Short of Cash?

Here’s how to get the most for your money this Valentine’s Day, with help from your local friendly florist Times are tough at the moment and every penny counts.So when you’re ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day to send to your loved one, wouldn’t it be nice to know you are getting full value for your money?  If you order from a national website or relay company, you could loose a large chunk of your money to cover internal administration charges. But when you order direct from a local florist, all your money goes to delivering a beautiful bunch of flowers. Doesn’t that sound better?  I left a big national flower company last year, to concentrate on my local business. It was a big step for me as I may lose some orders. But I know this way I can give full value of every order I do get; and you know you are not paying for any hidden charges or admin fees – all your money is going towards the gorgeous flowers. As you might guess from my name, I was born in Holland; and I have the Dutch belief in fairness and equality. You might be looking for something truly magnificent and impressive this Valentine’s Day, like Amadora at £169.95. But I know you might also be on a smaller budget – or have more modest tastes – and would prefer Amore Mio at £64.95 or Amadeus at £34.95  Local florists like me can cater to any budget from the very tiny – such as individually-wrapped single flowers – to the breathtakingly extravagant, because every order we make is unique.

Another excellent tip to get best value, is to look for seasonal flowers at this time of year. Everyone in the world wants long-stemmed red roses for Valentine’s Day. There’s a limited amount available – after all, you can’t stockpile them like baked beans! – and so this means the best-quality roses are in great demand.  If you are short of money, ask for a bouquet of spring flowers like daffodils and tulips with twigs and blossom; or if you must have red, look for alternative red flowers such as a stem of amaryllis or a bunch of cheery gerbera daisies. Our bouquet of the month always offers 30% extra flowers, so even this would be worth a look if you are out to impress. As well as offering full value for money, your local florist can also save you time at Valentine’s Day. Many carry other gifts such as glassware, champagne, candles, even jewellery and handbags! Van Wonderen Flowers offers 70 different types of Belgian chocolates, which we can giftwrap for you. You don’t even have to buy flowers to go with them (though we’d love it if you do!) 

Here’s a further tip to make your money go further. If you live in the Sunbury area, why not sign up to the Village Card scheme which gives all residents a discount in participating shops and restaurants? It’s been a great success in just the first few months. The scheme launched in 2011 for businesses in Sunbury and Shepperton and already it is looking to expand it by linking to Ashford and Staines businesses as well. Cardholders get 20% off their meal in local restaurants, and not forgetting the 10% off all our products. (you could save up to £10.00 on your Valentines delivery!)   So there you have it. Even if your wallet is looking a little threadbare this Valentine’s Day, there are ways to show someone you love them without breaking the bank. And all thanks to your local businesses like ours.