Customer Service at Schaaf Floral

In a discussion with ArTae Conforti, he brought up the issue of replacing flowers. ArTae is the master of common sense marketing so I listened intently. After the conversation I penned this rhyme, because as I have said in the past, it's easier for me to rhyme the words than to just write them. It makes sense though, we fight like heck for customers and when something goes a little wrong, our customers have to go away happy or we've lost them to someone else.

Man in the Jug

Customer Service at Schaaf Floral

Think about this – One moment if you please
What a person goes through – This is not done with ease
To return your flowers – That did not meet the test
Follow the logic – You can see why they’re distressed!!

They have to box up the arrangement – Then put it in the car
Drive back to the your floral shop – Because that’s where you are
When entering the store – Say there’s a scowl on your face
Here’s probably what will happen – They’ll slam down the vase!!

But met with a smile – And a sincere “What’s wrong”?
Followed by “let me replace that” – With a caring voice that’s strong
For if they didn’t feel sincere – Would they have made the trip
To voice their displeasure – Or just to hear themselves Yip!!

It is part of the business – Sometimes things go awry
A flower wilts down – Or unexpectedly they die
That’s not the problem – But it’s an opportunity for you
You can use it to your advantage – If you know what to do!!

In front of you is a customer – Do you know what a new one would cost
You might have to calculate that – If this one is lost
Or with your face beaming – Tell them,”I can make that right
Let me replace your arrangement” – Then make it pretty and bright!!

You’ve not only kept a customer – But believe me the word will spread
I’ve got a professional and ethical florist – Because of the actions you exhibited
So remember this message – The next time an opportunity comes in
Handle your customers with care – So they leave with a grin!!
©Man in the Jug/2007

Art Conforti of Sarasota, Florida

Art Conforti better known as ArTae by Bud of Schaaf Floral. He always gives some kind of nickname. I don't know what that's all about, but he does. Anyway, Bud and Marcia attended an AMS Conference in Sarasota, Florida last week that was hosted by ArTae, (now's he got me doing it) and by the following rhyme you can tell that they were duly impressed. They met a lot of nice people who shared the common interest of being Retail Florist's. AMS before you ask stands for Advanced Marketing Strategies. Sitting at the table from left to right are Mike and Renee Cox of Bloom Country Florist in Sierra Vista, AZ, Donna and ArTae Conforti, of Beneva Floral in Sarasota, FL, Steve Jacobson of French Florist in Los Angeles, CA and Bud and Marcia of Schaaf Floral in Minneapolis, MN. Now that we're done with the introductions, on with the Rhyme by Bud the Rhymer!

ArTae & Tina!

Like all of you before us – We signed up for Gravity Free
We went through the demo – Amazed at what we would see
So we set up the appointment – For ArTae and Tina to arrive
Teaching us the system – So we too might have a chance to thrive!!

I met them at the airport – Not knowing what to expect
This Italian with gold chains – And an accent easy to detect
Accompanied by a young woman – Too pretty to be smart
Until you saw her in action – My impression was wrong from the start!!

We went immediately to the store – ArTae wanted to take a look around
He started taking pictures – And the questions were abound
He liked our Candy Bouquets – And the front cooler display
He just kept asking questions – And this was at the end of the day!!

I took him and Tina to the hotel – With their laptops in hand
They wanted to get started – This is one driven man
I picked them up in the morning – And you all know the drill
For two days of learning – We saw our new web site come up with a thrill!!

That was the end of March – And we worked and worked some more
To get everything implemented – For Secretary’s Week was at our door
We sent out the Post Cards – ArTae said they would work
And they did help us – With internet orders it was hard not to smirk!!

Then it was right into Mother’s Day – Coordinating like you wouldn’t believe
Tina was on our speed dial – She helped our frustrations to relieve
How do you do this and how do you do that – We fought our way through
Things started getting a little easier – And that’s when we knew!!

We wanted to attend the AMS Conference – Which was maybe our smartest move
Next to getting the web site – It really gave us a chance to improve
Meeting the other members – Comparing notes here and there
But also making new friends – Who in the future our information we could share!!

As I’m sure you’re all aware – ArTae is one special guy
He’s a marketing Guru – Whose limit is the sky
“Do the best you can each day – Don’t worry about the rest
The rest will take care of itself – That’s how you pass the test”!!

He’s one of the most positive people – How can anyone be this nice
He’s devoted to the Floral Industry – “Think outside the Box” is ArTae’s advice
The emails keep coming – At all times of the day and night
He’s not trying to run your business – But he does tend to excite!!
With “Our YES we can commitment” – ArTae has coined the phrase
It has become our mantra – Try it, it just might amaze
For life is about attitude – Keep it positive and you will find
You receive exactly what you give – Just a subtle little remind!!

Tina we can’t forget – For she truly is ArTae’s right hand
She implements many of the ideas – On some she’ll even expand
Never without her laptop – Be it home or on the beach
You can get her attention – And she’s always ready to teach!!

What I truly find amazing – Is the patience exhibited by both
While trying to help others improve – Their overall business growth
I really wanted to thank them – In a unique and special way
And it’s easiest for me – To rhyme the words I say!!

And believe me there’s no disrespect – With the nickname of ArTae
Someone this unique and caring – Should have a unique cachet
So Tina and ArTae – Honey, Bud and everyone at Schaaf Floral and Gift
Thank you for all your help and assistance – In giving us a lift!!
Bud Dauphin
Schaaf Floral
“Don’t be arrogant, just work hard”
Art Conforti 2007

This is a pretty good rhyme, but trust me, I can do better and I will show you in the future.

The Man In The Jug

A new addition to Schaaf Floral

Schaaf Floral welcomes The Man In the Jug to their flower shop. He comes from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and is looking forward to entertaining and informing you on what is going on at Schaaf Floral.

Bud

Hello everyone. That's right folks, I am The Man In The Jug and I am from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. I've been up here in Minnesota for about 12 years now so you can assume that I'm planning on staying. I was a spoiled kid with plenty of money that I squandered and fortunately I ran into Marcia Schaaf. She is such a lovely lady and so generous. She asked me what I was good at and I told her that I am an observer and recorder of events. She instantly thought it would be the perfect job for me to start a blog and record the happenings at Schaaf Floral. So here I am. I know, you are probably wondering about the unique name, but in just a minute you'll see why it makes sense. Get ready, because here it comes. Oh, and I also write rhymes pretty good also, so a lot of my news will be in rhyme which I think is just easier and more fun to read. Anyway, here's why I have the name I have. As you can see I'm not an outgoing kind of guy but I'm working on it. So lets get going on the news at Schaaf Floral.

What's going on at Schaafs?

Schaaf Floral has a new web site which is very user friendly and very efficient. What does it have? Well for starters you get reward point for registering with us. Registering with us means giving us your email address so we can stay in touch with you. Now don't get too nervous, we won't give your email address to anyone and we won't bombard you with emails. When you hear from us it will be offering you discounts and other good things around the holidays. I'm going to list the winners of our Lucky Stems drawings.

What are Lucky Stems??

Every bouquet that goes out of Schaaf Floral has a Lucky Stems on it. On the Lucky Stems is a number that you scratch off and check online on our web site to see if you've won. On the web site you'll find all of the participants such as Outback Steak House, Timber Lodge Steak House, Applebee's, Curves, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and Old Chicago. How's that for fun. So far the following people have won: Patty Landis, Laurie Klom, Judith Carns, Melody Slathar, Debby Loring, Carol Hendrickson and Bill Walter. These are the folks that have claimed their prizes, but there are many more who haven't for whatever reason. They probably threw away the Lucky Stem by accident. Well, here is what the Lucky Stem looks like up at the top left. I'm the guy on the right.http://www.schaaffloral.com