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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 51 Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 51 is brings us to how to encourage early ordering. One way to help gauge how much product you will need is to entice customers to place orders well in advance. One way to do that is to offer a special discount, free delivery, a free upgrade or an add-on gift. You're the savvy businessperson; you can come up with some creative ways to get customers to place orders early—without giving away the store. Just be sure to make your offers fun and enticing. How about having an in-store- only sale? Market it with a special discount on a specific day (or days) only or between certain times every day—a "happy hour," if you will. If customers know that they can a discount or a special gift or upgrade by simply coming in, they'll likely to do just that. And when they see everything you have available, they may purchase more than they planned. Getting shoppers into your store almost always generates "impulse" sales, and those sales can offset the costs of any discounts, free gifts or upgrades that it took to get them to visit your store. We have talked about this concept before, but it's worth mentioning again: in-store DIY workshops, design demonstrations or plant-care classes. Participants in such events almost always make additional purchases while they are in the store, so even if you offer the events at no charge, you'll likely come out in the black. In addition, for those who attend a workshop or class, consider offering a discount for a future similar event. Returning workshop customers rarely attend alone, and word-of- mouth can lead to more family or friends wanting to know what the hubbub is about. Another thought: record your workshops, demonstrations and classes with videos and/or photos. en, post the videos and photos on your social media platforms and website. Be sure to include footage and photos of exciting product displays in your store, as well. Another great idea is to host company holiday parties during which the attendees create a holiday centerpiece, wreath or other décor piece. If you don't have space for such events in your store, consider partnering with another business that does have the space, or host your events in a church or other community hall, which, typically, can be rented for a nominal fee. Finally, extend your hours during the holiday season, including on evenings and Sundays. You absolutely must make it convenient for shoppers to buy from you. Remember, it's about their convenience—not yours. Hopefully you now have some ideas to inspire you to market your store in new ways this holiday season. Cheers your newfound wealth! For ose For ose who attend a who attend a workshop or workshop or css, consider css, consider offering a offering a discount for discount for a future a future simir event. simir event. Returning Returning workshop workshop customers customers rarely attend rarely attend ane. ane.

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