This year more than any other every florist will be hoping for a good Mother's Day, after poor trading in January, because of the snowy weather recouping profits is essential. Here are some internet selling tips from expert e-florists to get you started.

Start promoting your products early and don't neglect online sales. The internet has transformed retail selling beyond all imagination.

• Make your website user friendly and easy for visitors to navigate.

• Remember you site has only five seconds to interest internet shoppers, otherwise they move on.

• Answer queries promptly and in a friendly personal way.

• Use secure shopping schemes and a no quibble returns guarantee.

• Display prices inclusive of VAT, it's irritating to have additional amounts added just before checkout.

• Have a page with informative topic articles, for example 'How to take care of your Mother's Day flowers' to show your expert knowledge and encourage visitors to purchase.

• Start a blog; customers are interested in the daily working life of a florist.

• Build a rapport with customers as you would if they were visiting your shop.

• Give incentives to buy, i.e. discounts, free gift-wrapping, loyalty points.

 

Also don't neglect pot plant sales at Mother's Day; they are long lasting, profitable, alternatives to flower designs.

 

• Plants however do need special treatment to elevate them to gift status, using eye catching, and bespoke modifications to morph them into money-spinning unique designs.

• Decorate plants with products from the unique range of OASIS® Floral Products for added value and glamour.

• Show your knowledge give care tips and advice to customers.

• Don't stick to the same varieties of plants, try to find some unusual varieties to excite and entice customers into buying.

• Every supermarket will be selling hand-tieds. Sell flower arrangements made in OASIS® Floral Foam as special gifts.

• Brand all your designs with your logo and house colours, so that they are instantly recognizable as yours.

• Have a range of designs at varying prices, from traditional to modern on display for instant sales.

• Never refuse an order, find an alternative, show the benefits and persuade customers to buy.

• Extend opening hours to catch early morning and after work commuters.