Send Flowers to India

When do you need to book flowers for Valentines Day

2012-01-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, around evening I was sitting in my office when I got a call from this lady.She was very excited (and anxious) to know the price for sending two dozen red roses and a chocolate box at Delhi. So as the procedure is,I asked her when does she want to send this. Now her answers surprised me.She said she wanted to send these flowers on 14th February 2012. I was equally amused. Isn't this too early to order flowers for Valentines day? It also a fact that no florist has an idea what the prices will be in wholesale market (Bangalore and Pune flower markets) during this period. Our retail prices depend on our purchase. So I told her very politely that I may not be able to help her in this matter as of now (and no florist could either). I told her to call me back in first week February. Luckily she understood and promised to call me as instructed.

Sending a Christmas Tree in Delhi

2011-12-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

Just two weeks prior to Christmas, I got a strange request from a customer. Now this is a regular customer and he has been sending flowers from US to India through us for past one year. He has few relatives in Delhi and orders flowers on special occasions. HE called me up and asked,hey Daman,I want to send a Christmas tree to my friend in Janakpuri. Those who are not aware of Delhi, Janakpuri is a large locality in west of Delhi mainly inhibited by Punjabi families.I told this customer that Christmas trees are not available in Delhi. They grow in places like Shimla. Since he was adamant, I suggested him something which he could not refuse. I said we can arrange for Arocaria (which resembles a Christmas tree). He was pleased. We did exactly the same. Delivered an Arocaria plant after decorating it with Christmas decorations. You can view it here.

Florists are also human beings

2011-11-24T04:37:00.001-08:00

It was 4 AM in and I was sleeping at my home. Suddenly my phone rang. The lady on the other side asked me if we could deliver flowers at Hari Nagar (a small and congested locality in West Delhi) before 8 AM.I was in my sleep but still I replied her that indeed we could deliver at 8 AM at Hari Nagar. Now this lady did not clarified that she wants delivery on that same day. It was only when we reached office at around 9 AM, we saw that flower order. I have been educating flower buyers on many occasions that they should order at least 24 hours in advance. All orders to be delivered early morning are completed one day prior and kept in climate cool fridge.So if you want to send flowers at 8 AM on 2nd December, that order should reach us by 1st December at 8 AM. We florists are also human beings, we also have families and we also need rest.

Sending flowers to United States and Canada from India

2011-11-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

There are very few florists in Delhi who take up orders for delivery of flowers to United States and Canada. They do not have a proper network for this. Even if they take orders, they are dependent on other florist (not the ones who are going to deliver but middleman who have a contacts in United States and Canada) to do this job. Mostly the job is not done properly (many people in the chain) and often the cost gets hiked.We are the only florists in Delhi who have direct contact with florists in USA and Canada and can deliver flowers same day.Consider this. Today is birthday or anniversary of your relative or a friend who is in USA or Canada.You just forgot about it and at 5 PM , you just recalled it. Now what do you do? Surely help is at hand. Call me at 9971706677 (Delhi number) and ask for Daman (that's me). I can still deliver flowers to them (we are in different time zone and it is still 12 hours for the date to pass).

Karwa Chauth flower idea

2011-10-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hello readers. Today after a long period I am writing this post. I had a very interesting incident at my Delhi flower shop which motivated me to write this and share with you all guys. Last week, around 5 PM, a regular customer visited my store in the evening. He wanted to send flowers to vikaspuri in Delhi to his fiance on Karwa Chauth. But his request for flowers was unique. He wanted me to send red roses with red balloons in the morning. Some Red and white roses with few red and white balloons in the noon (symbolising coming of moon) and an arrangement with white roses in the shape of a moon in the evening (symbolising arrival of moon). I hope the readers who know about Karwa Chauth will also understand the importance of moon on this auspicious day.
He seemed to be very exited (he is getting married in few weeks) and wanted us to fulfill his request. I passed this request to my chief floral designer who did a wonderful job. Here is the picture for all of you to see. It goes without saying that his fiance was highly impressed.

Floral Birthday Cake

2011-05-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

We at India Florist Direct have just introduced a floral cake on our website, oh, before you get confused, this is not edible

cake. This is a cake made up of fresh flowers. We got tremendous response for this product. You can see it here. We also put some candles on the top and it gives completes the look. If the birthday boy or girl likes a cake or not, have a sweet tooth or not, or some one is diabetic they will surely going to like this.

Order your floral gift well in advance

2011-04-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

I some times wonder why people order flowers at the eleventh hour. Yesterday I got a call at around 5 Pm from a person who wanted to send flowers to Rohini, and yes, they wanted same day delivery. Since Rohini is not far from our shop so we were able to manage it. But it is better if you give sufficient time to your Rohini Florist so that they can plan the delivery well in advance. When the floral designer has sufficient time in hand, they come out with a unique and creative floral gift. So please book mark all your special days in your computer system and inform the Rohini Florist well in time so that they can do a wonderful job for you.

Your name with the flowers

2011-03-05T06:35:00.001-08:00

For last 18 years in flowers business, I have come across many times when the sender (person sending flowers) is not willing to reveal their name. This is really strange. No need to tell, they will know themselves, or they will guess are some of the statements they will give. I ask them, will you accept something when you never know who sent it to you? Mostly they will understand my point and then give their name. They must understand that it is too much of a hassle to deliver a bouquet of flowers anonymously. More problem if the receiver is a girl, specially in India.

On our website, if we get orders with just a message (and no name), we put customers name (who has paid for the bouquet)on the message card. Some times, when the sender has used their friends or relatives credit card to pay and failed to put senders name in the message card, then it becomes a strange situation. The receiver never recognizes the sender and more confusion follows.
The writer Daman has more than 15 years of experience in flower business and you can talk to him on +91 9971706677.

Christmas time-get discount on your floral purchase

2010-12-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

Yes. holiday time is back and people are buying Holiday gifts. When we talk about gifts, flowers can not be left behind. During Christmas time flowers are the most popular gift. When you visit at our online floral website www.indiafloristdirect.com please enter Coupen code chris2010 and get a discount of 15 % on your purchase. Your gift will arrive on requested date. And surely it will bring a smile on the face of your loved ones. That is a promise.

Daman Anand

More security for online customers

2010-11-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Shopping for flowers on our website www.indiafloristdirect.com is gaining popularity especially amongst the time-crunched working class in India and abroad because it offers them 24X7 shopping for fresh flowers and ability to reach their loved ones miles apart with our beautiful fresh flowers.

Unfortunately, the expanding ecommerce market has also attracted the atention of criminals. These cyber criminals seek to defraud people by stealing their identities and card information. In light of the expanding online market and rise of online crime, on 1st August 2009, the R.B.I. made a second factor authentication mandatory for online transactions using credit and debit cards.

Now when a customer wants to pay for a bouquet or floral arrangement, he will also need to enter a second password to authenticate the transaction.This second password is issued by the card issuing bank and is considered to be more secure as this password does not appear anywhere on the card.
So now when you order flowers online, leave your worries behind and go ahead with your order.

Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 - Disappointed Delhi Florists

2010-10-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

There was a lot of excitement among people before the Common Wealth Games were to begin. Businesses had high expectations and florist were not also one of them. Florists in Delhi were looking forward to good business. They assumed that prices for flowers in Delhi will also rise because of high demand. But all this was just a hype. The management committee decided to give medal winners an angavastram instead of a flower bouquet.

Few of the Delhi Florists, who had set up a florist shop inside the venue were disappointed a lot. Overall it was a utterly failure business scenario as far as florists are concerned. Thank God we at www.indiafloristdirect.com continued business with our regular clients and didn't change our focus.

Daman Anand

You can still send flowers even if you do not have credit card

2010-08-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

It has been a long time that I have written on my Blog and here is one thing which I want to share with you. For any e commerce website like www.indiafloristdirect.com you need a credit card or a debit card to make purchase. So those who have have these cards can send flowers? Correct? Wrong. Even if you do not have a credit card or do not want to use it online, you can still order flowers on our website. Just select a bouquet, fill the delivery details and click on Pay Now. After you have done this, give us a call at 9971706677 and we shall provide you with our bank details. Deposit money in our account and there you go. The flowers will be delivered as per your request.

Daman Anand

Beautiful lilies

2010-05-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

Its very hot in Delhi but there is still a pleasant surprise in store for you when you visit our flower store in Delhi. We have some beautiful lilies arriving from Bangalore.There are asiatic lilies as well as oriental lilies. Asiatic lilies are mainly yellow and white while pink dominates in oriental lilies. Can you imagine how big the orientals will look after blooming when the bud size is 6 inches. Yes, you heard correctly. The bud size of these lilies is 6 inches. You have to see them to believe. So visit us when you are in this part of Delhi.

Daman Anand

Rose exports from Karnatka

2010-04-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

Due to volcanic eruptions in Iceland, many flights from India have been cancelled. This had an effect on Rose expotrs from Karnataka. The exports have declined.This has created a problem for all those involved because roses being perishable can not be kept for more than five days. And these roses kept in cold storage for few days are not fit for exports.An early solution to this problem does not seem to be near.

Daman Anand

Guest from Holland

2010-04-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today we had some unusual visitors at our shop. His name is Mr.Henk van Voorbergen. He represents a company from Holland, Dutch Flowerbulb Experience. This company supplies flower bulbs to growers.The growers then produce cut flowers (Gladioli, Irises, Liliums and Tulips) which are sold to florists and these flowers finally reach our homes.
So the journey starts with flower bulbs as we call them. They look like onions and are much different from seeds (It is another thing that seeds and bulbs both produce flowers).

Mr.Henk informed me that they have planted around one lakh Tulip bulbs in Kashmir Valley. This is testing phase. If the crop comes out well, they plan commercial cultivation from next year. The climate of Kashmir is suitable for growing Tulips which needs abundant sunlight as well.

flowers for funeral

2010-03-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

We have lot of vibrant flower arrangement on our website and when a user visits our website, they browse through our website and choose according to their price requirement etc.

Recently we had a visitor on our website who wanted to order flowers for funeral. If you are familiar with international floral website (catering to US and Canadian clients) they have a lot of range which includes standing arrangements, wreaths, caskets etc. These are not very popular on floral website in India.

When they could not find what they were looking for, they called me up. After understanding their requirement, I was able to design exactly what they required.

This is what we at Delhi Florist call it true customer satisfaction.

Daman Anand

Delhi florist care a lot for our consumers

2010-03-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

We at Delhi Florist believe, that the customers come first.

15th March 2010 is being is being celebrated as world consumer rights day. We at Delhi florist care a lot for our consumers. The flowers they order are always fill to value (equal to the money they pay) and we try to deliver flowers in Delhi on time. Sometimes, when the things do not go well (as it happens) like failed delivery or delivery at wrong address or things like that, we take extra care to compensate.

Our consumers of today are friends of tomorrow and family members of day after tomorrow.

A unique flower-Bird of Paradise

2010-03-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Bird of Paradise is a unique flower with a unique name. It is native to south Africa. It has this name because it looks like a bird. Its scientific name is Strelitzia. It is some times also referred as crane flower. Delhi florist normally have this in Delhi flower shop as this is quite popular flower. Delhi florist get orders for this flower and it is suitable to send flower to Delhi for your father, brother or male colleague.

Choose Bouquet carefully on floral website

2010-03-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a customer (Boy) ordering one arrangement of flowers on our Delhi Florist website for a girl. Nothing unusual here but that arrangement had some heart shape dry flowers along with pink lilies and pink roses.

The delivery address appeared to be incomplete and so I called the customer. After talking to them, very casually I told them that the flower arrangement they have selected has some heart shape dry flowers. He immediately told me to remove them and just send lilies and rose arrangement. The reason is that the receiver here(the girl)is just a friend (and not lover). If she would have received along with those heart shaped flowers there could have been great misunderstanding between the two.

Thank God that the situation did not arise. So next time you order flowers online through Delhi Florists, carefully choose the bouquet keeping in mind who the receiver is.

Flowers to say thanks from Delhi Florists

2010-02-22T03:16:00.000-08:00

Today we had a customer at our Delhi Florists shop early in the morning. They wanted a very lavish flower bouquet which they wanted to present to a Mr.X. (assumed name). They had a budget of Rs.2000. The customer was quite happy as some of his project had been approved by this Mr.X. Now there are many other gifts which the customer could have given to Mr.X but they would not take. Flowers are one thing which no one can refuse. Flowers are suitable to say thank you. On our Delhi Flower website, we have a separate category of flower bouquet suitable to say thank you.

So when all other gifts fail (you can not give) flowers are always welcome as gifts.

Daman Anand

Flower Vending Machine

2010-02-15T23:09:00.000-08:00

Flowers vending machine are quite popular in countries like USA and Canada but have not arrived in India yet. Now what exactly is a flower vending machine. As the name suggests, it is a machine which sells flower bouquet without any assistance of humans. You can select a bouquet, make payment by cash or credit card and the machine delivers a bouquet to you.This is really great for places where we have small space.
I hope soon Delhi will have flower vending machine for flower lovers.

Valentines Day Flowers from Florist delhi

2010-02-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Valentines day is approaching fast and the florists in Delhi are gearing up for it. This is one of the busiest day for florists in Delhi. They have to design the bouquets, make a plan for flowers delivery in Delhi of these bouquets. All this seem easier but it is not so easy. Normally a Delhi florist has 10 orders each day but on Valentines day, they have 100 orders. So that is 10 fold increase.

The prices of red roses also increase and a rose which is normally sold for 10 rupees is sold for 25 rupees on valentines day.

And then every one want morning delivery....

But then it is valentines day.

Before you order flowers, things you must know

2010-01-24T00:21:00.000-08:00

When you orders flowers through a Delhi Florist, you must take care of few things. Like what is the occasion or what is the gender (flowers are for a man or women or both). Normally we would send pink, peach flowers like roses, lilies, carnations for a lady. For a gentleman the flowers can be orange roses, Bird of Paradise, Orange/Blue orchids. All these flowers are available these days with all Delhi florists and you must tell the florist about recipient first.

If the occasion is sad, the bouquet should include white flowers and if you must add some color, only very light pink, cream, peach shades. Some times it is important to know the nature of recipient. If they are young bubbly type, they will like a bright bouquet.

Flowers decoration in a temple

2010-01-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

I told my readers that soon I will post a video of flower decoration we did at Sonipat in Haryana in last week of December 2009. So here it is Video of decoration

I hope you enjoy this video.

Customers expectations from Delhi Florist

2010-01-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Last night I got a call from a customer at 11 PM. They wanted bouquet delivery at Rohini at Delhi at 7 AM next morning (that is today). I was really upset. I told them delivery at 7 AM tomorrow is not possible because it is 11 PM and our office is already closed. For early morning deliveries the order must be placed latest by 6 PM. For such deliveries, the bouquet is made on previous day and delivery staff is instructed to deliver at requested time.

This customer had already placed the order on our Florist delhi website and started arguing with me that my father will leave at 7.30 AM and you people do not understand what a good customer service is and so and so. After great persuasion they finally agreed for delivery at 12 noon (the receiver was supposed to be back by then).

Through this post, I want to advise people to place their order well in advance for early morning deliveries such as this. Flowers delivery delhi

Happy New Year from Florist delhi

2010-01-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all readers a very Happy New Year 2010. Last year was a tough year specially for florist Delhi (flowers are considered luxury) and are always on the bottom of our shopping list. But those florist in Delhi who survived last year will see a bright morning and a bright future in this year.

We started this year with an event (a temple decoration) at Sonipat in Haryana. I shall soon upload the video on You Tube and give you the URL.

Christmas and New Year

2009-12-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas has arrived and then New Year. All good reason to Send flowers to delhi. Do not wait to tell your friends how much you love them. Send flowers to Delhi now. And make them happy.

Throught the year they will remember that you sent them flowers on New Year through Florist delhi. Winter offers a lot of varities in flowers. You have lot to choose from. Visit flower shop near you and order flowers.

Daffodil Days

2009-11-27T23:26:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and we have beautiful and fragrant flower from the hills which is popularly called Narcissus. It belongs to Daffodil family. It is a small flower, white and golden yellow color. It has a pleasant smell.

This flower is associated with American Cancer Society. It represents the hope, which all share for a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.
Any one of us can provide hope to all people affected by the disease by participating in the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days. Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most loved fundraising programs.
Let us all contribute to the society we all live in.

Midnight Flowers delivery in Delhi

2009-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Few days back, we received an order for midnight flowers delivery in Delhi for 23rd November through Florist Delhi. We understood that Florists in delhi have to deliver this on night between 23rd and 24Th November. Actually the birthday was for 23rd November and the customer wanted delivery for 23rd November 00 hours (means they wanted between 22 and 23rd night).

But the customer wrongly mentioned as delivery for 23rd night (which is actually 24Th morning). This confusion happens many times so the customer should be careful (and clear) for their request for midnight delivery of flowers through Online florist Delhi.

Choose Real Florist

2009-11-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I must thank my readers who pointed to me that I have not updated my blog since past two weeks. So looks like there are people who read my blog.

So whats new in flowers arena? Well today I want to warn people about middle man and order gatherer who continuously mislead gullible people by posing as real florists when the fact is that they are not.

They advertise saying they are real florist with their own brick and mortar store. You should check carefully before ordering flowers on phone or Internet. The basic question you should ask is they you need directions to their store as you want to visit them (though actually you are not). This one question will prove if they are real florist or just a middleman.

Ordering with real florist will not only get you freshest flowers but value for money.

Daman Anand

More flowers in winter

2009-10-27T03:47:00.000-07:00

Winter has arrived and we are getting different varieties of flowers these days. They are big chrysanthemums (white, yellow, purple and brown) from Himachal Pradesh, Daisies from Bangalore, Hyacinth from Uttrakhand and Tulips again from Himachal Pradesh. Year round flowers which include roses, lilies, gerberas and carnations are also available. People should visit florist stores more often these days to enjoy these flowers. Also, the flowers stay longer in cold climate. Another reason to buy flowers.

Daman Anand

Misconception

2009-10-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

In my working as a florist, I have come accross this strange situation a few times. Yesterday I recived a call from a customer in US who wanted to send some flowers in New Delhi to her daughter. They did not want to pay online (through credit card) but informed me that their brother, who resides in Delhi will make payments. I took that order for Rs.1000. We both had agreed on which flowers were to be deliverd, the number of flowers and even the colour.

We completed that order. Then the "brother" visited our store (to make payments). He was very warm and polite but insisted on discount. He was under the impression that since the order was plced by a customer from america, we have overcharged them. This is a common misconception and we florists can hardly do anything.

Daman Anand

Historical importance of Diwali for Sikh

2009-10-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

During October/November, the worldwide Sikh Sangat (community) celebrates the safe return of the sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind from detention from Gwalior Fort in about October 1619. The day coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali , ("the festival of lights"). This concurrence has resulted in a similarity of celebrations amongst Sikhs and Hindus.
People send gifts and flowers to their relatives and friends on Diwali. Children wait eagrly as they fire crackers on Diwali.

Selling flowers after retirement

2009-09-27T01:35:00.001-07:00

Everyone loves flowers and many of our customers have desire to get connected with this business. Some want to open a flowers shop after they retire and there are others who start cultivation of flowers. Today I met one gentleman Col Walia (Retired) who started growing roses and gerberas in Maval District of Pune. He exports these flowers many European countries what is left after exports is distributed to local florists in Delhi.

Flowers uplift your mood

2009-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

A University study linked flowers with happy emotions and increased intimacy with family and friends, and other research has found that flowers in the workplace heighten creativity and problem-solving skills.Nothing uplifts a room or your spirits like a bouquet of fresh flowers.Choose flowers that echo the look and feel of your surroundings.

Cheater who pose as customer

2009-09-10T03:52:00.000-07:00

Today I received a call from a customer (?) from Delhi who wanted to order flowers and sweets on my website www.indiafloristdirect.com
When he told me this word sweets, I remember an incident which my fellow florist shared with me few days back. He received similar such request, it was a huge order of around 10 kg sweets along with big teddy and flowers. The reason why my friend became suspicious was that the customer was very carelessly spending(did not check price etc) and was asking repeatedly what else you have. The customer did not give his exact address but wanted to take delivery near his house. Though his payment was processed and the gifts were delivered, but if this turns up as a fraud (the credit card can be charged back in next 90 days after the purchase is made), my fellow florist will have to return the money (to the original card holder).
I did not want to take a risk so I told the caller to pay on delivery which he immediately refused.

Organic Flowers

2009-09-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

In India, not many people have heard this term. The reason is that Organic Flowers are neither grown nor imported in India yet. What are organic flowers? The Organic flowers are flowers grown without using pesticides and chemicals. The main goal of organic floriculture is that there is no harm to the environment.

In non organic floriculture, the pesticides used on flowers are a big problem for the workers who grow the flowers.Pesticides on flowers can also be a problem for anyone who handles the flowers including consumers since many pesticides are easily absorbed through the skin.

The organic flowers are expensive. But then there are many advantages of organic flowers over non organic flowers. One is that Organic flowers have more vase life. It makes sense to use Organic flowers for religious purpose. They have nice fragrance. And above all, they do not harm environment and have no negative health effect on florists and consumers.

Marriage season and florist

2009-09-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

Marriage season is arriving soon and people are make preparations for that. In any Indian marriage (or for that matter any marriage)flowers play a very important role. People are contacting florists. Main areas for flower decoration on marriage are Stage decoration, Gate decoration, Table for guests, Vedi, Jaimala, Car decoration and Room decoration.

I some instances people get into the hands of middleman and this is not advisable. The work done by a middleman is more expensive and of poor quality. People should always contact a real local florist directly who will do a good job. This real local florist should be contacted quite early (around 60 to 70 days before marriage) so they can prepare well in advance and do a wonderful (job) decoration which you shall never forget in your lifetime.

Florist may ask you for a theme, like the color of flowers, or type of flowers you want them to use. For lavish marriage parties the flowers need to be imported from Thailand and Holland.

Midnight deliveries of flowers

2009-08-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

We have regular requests for midnight deliveries of flowers from customers. Many people feel that the best time to deliver flowers is 12 midnight when the day has just started. However there are issues with midnight deliveries. Like one incident which happened yesterday. We got an order for midnight delivery of flowers and cake from a regular customer. When the delivery man reached, the recipient were unhappy and refused to open the door and receive flowers. They said " is this the time to make delivery". My staff had no choice but to return. Midnight delivery failed. We delivered new product (flowers and cake)next morning.The items being perishable can not be kept without cooling.
So if you are ordering flowers for midnight, please make sure that the recipient will be willing to take delivery at midnight. Also there should not be disturbance to neighbours. If the recipient is sharing apartment with other friends, midnight delivery should not be attempted unless there is no objection from others or they sleep late night (after 12).

Daman Anand

The making of a florist

2009-08-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

How I became a florist is in itself a story.

The year was 1970 and my uncle Mr.Rajinder Singh, who was a young man and had been trying his luck in various business. He was not successful yet. Then he started as a florist by just two buckets of flowers in Defence colony market. In those days, there were only two three florist shops (in 5 star Hotels) in Delhi. Slowly his business grew. He started getting regular clients. And then in 1982 came Asiad Games when there was huge demand for flowers. By then my uncle was supplying flowers to the 5 star hotels too. He did big business during Asiad Games and never looked back. Today his son looks after this established and successful business.

In 1993, my uncle started importing flower bulbs from Holland. He needed a qualified person to handle imports and growing flowers. He chose me and I moved to Delhi. I was a young man with lots of energy and managed the work. All was well till 1997 when these flower bulbs were available in plenty in India. There was no need for import. Due to this,I had not much work. It was then that I decided to do what I liked the most, I opened a flower shop in Delhi.

And never looked back.

Social Activist who started as florist

2009-08-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Anna Hazare is a famous India Social Activist who was born in Bhingar, Maharashtra in 1940. You will be wondering, what is a Social Activist doing on a florist's Blog. Well, Anna Hazare started his career as a florist. Anna worked for a florist at Dadar, Mumbai earning about forty rupees a month. He eventually started his own flower shop. Two of his brothers came to Mumbai to join him in his business, increasing the family earnings.

Isn't this amazing?

Daman Anand

All well that ends well

2009-08-05T02:02:00.000-07:00

In continuation of my last post, well nothing much happened. The girl was not at home so the flowers were received by her friend and all well that ends well.

Daman Anand

Strange situation

2009-08-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

Today is friendship day. Every year friendship day is celebrated on first Sunday of August month. Yesterday I got one order from a customer (male) who wanted to send flowers for his girlfriend in chennai.He did not give his real name on card (I did not knew this) and gave his telephone number (instead of recipient's number).

The order was processed. On delivery date, the sender realised that the phone number he has given will be seen / disclosed to recipient. And this is surely to happen. Because the florist will enter all details on delivery challan (recipient's name, address, telephone number, any landmark). And recipient is required to sign in the challan. It is highly unlikely that they will not read it carefully.

The sender started calling me and requesting me that the telephone number should not be disclosed and it will be a big trouble for him.

I have seen this happening many times in my long career.

The delivery man had already left and I was helpless.

What happened later, I shall write in my next post.

Tulips

2009-07-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have no answer to this question why most Young people in India have a fetish for Tulips. There is no secret that Tulips are not normally grown in India. Tulips require very cold climate to grow and there has not been much progress in Tulip cultivation till now. I know of few growers who have planted Tulips in Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) in the past.

I receive at least 3-4 calls in a month for people asking for Tulips. I have to tell them that Tulips are not available and they can send lilies instead. But they will not hear. They only want Tulips.

Send Flowers Today

2009-07-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

I am quoting a statement by Georrgia O'Keeffe. He said "When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it....It's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else."
Sending flowers to your loved ones is truly wonderful. Just imagine the smile on the face of person receiving those flowers. It is an amazing experience. So don't wait for tomorrow (or for any occassion). Send flowers today!

Daman Anand

Trouble for florists

2009-06-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

In my working as a retail florist for so many years, I have come across request from customers (mostly young males) for flowers delivery to girls (who they think they love like anything). And mostly they want us to send flowers anonymously (with out revealing their name). The florist anticipate trouble in such orders but do not refuse such customers. They do not want to loose business. Although I know of many florists who refuse such orders.
I remember an incident when I took such order and sent my most experienced delivery boy to the house. That house turned out to be that of a retired army person who tied up my boy and threatened him with dire consequences. He asked various question like from which shop these flowers were sent, what was the description of customer who ordered and so on.
The delivery boy called me up and I spoke to that gentleman. With great persuasion he let my delivery man come back. That was the last day when I took such order. Now I never take an anonymous order and always have details (phone number) of customer with me.

Daman Anand

Branding in Flowers

2009-06-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have not seen any branding for flowers or flower shops in India yet. The only company which comes to my mind is Ferns and Petals which have a noticeable presence in India. Other than that, each florist is unique with their special arrangement and unique service.

Daman Anand

Technology-Do the florist in India make use of it?

2009-06-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

I have know Indian flowers industry closely for the past 16 years. I have noticed that there has not been much advancement as far as technology is concerned. Over 90% of florist in India do not have their own website. Whats more over 50% do not have an email ID. In this scenario, I can not even think of florist using an accounting package/Point of sale in India. Compared to this, florist in United States and Canada are more technology savvy. Majority of them are tied up with wire service (and use of technology comes mandatory). Many of them use accounting package and Point of sale(either provided by wire service or independently). Technology makes the work easier so that a florist can (and should) focus on other areas like customer service and sales.

Designers at flower shops

2009-06-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

The designers (who make flower arrangements and bouquets) you see at flower shops in India are mostly from West Bengal. And 90 % of these come from Midnapore district of West Bengal. These designers, also sometimes called Karigars (sometimes as Mali's) do not have any formal training in flower designing. They just learn the things while at work/job. The person with no experience joins at a low salary but gradually upgrades to higher level with higher salary. Some designers are enterprising and they started their own shops.I am aware of few lucky ones who got job as designers at flower shops in Dubai and other countries.
Florist on the whole have contributed a lot for financial security of these families.

Blue flowers-are they auspicious?

2009-05-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

In my experience as a retail florist (more than 13 years now), I have come across customers who ask for blue flowers for pooja (worship). There are not much option for blue flowers at florist stores, here in India. When I think, the flowers which come to my mind are Hydrangea, Irises, Orchids. One interesting thing about orchids is that the blue colour is not natural. These orchids are dyed (how this is done is another story). Other blue flowers are daisies from Bangalore.You can also find agapanthus lily which is blue in color. Talking about these blue flowers, they are available throughout the year but only for few weeks.

Mostly the customers are disappointed when they do not get blue flowers. I do not have a correct answer as to why blue flowers are auspicious and used in pooja (worshipping).

If any of my readers could enlighten me, I will be grateful.

Fathers Day

2009-05-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

Fathers day will be celebrated on 21th June all over the world. This is the day to honor fathers. But the business for florist is not as much as it is on Mother's Day.
I have thought on this many times but no sure answer came.Are children more attached to Mothers? I am not sure this is the reason. May be children like to send other gifts like Tie, shirt on Fathers Day.
If you have flowers in mind, visit India Florist and place your order. We promise a smile on your Fathers Face; and that's a guarantee.

After elections why florists are happy

2009-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Elections in India were conducted in second week of May 2009. Some candidates will win while others will loose in this elections. So for some it will be a moment of joy and for others it will be sad.

But florists all over the country are in joyful mood and awaiting the results. You will be surprised and asking why is it so.

Who so ever wins the election, it is a win win situation for florists. When any candidate wins, lot of people (supporters, relatives and friends) will send them flowers. So it will be a busy day for florists and they will get a good business.All day they will be busy taking orders and delivering flowers.

This is the reason for florists to be happy.

Strange request by customers

2009-05-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get strange request from your customers. Today a customer visited my site and called me later. He requested me to send flowers to his girl friend. Nothing unusual here, the only issue was that his girl friend was arriving in Delhi and he wanted me to deliver flowers at airport (arrivals). Normally we do not accept such orders. There are many problems with such orders. How will the deliver man recognise the recipient? What if the delivery man is few minutes late and recipient has already left. Not all delivery man carry a mobile phone.So these are the problems.

This customer requested a lot and finally I agreed to send flowers.
But I am skeptical, will this delivery happen successfully?

substitution is necessary

2009-05-02T04:04:00.000-07:00

When you order flowers online, it is possible that the flowers you ordered are not available with the florist.Some varieties are seasonal and may not be available. Also, some times it happens that the florist did not received the flowers ordered by you (please keep in mind that the florist get their flowers from the wholesaler every day).

In such case, the florist may substitute the flower. These substitutions are made in such a way that they look closest to the original order.

You as a customer can also inform the florist, if substitution is necessary, what flowers you want.

Mothers day-the most busiest day for florists

2009-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Mothers day is celebrated on second Sunday of May every year in most countries including India.This is the day, when children send flowers and gifts to their mothers to honor them. In India, celebrating mothers day is not new. For many years we Indians have been celebrating Durga Pooja honoring the divine mother Durga.

Florist are very busy on this day as they have huge orders. They buy bulk flowers in advance from wholesalers. The prices of flower rise due to increased demand.Florist arrange for extra staff (designers and delivery man)to complete the orders.

They wait for whole year for this day.This is the second most important day for florists (the first being Valentines day).

This year mothers day is on 10th May 2009. Dont forget to order flowers on www.indiafloristdirect.com

Buying flowers in summer

2009-03-23T01:54:00.000-07:00

The summer has arrived and it is really hot outside. Cut flowers being perishable in nature do not like hot climate. In summers, they die faster.So you should be careful in choosing flowers in summer. First of all, if you are purchasing flowers for your home or ordering for some one, choose flowers which stay longer. Carnations, lilies, orchids have more vase life as compared to roses and gerberas.Also go for lighter shades like pink peach or cream. White flowers are best buy.They have a sort of cooling effect.You can have white carnations, lilies and even white orchids or a combination of these. If you thought white flowers are only for Sympathy or funeral, you are wrong.

So next time you visit neighbourhood local florist, just keep these things in mind.

Flowers delivery in Hospitals

2009-02-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

If you are ordering flowers for a patient who is recovering in a hospital, please check if the flowers are allowed in that hospital. Most hospitals (for example Apollo in Delhi) do not allow fresh flowers.If you order flowers, they will be just kept at the reception and will never reach the recipient.So the goal of sending you wishes through fresh flowers is not achieved.The hospitals do not allow fresh pollen of flowers may carry bacteria which may be harm full for the patient.So if you have to order flowers for "Get well soon", call the hospital to check if they allow fresh flowers.If they do not, it is better to send flowers at residence.You can give a later date (when the patient will be back home). A professional florist will send flowers only after confirming that the patient is back.

Remember these things before you order flowers

2009-02-18T03:11:00.000-08:00

When you visit a flower shop, you should be clear of few things. Like if you are ordering flowers for a male choice for flowers will be different than what you order for female.Also remember if the receipent is young male you can order bright flowers like orange, yellow. For a young female, you can order Pink or Purple flowers. For older generation go for pastel shades. You should also tell the florist the occassion. Because certain flowers are associated with certain occassions. Like for a wedding, a bouquet of red roses will look nice but not for a funeral.

Daman Anand

Valentines day in India

2009-02-06T15:51:00.000-08:00

Valentines day in India has quickly became popular. I remember, few had heard about this day in 1990, when I was just out of collage. My friend, who had just got engaged, came from Punjab all the way to Delhi to buy beautiful flowers for his fiancee. Few varieties were available in those day.Gladioli, Roses, Carnations were popular flowers. Now we have lot of varieties like anthuriums, Lilies, Orchids.If you want to order flowers, look for a real florist who have lots of experience.

How to take care of fresh flowers?

2009-01-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

Now that the fresh flowers have arrived, how do you take care that they stay longer and you enjoy them for a long time. You should take care of follwing things:

Keep flowers away from heat, T.V and direct sunlight.
Do not keep flowers under fan.
Cut the stems of flowers every day preferably with a knife.
Change water of vase everyday.
Remove the leaves which are under water.

Taking these precautions, you will enjoy flowers for a longer period.

Take care.

Flowers for New Year to India

2008-12-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

I have submitted following article to several article websites. I would like to know what you think about it. Comments welcome.

Sending Flowers to India for Christmas and New Year

Beautiful fresh flowers can add a touch of warmth and positive energy not only to your relationships but also to the environment in which we live. Christmas and New Year are both joyous occasions for celebration and festivity around the world and India is certainly no exception. Floral gift giving often marks the pinnacle of these festivities.
Christmas is celebrated in India not merely by the Christian minority but by every segment within the community much like New Year which has always enjoyed a secular status in India. This is perhaps why the practice of sending flowers to India to your family, friends and business acquaintances has become more of a tradition in the recent past.
Sending Flowers to India the Old Fashioned Way
You could always send flowers to your family and friends in India to celebrate special occasions before the dawn of the Internet era as long as you had a working relationship with a florist in India. With the arrival of the Internet, online gift giving and instant modes of electronic payment using credit cards and online payment services like Papal and Two Check Out, convenience became the order of the day. Your gift of fresh cut flowers can now reach your friends and business associates in India in twenty-four hours or less even after factoring the time zone difference. Simply log on to a trusted Indian online flower shop such as http://www.indiafloristdirect.com/ and place your order. This is by far the best way to both surprise and felicitate someone in India and to show them that you really care.
Deliver Flowers to India the Right Way
Here are a few tips that will help you plan your gift of Christmas flowers or New Year flowers when you figuratively contemplate “flower India:”
1. Order well in advance so that your Indian florist delivers your gift on time and under budget. India has many more holidays than other countries and flower shops are often closed for business to mark these auspicious occasions.2. Verify the address, the phone number and the zip code against the data you have on file with you just in case you have made a typographical error while ordering. Also provide a cell phone number and a landmark if possible.3. Calling India isn’t as expensive as it used to be so consider following up your order with a one-minute phone call to further authenticate the order. This will add a human touch to your interaction.4. Due to seasonal trends and the proverbial demand supply equation, the floral arrangement you have ordered may not be immediately available. So provide one or two alternative choices so that your order isn’t held up due to regional availability issues.
Sending flowers to India today is as easy as 1-2-3. It is affordable, reliable and profoundly satisfying. It builds new bridges and reinforces old ones. Try it out today!

Sending Flowers to India for Christmas and New Year

2008-12-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

Beautiful fresh flowers can add a touch of warmth and positive energy not only to your relationships but also to the environment in which we live. Christmas and New Year are both joyous occasions for celebration and festivity around the world and India is certainly no exception. Floral gift giving often marks the pinnacle of these festivities.

Christmas is celebrated in India not merely by the Christian minority but by every segment within the community much like New Year which has always enjoyed a secular status in India. This is perhaps why the practice of sending flowers to India to your family, friends and business acquaintances has become more of a tradition in the recent past.

Sending Flowers to India the Old Fashioned Way

You could always send flowers to your family and friends in India to celebrate special occasions before the dawn of the Internet era as long as you had a working relationship with a florist in India. With the arrival of the Internet, online gift giving and instant modes of electronic payment using credit cards and online payment services like Papal and Two Check Out, convenience became the order of the day. Your gift of fresh cut flowers can now reach your friends and business associates in India in twenty-four hours or less even after factoring the time zone difference. Simply log on to a trusted Indian online flower shop such as http://indiafloristdirect.ccom/ and place your order. This is by far the best way to both surprise and felicitate someone in India and to show them that you really care.

Deliver Flowers to India the Right Way

Here are a few tips that will help you plan your gift of Christmas flowers or New Year flowers when you figuratively contemplate “flower India:”

Order well in advance so that your Indian florist delivers your gift on time and under budget. India has many more holidays than other countries and flower shops are often closed for business to mark these auspicious occasions.
Verify the address, the phone number and the zip code against the data you have on file with you just in case you have made a typographical error while ordering. Also provide a cell phone number and a landmark if possible.
Calling India isn’t as expensive as it used to be so consider following up your order with a one-minute phone call to further authenticate the order. This will add a human touch to your interaction.
Due to seasonal trends and the proverbial demand supply equation, the floral arrangement you have ordered may not be immediately available. So provide one or two alternative choices so that your order isn’t held up due to regional availability issues.

Sending flowers to India today is as easy as 1-2-3. It is affordable, reliable and profoundly satisfying. It builds new bridges and reinforces old ones. Try it out today!

Celebrate Thanksgiving day by sending flowers

2008-11-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day is celebrated in United States on fourth Thursday in November every year. It was instituted by Abraham Lincoln in year 1863. Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for all you have got and thank your friends and relatives for the beautiful relationship.
Thank your friends, relatives staying in India by sending them fresh flowers today. Log on to http://www.indiafloristdirect.com and place your order for flowers.
They will always remember this day.

All big and small cities covered by this florist

2008-11-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

Next time you want to order flowers for India, go ahead and visit http://www.indiafloristdirect.com/
The best online flower delivery service.
All major and small cities are covered by them. Be it Delhi or Dehradun, Chandigarh or Coimbatore, they deliver in all of them.
If the city you want to send flowers is not in their list, feel free to call them and they will arrange for delivery. There may be some additional cost, but that hardly matters.
They have no holidays (what if the birthday is on Sunday), and deliver seven days a week.
They can not guarantee a particular time of delivery, but will surely deliver on requested date.

Send Flowers to India

2008-11-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

We all have relatives and friends all across India. We care for them and love them. What is the best way to show "I love You" or "I care for you"? Without calling them or writing to them, you can show your feelings. You can visit online flower service and send them fresh flowers. Though there are many such websites, but most of them do not have any "real florist" experience. Most of these sites are managed by computer literate people who can not differentiate between a Gerbera and a Gigabyte. One website, that stands apart is http://www.indiafloristdirect.com/
This website is managed by persons who have previously managed their own flower shops. They understand this business as well as customer's preferences. What flowers suits what occasion, what colour signifies what feelings, they know all.
So why don't you try this website next time you want to say "I love you" or "I care for you" or just "Thank You".