Question:

Have you ever had a bride bring a proposal from another floral designer to a consultation appointment with you? How did you handle it?

Floresie | Say Cheeeese Photography

Botanical Brouhaha Expert Panel 98 Answers:

I’ve never had someone bring another proposal to a consult. I suppose if I were to encounter this situation…

First, they are likely doing that because they want to be able to negotiate price. So I would make it clear to the potential client that I wasn’t interested in a price war or in undercutting another designer just in order to get their business. I would be very careful to position my work as an exclusive service, outlining all the things that are unique about my business/style/etc., as well as, why my pricing works the way it does. If they were still interested, I would provide them with a proposal but I would make it clear that it wasn’t a negotiation. If and when I sent the proposal, it would have an expiry date on it (that way I wouldn’t be waiting and waiting for them while they shop around).

Clare Day (Clare Day Flowers)

_____________________________________________________________________

I did not experience this scenario.  I think there were more incidents of my proposal circulating around to other florists in the beginning to see if they could get the wedding done at lower cost.  In the latter half of my retail career, I did not actually give the final proposal until the wedding was booked.  I always offered what the other florists could not promise in design concepts – that was my winning formula.

Hitomi Gilliam AIFD (Design358)

_____________________________________________________________________

On many occasions brides email me or try to show me another designer’s work, at which point I adamantly say I can’t or won’t look at the intellectual property of another designer. I also request that they refrain from sharing the proposal in the future. It’s really bad form to adjust your designs or prices on someone else’s work. On several occasions I have actually told the client to stay with the other florist because I would hope someone would do that for me.

Holly Chapple (Holly Chapple Flowers)

_____________________________________________________________________

Nope, that never happened to me. I had brides calling me to talk once they got several proposals though, to try and negotiate the prices based on the other proposals. I am usually pretty firm on my prices which I strongly believe are fair. I however am always open to reduce the budget and find solutions to do less or smaller items if I feel the couple really wants to work with me because my style corresponds to what they are dreaming about, but I don’t do any effort for customers that just want the cheapest vendor in the area.

Laetitia Mayor (Floresie)

_____________________________________________________________________

No, I have never had this happen. If it did, I would firmly express my disinterest in seeing that proposal and say that we will be building a custom proposal for the couple, not trying to copy someone else. If they really wanted me to just go point-for-point through the other florist’s proposal, I would tell them I wasn’t a good fit and show them the door.

Jennie Love (Love ‘n Fresh Flowers)

For more from the Botanical Brouhaha Expert Panel, click here!