, softer more delicate flowers, often scented, are not great and often will only last part of the week. Many people dislike overly scented flowers such as Lilies or Alliums. Roses, Orchids, Hydrangea and Calla lilies are some of the most popular flowers but each season presents you with a menu of reliable and seasonal flowers to choose from. Important note to remember here is many flowers start on a Monday tight and closed and open gradually through the week (Lilies) some look the same Friday as they did Monday (Orchids). Often, part of the enjoyment is watching the flowers perform!

 

What style or look should I go for?

Sleek and modern, classic or traditional, wild and gardeny…so many choices. Your florist should advise you what to go for based on your business identity and the decor and furnishings of the space they will sit in. That said just because your reception is wood panelled with chesterfield sofas and open fires doesn’t exclude a sleek modern design in flowers, it ultimately comes down to your personal taste.

 

 

Any other hints and tips

Research the florist, take a good look at the website, do they have good photography? How did they respond on the phone or email? Would you consider them professional? what is their social media like?

Make sure they have a selection of vases they use as opposed to just the same one each week, the vase definitely helps make the arrangement more interesting.

Do they offer a mid week watering service? Some are paid for but worth discussing.

You get what you pay for, don’t always go for the cheapest option and understand the value that a well made, professionally delivered vase of flowers can bring to your business.

I hope this has been helpful or interesting to you in understanding what amounts to a very big part of the work we do. Any questions please feel free to drop me a line and for further information about weekly office flowers then of course CLICK HERE!!

Lots of love

Paul x