The Bloom Show Takeover with Tim Huckabee, founder of The Profitable Florist and now an official Bloom Show Correspondent, delivered a powerful message for every retail florist: many of the challenges holding flower shops back are self-inflicted.

With over 26 years of coaching experience, 6,000+ flower shop visits and 7,000+ florists trained worldwide, Tim has seen the same costly habits repeated across the industry. He calls them the Seven Deadly Sins of the Floral Industry—and shared practical solutions any florist can apply today.

Sin No. 1: Asking “How Much Do You Want to Spend?”

Tim shared how most florists open sales calls by asking for a budget instead of focusing on the reason behind the order. He recalled calling 20 shops and, in 18 of them, being asked that question immediately. It’s an approach that turns an emotional purchase into a transactional one.

Solution: Start with the occasion, the sentiment, or the story. Recommend a thoughtful design first, and let the customer decide whether to scale it down.

Sin No. 2: Talking About Specific Flowers Instead of Colors

Many customers don’t know or care about botanical names. Tim illustrated how people panic when hearing flower names like “scabiosa” but easily connect with color palettes like “bright yellows” or “soft pastels.”

Solution: Focus on color schemes and seasonal design styles, giving customers a clear visual while allowing designers creative flexibility.

Sin No. 3: Asking Too Many Questions

Tim pointed out that well-meaning staff often overwhelm customers with a string of questions. While intended to be helpful, it can feel like an interrogation. Customers typically seek expert guidance, not a quiz.

Solution: Keep it simple: listen to their needs, confirm key details, and confidently recommend designs without dragging out the conversation.

Sin No. 4: Fearing to Offer Higher Price Points

Florists often hesitate to show premium designs, worrying that customers will walk away. Tim explained that in more than 30 years of taking retail orders, he could count on one hand how many people actually hung up over price.

Solution: Confidently offer high-end options first, then adjust if necessary. Don’t “sell from your own wallet”—let customers choose what works for them.

Sin No. 5: Not Offering Add-Ons / Finishing Touches

Add-ons like candles, chocolates and balloons are often skipped, yet they personalize the experience and boost revenue. Tim said, “Customers can’t buy it if they don’t hear about it…we are losing thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars because we’re not taking what amounts to 10 seconds…to offer this item to a customer.”

Solution: Stop asking “Anything else?” and instead suggest specific finishing touches for every order.

Sin No. 6: Ignoring Design & Color Trends

Some shops feel stuck in time, with designs that look decades old. Tim compared walking into some coolers to stepping back into 1985 instead of 2025.

Solution: Refresh design offerings regularly, integrate current color trends, and update cooler and website displays to reflect today’s floral styles.

Sin No. 7: Neglecting Your Website and Social Media

Tim emphasized that a website isn’t optional—it’s a revenue driver. Tim noted, “When customers shop on your website, on average, they spend 25 percent more money than when they call the store or when they visit the store. And this happens universally.”

Solution: Treat your website as your “second storefront” and keep it up to date. Use social media to showcase your work, share new designs and build customer relationships.