
We are in a period of unprecedented uncertainty due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Our flower farms and vendors have requested that we honour our Cut Flower orders in good faith. This includes proceeding and paying for existing orders despite last minute cancellations related to coronavirus concerns. At Florists Supply, we’ve agreed to honour our commitments and long- term relationships with these vendors.
We ask our retail customers to do the same, and help mitigate last minute cancellations as much as possible. When you submit an order for an event, product is ordered from our vendors approximately 14 days in advance to confirm product availability and allow for transit time.
Historically, we have worked with our customers when an unexpected occurrence has forced an event cancellation, or standing orders are not taken for a week. However, in the face of widespread uncertainty, we need your assistance to manage end consumer/your clients’ expectations to help avoid mass cancellations without any compensation for everyone involved.
Florists Supply Cancellation Notice Period:
We request 14 days notice to cancel an event order or your standing order. We may not be able to complete your cancellation request within a shorter time frame.
To help prevent being left with unused product, we suggest the following:
- Contact your clients with upcoming bookings at least two weeks before their event date to confirm that it is proceeding as planned. Remind them that you’ve made a financial commitment for their flowers that needs to be met.
- Require an end consumer to reimburse you for the cost of flowers that have already been committed if they cancel their event with less than 14 days notice. If a deposit has been taken, the deposit can be used for that purpose.
- If this does not already exist for your business, we recommend implementing a client policy requiring a minimum 14 day cancellation notice, and deposit to cover at a minimum the cost of the flowers.
At Florists Supply, we always strive for exceptional service, and at times that calls on us to work with customers through unforeseen problems. While we will continue to do that in the normal course of business, the coronavirus may result in an abnormal business environment. By working together, we can mitigate the financial challenges to our businesses that may or may not arise.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Laurie Nesbitt, CPA, CA
Florists Supply President