6 min readWe know full well that running a florist’s isn’t just about a passion for creating beautiful arrangements, but also a daily struggle with the realities of the market. Rising labour costs, losses on perishable goods (those wilting bouquets at the back of the shop represent a real dent in your wallet) and the eternal question: "Will we end the month in the black?".
And that’s when a certain phrase crops up in industry discussions: “Perhaps it’s time for a Bouqetmat?”.
It sounds incredibly promising. Round-the-clock sales, no need to hire an extra member of staff, greater reach and reduced losses. But is this really the right solution for you?
In this article, we answer that question straight away – without any marketing fluff or unrealistic promises.
What will you learn from this article?
- What exactly is a Bouqetmat and how does it keep plants fresh?
- For whom is this the ideal step towards business growth?
- Who should give this investment a miss (yes, there are situations like that!).
What exactly is a Bouqetmat, and how does it work?
To put it simply: just as a cash machine gives us easy access to cash at any time of the day or night, a Bouqetmat does exactly the same with ready-made, fresh bouquets. It is a modern machine that automatically displays and sells floral arrangements 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A customer who needs flowers, for example, at 11.00 pm on a non-trading Sunday, walks up to the machine, selects the bouquet they want from the intuitive touchscreen, pays contactless by card or mobile, and collects fresh, beautifully wrapped flowers.
💡 How does it work in practice?
Bouqetmat is no ordinary box. The unit features a built-in, precision cooling system and humidity control. It maintains the optimum temperature whilst protecting the plants from UV rays.
As a result, flowers that would normally lose their freshness in a shop that’s closed after hours are kept in perfect condition for customers and generate a profit for you whilst you’re fast asleep.
Who is the Bouqetmat the ideal solution for? (Profile of a florist who makes a profit)
This device will be a great investment for you if you meet the following criteria:
- You run a florist’s in an area with a high volume of footfall at night and at weekends: Major cities, city centres, areas around popular meeting places, railway stations or bustling neighbourhoods. Places where people are returning from nights out, working shifts or simply living life at a fast pace.
- Your flowers are selling like hot cakes: If you manage your stock efficiently on a day-to-day basis and sell the majority of your stock, a Bouqetmat will become a natural extension of your successful business and an additional sales channel.
- Do you want to increase your turnover without incurring staff costs: Bouqetmat generates additional, regular income without the need to pay for night shifts or employ staff on Sundays and public holidays.
- Do you have an investment budget or leasing capacity: You realise that modern technology is an investment in brand development, which requires the commitment of a certain amount of capital (whether your own or external, e.g. through a secure lease).
- You can ensure regular restocking: The display requires regular replenishment with fresh bouquets and attention to its visual appeal. If you’re able to look after it every day or almost every day, you’ll be successful.
- You’re open to new technological developments: Do you want to manage your sales conveniently via a smartphone app, analyse which packages are selling best, and monitor the status of your device remotely?
Florists with this specialism regard the Bouqetmat as an excellent source of passive income, which effectively boosts the profitability of the entire florist’s without drastically increasing the workload.
And for whom would a Bouqetmat NOT be a good idea?
As a manufacturer, we prefer to be upfront. We do not recommend purchasing this device if:
- Your florist’s is located in a very small village: The lack of natural foot traffic in the evenings and at weekends means that the device’s potential will not be realised.
- You’re already facing significant stock losses: If a large proportion of your flowers wilt in a traditional shop due to problems with logistics or care, opening an additional outlet will only complicate matters. It is worth stabilising the supply chain first.
- This investment would put too much strain on your budget: If purchasing the equipment would require you to take on risky financial commitments that would disrupt your company’s cash flow, it would be better to hold off and focus on local marketing first.
- You don’t have time for logistics and customer service: Bouqetmat is a ‘live’ point of sale. It requires you to keep it clean, respond to system notifications and regularly update the product range. If you work on your own for over a dozen hours a day and are short-staffed, this additional responsibility may prove too much to handle.
- Your profit margin on products is very low: Given the low profitability of a single bouquet, the time required to recoup the investment in full will be significantly longer. The device works best when there is a healthy, standard florist’s margin.
A quick summary: Are you ready to take a step into the future?
The table below will help you quickly work out which side of the floristic compass you’re on:
Feature | Profile: This might not be the right time for Bouqetmat | Profile: The ideal candidate for Bouqetmat |
|---|---|---|
Location | A small town, with little evening traffic | City centre, a bustling neighbourhood, heavy traffic |
Current losses | A high percentage of unsold stock | Minimal losses, efficient crop rotation |
Logistics | Infrequent deliveries (e.g. every 3 days) | The option to update the range daily |
New technologies | A lack of desire to use the app | The desire to make one’s work easier using a smartphone |
Margin level | Very low unit profitability | A healthy, standard florist’s margin |
Funding | Lack of budget and leasing capacity | Available own funds or leasing capacity |
Approach to ROI | Expecting an immediate profit | Understanding stable, long-term returns |
Summary
Bouqetmat is a brilliant tool for scaling up your business and building a competitive edge in today’s market. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution to every problem faced by every florist – and that is entirely to be expected.
The best business decisions are those made with a clear head. If, after reading this article, you feel that your profile is a perfect match for the opportunities offered by sales automation – Please feel free to get in touch. We’d be happy to advise you on how to choose the best solution for your florist’s. If, however, you feel that now isn’t quite the right time – we’re glad that this honest analysis has helped you avoid making a hasty decision.