Following on from our post about Taking Client Orders, let’s take a look at Floristry Shorthand – and why it’s an important and handy skill to have.
Why & When to Use It
Whether or not you are speaking to them over the phone, or in person, customers often speak very quickly when giving you their order. It can be difficult to keep up with what they’re saying, or to miss certain parts of their order – such as what they would like written on the card.
By using shorthand, there’s less to write down, and it will be easier to keep up. Also, by using shorthand specific to the floristry industry, even if someone else finishes off the order for you, they will be able to easily see what needs to be included on the card.
Shorthand Reference List
The messages below are the most common occasions when people send flowers – and their shorthand equivalent:
HB: Happy Birthday
DS: Deepest Sympathy
WDS: With Deepest Sympathy
TOY/TOU: Thinking of you
OTRWU: Our thoughts are with you
TOYATST: Thinking of you at this sad time
LOL: Lots of love
VD: Valentines Day
Con: Congratulations
WD: Well Done
LU: Love you
BW: Best Wishes
As mentioned previously, using extra care when taking your customer orders means less chance of you making an error, or forgetting crucial information – and techniques such as shorthand will help with this. The result will be happier (and repeat) customers, and hopefully a recommendation to others.
Are you looking for a Career Change? The Bloom College Floristry Career Change Course will give you all of the fundamental skills and knowledge that you need to get you started in your new career in floristry. Further details, plus information on our other Flower Courses and Workshops in Geelong and Melbourne can be found on our Courses Page.
