Survival Tool Kit: Financial Dos and Don'ts — Tips from "Thriving in Today's Economy," the down-to-earth 2008 convention presentation by floral industry financial advisor Paul Goodman, CPA.
Retail Pricing Worksheet— Download this handy excel spreadsheet -- it can help you choose the most effective pricing structure by understanding your cost-of-goods-sold and breaking the COGS down into various levels.
Floral Accounting 101— Four-part series on accounting for florists and their accountants. Exclusively for SAF members, these free articles can help your accountant become familiar with floral-specific accounting elements, so that they become a true partner on your business team.
Discounted business services— special member-only savings on Fedex shipping, payroll processing, credit cards, fleet and car rental, health insurance and more.
Professional Advice
Small business legal expertise. Through a partnership with the law firm John S. Satagaj Attorney At Law, SAF offers members the opportunity to get answers to simple legal problems at no additional cost. Attorney John Satagaj is available for 15 minute consultations on employee related matters. Satagaj may be reached at 202-639-8888, or by fax at 202-296-5333.
Floral business consultant Sam Vivianooffers a free 30-minute consultation. He can be contacted by phone at 800-684-1645 or e-mail to
. Website: www.svfloralconsulting.com.
Food for Thought Brainstorm online with peers or just check out these Discussion Forumconversations:
Ideas and Insight that Boost the Bottom Line! Grab insight from experts and read how other companies are staying profitable in the pages of Floral Management magazine. Read the latest issue online, or download these articles from past issues.
BUDGETING
Breaking-Even on Wire Business (Aug. 08) — Are you covering your costs on wire orders? Do you even know if they're profitable? Finding the answers won't be quick, but it's necessary.
Budget or Bust (Aug. 07) — Time to make a roadmap for your business — it’s not as tough as you think, and the rewards are worth it.
Marketing Budgets: How Much Is Enough? (Oct. 07) — A sound advertising budget can help you keep your shop on track — and top of mind with consumers — all year-round.
Where did my money go? (Sept. 06) Are profits disappearing? This case study may help you find out why.
COST CONTROL & PROFITABILITY
Control Center (May 07) — To maximize profits, keep expense control on your radar.
Buying vs. Leasing (June 08) — Leasing options can seem attractive and financially sound, but a penny saved ins't always a penny earned
Disecting Delivery Costs (Nov. 08) - Charging enough for delivery starts with knowing the real costs of getting an arrangement from your door to theirs.
Down to the Count: Inventory 101 (Oct. 06) — Can't remember the last time you counted inventory? Here's how to get started -- and how it helps control shrinkage.
Payroll and COGS Control (Feb. 08) — Payroll is the No. 1 profit drainer, followed closely behind by too-high cost of goods sold. Follow this primer on how to keep both under control.
Questioning Profits(May 06) — With so many costs, how do you know if your shop is profitable? These answers to frequently-asked profifability questions could keep your business afloat.
Make the Price Right (Mar. 08) — The secret to a profitable shop often lies in setting the right price for products and services.
Disecting Delivery Costs (Nov. 08) - Charging enough for delivery starts with knowing the real costs of getting an arrangement from your door to theirs.
Love, Labor...Loss? (Mar. 2007) — Make weddings profitable with financial steps that create a beautiful experience and bottom line.
The Labor Dilemma, Part 1(Oct. 01) — Don't sell your service short. Accurately account for labor costs in arrangement prices, without losing customers
Need a thrifty way to give sales a boost? Try these free, or deeply discounted, marketing tools.
Printed Materials -- Statement stuffers, postcards, posters, marketing kits, B2B and sympathy materials -- all at deeply-discounted member prices (Some postcards are available for as little as $3.95 and some statement stuffers for $1.95).
MagnetMail e-mail newsletters and marketing messages. Create and send dynamic, professional, branded e-mail promos and newsletters with this easy-to-use online tool
