Locals provide flowers and food for the RNC convention

   

AIFD Helps 35 State Floral Groups

Monday, August 27th, 2012

BALTIMORE (August 2012) –Thirty-five state or regional floral associations across the U.S. have been given a complimentary registration to attend the 2013 National Symposium of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), it was announced by Ann Jordan AIFD, CFD, president of the Institute.

“It is AIFD’s hope that the various associations will use this gift to raise funds or to stimulate interest in attending an association-sponsored floral design education program,” said Ms. Jordan, who added that it is “AIFD’s mission to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership, and to recognize the achievement of excellence in this art form.”

AIFD’s National Symposium is considered to be the most dynamic floral design education program offered in the U.S. The 2013 edition, “Passion,” will take place in the beautiful Paris Hotel located on the Strip in Las Vegas. The dates for the event are June 28 to July 2. The complimentary registration given by AIFD to the state association provides for access to all education programs and presentations. Guests may opt to add on attendance to the elaborate meal functions and other special events which are part of the exciting conclave.

In addition to the Symposium registration gift, AIFD further attempts to help florist associations by incorporating their education programs into the requirements to test to become a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and by requiring AIFD members to earn continuing education credits thought leadership and involvement in the associations.

Organizations advised of the gift include: Alabama State Florists Association, Arizona State Florists Association, Arkansas Florists Association, California State Floral Association, Connecticut Florists’ Association, Florida State Florist Association, Georgia State Florists Association, Illinois State Florists’ Association, Iowa Florists’ Association, Kansas State Florists’ Association, Kentucky State Florists Association, Louisiana State Florists’ Association, Maine State Florists Association, Massachusetts Professional Florist Association, Michigan Floral Association, Mid Atlantic Florists Association, Montana Florists Association, Nebraska Florists Association, New Mexico Florists Association, North Carolina State Florists’ Association, North Dakota State Florists’ Association, OFA – The Association of Floriculture Professionals, Oklahoma State Florists’ Association, Ozark Florists Association, South Carolina Florists Association, South Dakota Florists Association, Tennessee State Florists’ Association, Texas State Florists Association, West Texas New Mexico Florists Association, Virginia Professional Florist Association, and the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Florists’ Association. Notice of the AIFD Symposium gift was emailed to the various association offices. Within minutes of its distribution, state associations were responding with great appreciation to AIFD.

Immediately prior to its National Symposium, AIFD will conduct its Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE) program for candidates interested in obtaining their Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation or in becoming an Accredited Member of AIFD. For details on AIFD, the PFDE program or the National Symposium, visit www.aifd.org.

Michelle Obama hosts kids' lunchtime 'state dinner' at White House

 

Inside the Life of a Mayesh Design Star

Thinking about entering our MDS2013 video contest, but aren’t sure? I interviewed our 2012 Mayesh Design Star, Mandy Majerik AIFD PFCI in hopes to answer some of the questions you may have and shed light on what you have in store if you win our MDS2013 contest!



What’s this experience been like for you?

It has been a very, very positive one! When I decided to turn in a video, I never knew that this is what it would turn into and I think it’s only going to get better as Holland gets closer and closer! ;)
I have had to challenge myself to be creative and make sure that my video content not only shows off beautiful flowers but also lets the audience into my design aesthetic and style.


How could it be better?

I think that this process has shown me exactly what it is like to design for the camera – to the camera. As a designer it is difficult and takes a bit of practice to create an arrangement (especially large ones) focused forward at all times. Also, cutting the design time down to show the steps/process of the design – I think this is where it is so important for the videographer to work magic. The audience must remember that the primary purpose of the video is to highlight the floral content and give minimal directions/mechanics for the arrangement – it comes down to being a time issue.


Do you feel like being our Mayesh Design Star has helped your career? Did the extra exposure help open any new doors for you?

Of course! I have been interviewed for several publications with a Mayesh Design Star (MDS) twist/undertone – the main one being Floriology. Floral industry professionals have recognized me and now have an outlet to preview my work and my presentation to be able to offer up other design jobs with various companies.

Anything else you’d like to share about the experience?
I know it has saved money to be able to shoot the rest of the videos in AL since Wes and I are so close. Although, I think beginning the video series in LA is the perfect way to kick off the series. It really gave me the opportunity to visit with all of the staff, shake hands, gives hugs, eat lunch together and really learn the inner workings of the warehouse, etc. I was awed by the variety and was able to feel comfortable knowing that the variety was there in case I needed it. Really developing the personal relationships with the staff was very important to be able to personally promote myself as being proud of the standards this company upholds. I was honored to be chosen as the MDS spokesperson!


How do you think we can make the contest better?
I definitely think one of the keys of this run of successful videos was the videographer and my relationship. I was very comfortable with Wes and Tera and it made the process a very quick and easy and less “takes.” A professional/edgy presentation must keep you a step above some the DIY You tubers….


In the rules, you might address a *professional videographer is not mandatory but also it is welcome. I personally knew so so so many of my peers would be watching, I wanted to make sure that my ideas and insights and inspiration came though by telling my story and my design. Some thought that the professionalism might have given me a few points ahead but of course it did in viewer’s minds! I knew how important every detail would be on making a lasting impression.



Mayesh Design Star 2013 Contest

It's YOUR time to bloom! We are searching for our next Mayesh Design Star (MDS2013) for our 2013 design inspiration videos. Mandy Majerik AIFD PFCI along with Armosa Studios really set the bar high combining a great on camera presence, beautiful design, and eye-pleasing video. If you are looking to increase your visibility within our industry and score a really cool trip, then this is the contest for you!

Like last year, our MDS2013 will demonstrate and narrate 12 Mayesh educational videos featuring Mayesh Certified Awesome Blossom products. He/she must be able to express their passion for flowers, help demonstrate awesome blossom usage and technique while portraying value to the viewers.
Do you think you have what it takes? Submit your video August 7th - 21st via our Facebook Mayesh Design Star Contest tab!

Prizes

Grand Prize Winner

• Your choice of 1 of 2 trips:
• the WAFA World Flower Show in Ireland, June 2014 OR
• the Chelsea Flower Show in London, May 2014
• Air and hotel accommodations for two for 6 days and 5 nights
• Videos created and hosted by Winning Designer will be posted on dedicated page on mayesh.com
• Winning Designer will have a bio page on mayesh.com
• Monthly promotion of video via e-blast, blog, and social media
• Link to winners website
• Winner will be given rights to post Mayesh released videos on their website (altering video prohibited)
• Unlimited Containers, Inc. will provide designers choice of containers for use in monthly videos

Runner Up

• A $500.00 gift certificate for choice of product from Unlimited Containers, Inc.
  
  
  

Rules, Regulations & Details

Remember Mayesh is looking for personality, creativity, and technique.

• Submit a 3 – 5 minute video showcasing the making of an arrangement while narrating (longer videos will be accepted but only judged by the first 5 minutes). The video must contain the following criteria:
  • Feature one focal flower as topic / conversation (all other flowers used, props or containers must support the use of this one flower in the design).
  • Showcase the making of the design.
  • Be narrated by the designer in real time and should include verbiage as it pertains to:
    • Type of focal flower (your choice) and characteristics.
    • Use of other flowers, props and containers and how they enhance the focal flower.
    • The value of the flower as it pertains to retail sales.
    • Why you would want to be and should be the “Mayesh Design Star”.
• It is the contestant’s responsibility to supply flowers, props and containers for his/her entry. Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc. does not supply any floral products for entry submissions.
  • Prep work may be done in advance (flower conditioning, greening, wiring, etc.) but any tips or tricks, techniques or products used should be explained.
• There are no regulations pertaining to style or size of arrangement, number of flowers, size or expense of containers and props.
• Using a professional videographer is not mandatory but is welcome.
• Video submissions become the property of Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc.

Timetable

• August 7 - 21st, 2012 - Submit your video via Facebook (Mayesh Design Star tab; ends 11:59PM PST)
• August 22th – September 5th , 2012 – Mayesh staff reviews videos, chooses 10 semi-finalists
• September 6th, 2012 - 10 semi-finalists are announced
• September 6th – 20th , 2012 – Mayesh conducts interviews, chooses 5 finalists
• September 21st , 2012 – 5 finalists are announced
• September 21st – 28th , 2012 - 1 week of voting (open to public) to determine winner
• October 2nd, 2012 – Mayesh Design Star winner announced!

How to Submit Your Video

• Videos will be submitted through Facebook
  • User will visit the “MDS2013” tab and enter the following information: Name, Email, Phone Number, City, YouTube or Vimeo link to your Design Star audition video.
    • For Vimeo and YouTube videos, you must allow other people to download the source video.
• Judging Criteria:
• Great personality that transcends on video
• Ability to narrate work and design simultaneously
• Passion for their craft
• Creative, good design technique
• Knowledgeable about the use, and care & handling of flowers
• Knowledge of costs as it pertains to retail sales (perceived value)
• Tasteful

Judging Process

• Mayesh’s Marketing Department will pick 10 finalist based on meeting described judging criteria above.
• 10 finalists will then go through a phone interview process to determine if they’re business/floral philosophy is in sync with Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc. Five will be eliminated and five will move on to the next round.
• Mayesh reserves the right to edit the 5 finalist videos.
• The five finalists submitted videos will be up for public vote on mayesh.com to determine the “Mayesh Design Star 2013”.
• We ask that before deciding on whether to enter that you carefully review the responsibilities of the winner of the contest. If you feel you will not have the time, interest or ability to fulfill the responsibilities listed below we respectfully ask you to not participate. Inability to complete all 12 videos for the 12 month period (January 2013 through December 2013) to the satisfaction of Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc. will result in forfeiture of prize.

Responsibilities of Mayesh Design Star

• Winning designer will be required to sign a contract outlining obligations.
• Shoot 12, five to ten minute videos; one of which will be aired monthly on mayesh.com featuring “Mayesh Certified Awesome Blossom” flowers.
• Four seasonal 8 hour days of shooting (3 videos per shoot), agreed upon times TBD.
• Mayesh supplies all flowers used in videos (Mayesh determines focal flowers, and collaborates with winning designer as to recommendations for accompanying flowers and foliage’s). A basic outline of each video, content and narration, will be submitted to and reviewed with Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc.
• Winning designer is responsible for processing flowers and ensuring quality.
• Winning designer will supply their own tools and props. Unlimited Containers, Inc. (UCI) will supply containers as selected by the designer for use in the monthly videos. The UCI containers used in monthly videos will become property of the designer.
• Completed designs are property of winning designer.
• Mayesh supplies videographer and may be willing to work with a videographer that winner suggests, but is not obligated to use said videographer.
• Winning designer must complete all video shoots prior to receiving prize (in the event that winner cannot complete his/her duties 2nd Runner Up shall complete duties and receive Grand Prize).
• Final video will be edited by Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc.
• All 12 design videos must demonstrate the same overall quality as original winning video.
• Mayesh owns all rights to all videos.

Bexley students arranging Olympic bouquets

bexleytimes.co.uk

Students from Bexley Adult Education College have been chosen to put together victory bouquets for Olympic winners.

The Brampton Road institute in Bexleyheath is one of three which will be working in partnerhsip with Jane Packer Flowers in adding their touch to the Games.

Tutor Linda Barton said: “It’s an honour and a lovely opportunity to be involved in the Olympics.

“We’ve got to produce about 600 in total which will be a lot of effort but it will be totally worth it. This is something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

About 50 past and present students will work on a rota system, starting tomorrow (July 27), to put the bouquets together for medal winners on the podiums.

They attended a training session at Jane Packer’s central London headquarters, hearing how the bouquets have been designed, the concept behind the colours and themes and how to construct the floral icon.

2012 Olmpics in Flowers

donnaoconnor.ca

summerolympicslondon.com

buckslocalnews.com

rugbyadvertiser.co.uk

briggpeople.co.uk

wenlockflowers.co.uk

moblog.net

hounslow.gov.uk

          

yourlocalguardian.co.uk

afinelung.com

news.bbc.co.uk

totalswindon.com

Jane Packer’s Victory Bouquet for medal winners at the London Olympics 2012

http://flowerona.com/2012/06/jane-packers-victory-bouquet-for-medal-winners-at-the-london-olympics-2012/

The bouquet was designed by their creative director, Susan Lapworth, to reflect the vibrancy and energy of the London 2012 Games.


It consists of four different types of roses sectioned into quadrants to mirror the 2012 logo. The roses being used are Illios (yellow), Marie Claire (orange), Wimbledon (green) and Aqua (pink).

The quadrants are then separated by English lavender, rosemary, apple mint and wheat which also provide a lovely fragrance.

All of the elements of the bouquet are home-grown with Landgard UK/Chessum Plants providing the roses, mint and rosemary.
Long Barn in Hants are providing the lavender and Shropshire Petals, the wheat.

Details have been released about the Olympic flowers when 4,400 floral bouquets will be presented to athletes along with medals during the Victory Ceremonies.

The bouquet was one of the last to be designed by Jane Packer the world renowned UK florist who sadly died late last year. Since then they have been the responsibility of her husband Gary Wallis and Susan Lapworth.

During a Victory Ceremony the athletes who came first, second and third stand on a podium, with the winner in the middle. Their names are called out and the medals and flowers are given to them by an official and as the flags of the athletes’ countries are raised, the national anthem of the gold medalist’s nation is played.

The bouquet features British grown flowers and herbs to represents the vibrancy of the Games. Each of the four sections holds a different variety of the rose, an iconic British flower , which in turn are divided with traditional herbs – mint, rosemary, English lavender and wheat – to provide an unusually eclectic fragrant mix.

Jane Packer established herself at the end of the 80’s by offering an alternative view to the use of flowers which was less formal and far more accessible than the style at the time. She championed the view that flowers were as fun as fashion and that they can lift the mood of any interior setting ... a philosophy that led Jane to become world renowned until her untimely death last year.

CELEBRITY EVENT DESIGNER PRESTON BAILEY PARTNERS WITH WEDDINGSTAR TO PROVIDE BRIDES WITH SIGNATURE TABLETOP ACCESSORIES

 

– Weddingstar, one of the world’s leading designers, manufactures and retailers of wedding accessories, has announced a partnership with Preston Bailey, the international wedding and event design icon. Mr. Bailey will design an exclusive collection of wedding reception tabletop accessories. The Preston Bailey Tabletop Collection is expected to appear worldwide at retail in Fall 2012.
Weddingstar will manufacture and distribute the Preston Bailey Tabletop Collection to national, regional and specialty retailers around the world with particular concentration in the U.S., Canada, UK, Russia and Australia. An anticipated 3,000 retail outlets will offer the Preston Bailey Tabletop Collection. Direct-to-consumer sales will be available at www.weddingstar.com.


The initial three-year agreement is a first for both entities. It marks the first occasion that Weddingstar has invited an internationally-recognized event designer to create a signature line of products, and it is also the first time that Preston Bailey has used his artistic vision to create tabletop accessories for world-wide retail distribution. Together, Weddingstar and Mr. Bailey intend to transform the wedding planning experience for brides around the world. “Our partnership with Preston Bailey will help brides create a Preston Bailey experience for their reception with tabletop accents that are as distinctive and as memorable as is every bride’s wedding,” says Rick Brink, President of Weddingstar.


The initial launch will include reception table items such as vases, candleholders, candelabras, place card holders and chair treatments. Not all of the durable materials and production finishes have been chosen at this time. Additional design details, as well as a few select pieces from the collection, will be unveiled prior to the official launch.


Preston Bailey’s one-of-a-kind wedding creations are legendary and he is renowned for transforming generic spaces into spectacular, theatrical experiences. Mr. Bailey’s partnership with Weddingstar will be a multi-tiered product introduction and will give brides the incredible opportunity to select decorative wedding items designed by Preston and augmented with instructions. At long last, everyone can add The Preston Touch™ to their wedding decor. “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Weddingstar, a company I have long admired for their impressive selection of quality wedding products and accessories,” says Preston Bailey. “This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire couples and offer practical, accessible solutions. Every bride deserves to have her dream wedding, and we want to help.”


About Preston Bailey and Preston Bailey Designs


Preston Bailey is recognized as the premiere event designer and taste maker and has morethan 30 years of wedding and event experience under the auspices of his namesake company, Preston Bailey Designs. He is best known for his ability to completely transform generic (sometimes no more than a shell) spaces, into opulent, theatrical environments, translating his clients’ fantasies into awe-inspiring reality. His one-of-kind events have attracted such notable individual clients as Donna Karan, Jennifer Hudson, Matt Lauer, Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers, Uma Thurman, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Catherine Zeta-Jones as well as members of several royal families.

 In August 2010, Preston partnered with Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute to create the first-of-its-kind online course, which was later adopted by over 2,000 academic institutions. Preston Bailey’s Signature Wedding & Event Design certification program offers students the opportunity to learn the step-by-step process and techniques utilized by this industry pioneer.

 As a follow-up, Preston launched a Floral Design Course series in February 2012. As an author, Preston has written five bestselling books: Design for Entertaining, Fantasy Weddings, Inspirations, Celebrations and Flowers, which was published by Rizzoli in September 2011 and is already in its second printing. Headquartered in New York City, Preston Bailey Designs is a privately-held company and maintains international offices in Indonesia and the Middle East. For more information please visit prestonbailey.com.


About Weddingstar Inc.


Weddingstar is one of the world’s leading designers, manufactures and retailers of wedding favors and accessories and is dedicated to providing quality service to brides around the globe – with shipping into over 70 countries and distribution points in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, and Russia. With over 3,000 product offerings, Weddingstar’s ever-expanding selection of bridal products includes wedding accessories, wedding centerpieces, wedding cake toppers and personalized napkins. Eighty percent of their products feature exclusive designs inspired by Weddingstar’s talented design team and design partners. With almost 30 years of experience in the wedding industry, and having received numerous business awards, Weddingstar has earned a reputation as the source for ‘Putting the Wow into Weddings.’ For more information please visit weddingstar.com.

Check Out the Latest AFE Bulletin

Use the link below to read the latest issue of the AFE Bulletin!

http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/safafe/issues/2012-04-30/email.html

 

Family-run Bolingbrook florist battles big-box foes.

By Alex Keown

Bolingbrook Reporter

Through the artistry of her floral arrangements, Karen Koven has been spreading beauty to clients in Bolingbrook and beyond for nearly 20 years.

Koven began training with area florists. After honing her skills for six years, her husband Ron encouraged to open her own shop to “offer her own flair on arrangements.”

In September 1993, Koven opened Karen’s Floral Expressions, now perched at 253 S. Weber Road, Bolingbrook. The business has been family-owned and operated ever since.

“I always had a kind of art background,” Koven said. “I just always had a desire for art. One day I got the idea to take a floral design class, and I loved it so much. My husband finally talked me into opening my own shop.”

Over the last 19 years, Koven has seen a lot of changes in both the floral industry and in the business community in Bolingbrook.

“The city has grown dramatically and the business center has shifted several times,” she said.

The shifting business district boundaries prompted Koven to move her shop five years ago to its present location on Weber Road. The new location is more centrally located and doubled her retail space, she said.

The rise of the Internet and the increase of third-party telephone companies, such as 1-800-Flowers and Teleflora.com, changed the scope of business  — and not always for the better, Koven said.

Two years ago, Koven testified before a legislative committee in Springfield against the practice of out-of-state companies purchasing local telephone numbers to appear as if they were a local florist.

Koven explained that the practice — which is still in existence — has customers paying higher costs than if they ordered directly from a local florist. Once accepting the order, she said third-party companies place the order with Koven and other local florists.

“They were trying to make it look like they were us, but were charging customers a much higher price than they would have paid if they’d just gone to the brick-and-mortar florists,” Koven said. “They will charge you $75 for an order, then come to us to fill a $70 order.

“Finally, a group of us florists got together because we were so disgusted with it.”

Working with Florists for Change, Koven seeks change in the way local florists work with wire-ordering companies. The current system favors tele-florist companies and she said customers are not receiving the best value because of the pricing structures set up by those companies.

“We want to protect our customers and make sure they’re getting what they’re paying for,” she said. It’s also important for consumers to keep their money local, she said. “Me, personally, I pay taxes twice, with my home and my business, and we employ people in town who spend their money in town,” she reasoned. “It’s important to know where your money is going.”

Despite the rise of Internet and telephone orders, Koven still prefers to offer personal service to all customers — seen or unseen. “It’s important to get those personal touches. We’ve been able to tailor arrangements for Cubs fans, avid gardeners and people with a variety of interests. We try to capture the customer in our arrangements,” Koven said.

The Internet also can impact customers’ expectations, she explained.

“People look at pictures on the Internet and expect to get exactly what the picture shows. Mother Nature doesn’t make her product look the same every time,” she said. “In many ways, the Internet has taken creativity away.”

Koven treats her business as a family affair, and in many ways it is.

Although Ron Koven doesn’t work with his wife, he spends a lot of time at the shop. Several years ago, he suffered a stroke and ended up going to work daily with his wife during his recovery.

Although he’s recovered now, he still spends much of his free time at the shop.

“I just like hanging around here,” he said.

Ron isn’t the only family member who spends time at the store. Their daughter works part time and she often brings her children with her. Koven set up a space in the rear of the shop just for them that has toys and paper for drawing. Employee Milena Malicbegovic laughed about some of the antics of the youngest Kovens. She said they sometimes run around the shop like “tornadoes.”  “It’s a real family atmosphere here,” she said.

Purchase this photo

Erica Benson

Owner of Karen's Floral Expressions, Karen Koven, makes a flower arrangement at her family owned business Wednesday April 18, 2012. Karen has had the family flower shop since 1993.

 

Kenya's 2012 Flower Export Earnings Seen Lower

By Beatrice Gachenge | Reuters – Wed, Mar 21, 2012

http://news.yahoo.com/kenyas-2012-flower-export-earnings-seen-lower-145939300.html

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's flower export earnings are expected to fall about 11 percent this year due to poor weather and a stronger local currency compared with last year, a top official said on Wednesday.

Kenya is the world's third-biggest flower producer, growing mainly red roses. Flower exports account for nearly half of the country's horticulture export earnings - the east African country's second biggest source of foreign exchange.

Jane Ngige, the chief executive officer of Kenya Flower Council, told Reuters on the sidelines of a flower exhibition that a weak Kenyan shilling helped push up flower revenues last year. East Africa's biggest economy saw its currency drop about 25 percent last year to a record low of 107 to the dollar, but it has recovered 23 percent since then to around 83, after an aggressive tightening of monetary policy by the central bank.

Flower sector earnings rose 25 percent last year to 44.5 billion shillings, partly powered by the relatively cheaper shilling, data from the USAID Kenya Horticulture Competitiveness Project showed.

"This year, we expect more stability of the Kenyan shilling, therefore we do not really see that we will do the 44 billion shillings," said Ngige.
"About 40 billion shillings would be feasible to look at."
Kenya exports of most its horticultural produce to Europe, whose sovereign debt crisis drove many countries to the brink of a recession at the start of 2012. "The economic situation in Europe is not really affecting us negatively. They seem to be managing it, but so far we haven't felt the impact," Ngige said.

Last year, Kenya's horticulture exports, contributing about 11 percent to the country's gross domestic product, rose to 91.6 billion shillings.
To try to cope with the anticipated downturn, Ngige said the country was looking to diversify its markets into Asia and eastern Europe to drive growth.  Ngige said she was worried about the delay to long rains that usually begin in March, which could slash flower output this year, especially if the unfavourable weather continues.

"It's hard to project with the delayed rains, but we are likely to maintain production at around 100,000 tonnes this year," she said.  Last year, the industry produced 109,950 tonnes of flowers. Kenya's Meteorological Department said earlier this month the long rains (March-May) were expected to commence this month and be at near-normal levels in key farming areas. So far there has been scanty signs of the rains.

The Importance of Your Local Florist

March 27th, 2012 | By: Mandy Maxwell
http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/
 

A florist is so much more than a person who delivers flowers. They are stewards of life’s celebrations and most important occasions. Betsy Hall of Hall’s Florist & Garden Center in Stone Mountain GA really says it best in this clip from the 2012 Great Lakes Expo interview with FSN’s Brock Atwill. Truly a must-see!

The truth and passion in Betsy’s voice is undeniable, but she’s not alone. Local florists are incredibly proud of the work they do for their community and are doing everything they can to keep flower buying a local experience. In our fast-paced, modern world, it’s easy to buy flowers in a box, but in doing so, you are missing out on the wonderful, one-on-one experience that only your local florist can bring.

FTC Consumer Alert

Petal Pushers: Is Your 'Local' Florist Really Long-Distance?

Flowers are a great way to celebrate a birthday, cheer up a sick friend, or simply brighten someone’s day. Your local florist is just a phone call away, or so you think. Some unscrupulous telemarketing firms are posing as local florists, charging you higher fees and taking business away from legitimate florists in your town.

Here’s how the deception works. A telemarketer takes out a bogus listing in the white pages of your telephone directory. The company may use your town’s name in its own to make you believe it’s local. Or, the name of a legitimate local florist may be listed with a different local phone number. For example, Greenville Florists.
When you call, you’re unknowingly forwarded to an out-of-town telemarketing operation. The telemarketer takes your order and credit card information for payment, and forwards your order to an area florist. The telemarketer pockets a processing fee and usually a percentage of the sale as well. You don’t realize you’ve been scammed until you get higher than expected charges from an out-of town company on your credit card statement, or learn that the flowers weren’t delivered as ordered, or were never delivered at all.

How to Protect Yourself

Follow these tips before you order your next pot of posies:

• Ask neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers for recommendations.
• Deal only with shops that list a street address with their phone number. If you’re asking directory assistance for a number, also ask for the street number and address. If there isn’t one, consider doing business with another florist.

• Check out the florist you’re considering with the local Better Business Bureau and consumer protection officials in your area. Or, if you’re ordering flowers from a local shop in another city or state, contact the consumer protection officials there. Ask if they have any unresolved consumer complaints on file. Also ask them to verify the street address.
• Ask the florist to itemize the charges. In addition to the price of the arrangement, most florists charge a delivery fee and taxes if you live in the same state.
• Ask the florist for directions to the shop. If they hesitate or refuse, consider this a red flag, and avoid doing business with the florist.

When a Rose is a Ruse: What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you placed an order through a wire service, a toll-free number, or a local florist, call the toll-free number of the florist and describe the problem. Many wire services will work with the filling florist to fix the problem or refund your money.
If your arrangement was never delivered, and you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charges with the card issuer.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Local floral websites not really in Georgia

By Jim Strickland

ATLANTA —

Dozens of Internet flower services carrying Georgia names are not in Georgia but rather share toll-free phone numbers with cyber florists in several other states, Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland discovered.

An insider tip and volunteers who posed as customers helped with the investigation into a floral entrepreneur who takes a large commission on every order at a one location in Florida.

Eleanor Washburn called the number on the Lilburnflorist.com website and Bill Weresch called Norcross Florist, an Internet florist listing in his town. The websites are virtually identical.

"That rings some alarm bells," said Weresch. Strickland had them order identical arrangement of alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lilies. The flowers, with delivery and tax, cost almost $75. Wasburn's delivery came a day late, and resembled the website picture of the $40 arrangement.

"I paid $75 for those flowers. It's a rip," stated Washburn.

The picture shows a vase filled with five different colors of flowers but Weresch received a small arrangement with only two colors.

Strickland discovered the florist who filled the order was not in Norcross, did not know what Weresch had paid and had little clue about the order itself.

"Did you have any idea what our arrangement was supposed to look like when you filled the order?" Strickland asked Atlanta florist Verna Tsunafuji.

"No. I just filled it according to what they told me, which was alstroemerias in a vase," she said. While Tsunafuji filled the order, Strickland found the man who took the order, and a cut of the cost, was in Palm Harbor, Fla., not Norcross.

"You're saying that's not deceptive?" Strickland asked businessman Gene Cunningham.

"No, because I own the name Norcrossflorist.com," Cunningham explained

Cunningham and wife Lisa have to answer the phone generically, simply saying, "Flower Shop."


"How many of those do you own?" asked Strickland

"Around 1,500. Close to 1,500," Cunningham answered.

The Cunninghams really do own a flower shop, and Lisa is a real florist, but a nationwide network of flower shops fills his web orders, less a hefty commission consumers unknowingly pay when they order.

"On a $65 order I get 20 percent of that, because it pays for my time. It also reimburses me to pay for my credit card fees," he explained. The administrator of the order network based in Oregon, called Floral Source, gets another 7 percent.

Cunningham's wife admitted the website mismatched the $40 price tag with the $60 picture of our flowers. As for the delivery that showed up a day later than anticipated, Cunningham said they never guaranteed the time. He said if either of our testers had a complaint, they should have spoken up.

"If you ever have a problem, whatever it is, just call Gene Cunningham and I'll make whatever it is right. Bottom line."

The florist who filled the late order, Julie McDonald of Tucker Flower Shop, said she didn't even receive the order from Floral Source until near the close of business on the original delivery day. Both McDonald and Tsunafuji said they made no money filling the orders, as the hefty commissions cut into their margins.

"It cost us financially. That will destroy us if we continue to do that," said McDonald, who told Strickland she planned to resign from Floral Source and take only orders sent directly to her shop.

"We know this going into the game. So to sit there and say, 'Unfair,' after you agreed to it, come on," responded Cunningham.

Cunningham said he would rather have local florists rent one of his websites. They'd get the calls directly and no middleman would take a cut.

"We're going to change the way business is done in the floral industry," he proclaimed. "My company's been developed to help other florists increase their orders and become competitive."

As for florists filling orders blindly, as Tsunafuji did with our test order, Cunningham said, "When was the last time you had a Big Mac that looked like the one on the billboard when you were driving down I-95? You tell me that."