New Year Celebrations

With Christmas over and the New Year just days away, I know we are all full of new hopes and dreams for the year to come. 2011 and the small locally owned businesses, like ours, it was a very trying year, full of ups and downs. In this post, we would like to thank all of our patrons that made it a successful one.

For all of you that order direct, or choose to order flowers direct from your local florist, it certainly does make a difference, so thank you. Your contribution to the local economy does matter.

Now, celebrations are happening all over the city. Let us be your florist for the New Year celebration and the years to come. Capitol Hill Flowers does get the freshest flowers every day. We have a team of dedicated floral designers on staff always willing to help fulfill your floral needs.

Whether you call us 206-325-5068 or order online www.flower4gift.com, we can't wait to help you and make sure your holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, or "just because" days will have you being the "hero". We deliver all over the Seattle metro and can even have flowers sent all over the world.

We can do it all! Centerpieces, traditional or modern, vased arrangements, basket arrangements, basket gardens with green and blooming plants, orchid plants, green plants, wrapped fresh flowers (and not the cookie cutter ones you find in the grocery store), we have it all. Give us a try, you won't regret it!

Happy New Year!!

You like your Boss? Boss's Day is the 17th!

I'm writing this blog from home today as I am sick with the flu. I texted my boss early this morning telling them of the situation and hoping that I could be in later today...but being the awesome people they are...they told me to get better and see you tomorrow. :) (Complete with smiley face.)

I have to say, that I feel so very lucky to have an awesome set of boss's. Being in the floral industry, we know of all the holidays that come up. If you're like me and want to show your appreciation to your boss, then don't hesitate to give us a call: 206-325-5068 or visit us online: flower4gift.com

We can help you choose just the right gift. From a great greeting card, balloons, plants (garden baskets), orchid plants, and of course, fresh floral bouquets hand crafted by our awesome designers. Not only will you be letting your boss know how YOU appreciate THEM, but you can also earn some great brownie points. lol. Remember, that we deliver all over Seattle metro and surrounding areas (Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, Lynnwood, etc)

So, if you have a boss like mine...the one's that wish you well when you're ill, listen to your outrageous stories, laugh with you (not at you..well sometimes at you), listen to your horrible singing and strange sense of humor, and work beside you, always helping you achieve something greater, then don't forget to tell them how great you think they are.

For Lee and Mimi, Amber and I think you rock! Thanks for everything you do for us.

Support your local florist...and THIS is why!

Do you have a job that you love? Well, I do. I've been a floral designer for almost 17 years and
have seen so much change. Cap Hill Flowers has gone from a busy, busy florist (like 40-50 orders a day) to just half (sometimes less) during a slower day. I have some ideas of why. Here's one that really speaks to me and makes me extremely angry. It's called "order gatherers".

As consumers, it's easier to go online and order something that you want to give as a gift or even to get for yourself. I like to shop online...it's convenient. But here's where things start to go wrong. Say you want to order flowers. You go online. You find a website that fits your budget and promises all of these wonderful things. More than likely, you've just been misled by an "order gatherer".

An order gather is a business that typically does not own a flower shop, is not a florist, or is not even very familiar with the flower business. Typically these order gathers are web designers, or people with a marketing degree that spend a lot of money going out and promoting a brand or name. They typically make money in volume, selling hundreds or thousands of orders a week and wire these orders out to local florist.

To an outsider more orders means more business for the local florist. But this is not the case, actually many of the orders actually cost the local florist more money to deliver than they make. (Example: if you buy $30 arrangement from a order gatherer and then $10 for delivery, that's about $40. How much does the florist that actually delivers the flowers get?$21.00) that's right HALF!!! Here is why:

If you spend $30 for the arrangement and then $10 for "Delivery".

The order gather keeps the "delivery" fee (for their time).

The order gather also keeps 20% of the order, in this case about: $6; they made a profit of $16

Wire Service keeps about 10% of the order in this case they made a profit of $3.00

The florist delivering the flowers gets $21 and how much of that is profit?

Flowers cost about $10-$15 Wholesale, the Filler and Greens cost about $3, a $10.00 an hour employee to put the order together cost about $2.50, and the delivery driver cost about $8, so it cost the florist $23.50. So the local florist makes a profit of -$2.50

RECAP: Order Gatherer profit: $16.00
Wire Service Profit - $3.00
Local Florist Profit - -$2.50
Now I know why so many local florist are going out of business!!!

Yeah, so you got what you wanted. But at what cost?! Your local flower shop is one of the last real small businesses. Usually family owned, and if they're not family owned, I can guarantee you that the employees and owners certainly feel like family. From the 80 hr work weeks during Holidays, to the hour droughts during the summer, we are in this together. Buying the freshest product, cleaning the dirty buckets, watering the plants, answering the phones, sweeping up at the end of the day, arranging beautiful bouquets for our clients. We are here for YOU! Please be here for us! Buy LOCAL! Support your local flower shop, support Capitol Hill Flowers! Our lives depend on it.

You Don't Want No Mama Drama! Order for mom NOW!

We're gettin' down to just a few days before Mother's Day this Sunday. I just have one thing to say (well..maybe a couple)...but basically, YOU DON'T WANT NO MAMA DRAMA! Order flowers now for your mom. I did (and she lives in Wyoming!) We can deliver around the corner or around the world. Your mom is worth it..isn't she?!

We've got some really great flowers this year..from hydrangea, calla lilies, stock, sunflowers, gladiolas, fragrant freesia, lilies, leucadendron, belles of ireland, orchids and roses. We've also got a nice assortment of plants= kalanchoes, mini rose bushes, hydrangea (my personal fave), orchids and azaleas.

Plus, we're a REAL floral shop with a retail location that you could always come see us and these beautiful flowers I'm talking about. 300 15th ave E; SEattle, wa 98112. Order anytime online or give us a call: 206-325-5068 or toll free: 800-888-5068. We can't wait to hear from you!

Just Say NO to Mama Drama...Order flowers today!!

Mother's Day Flowers for Mom...

Mother's Day is a week away. It's on the 8th of May this year and most of you out there will wait til the last minute to find something for mom: the woman who picked up after you, was your taxi, cooked you good food, nursed your cold, did your laundry (and maybe still does), loves you unconditionally, and helped you mend your broken heart.

I have many wonderful memories of my mom. Most of them are fun memories and some of them leave me in awe, hoping that I am as good of a mom to my son that she is to me. So, in honor of Mother's Day, I will be sending her flowers via a local florist in her home town. I will be hand writing a card for her. I will be letting her know how important she is to me.

What are you going to do for your mom? You see, that's where we can help! If your mom lives in Seattle metro or surrounding areas (West Seattle, South Seattle, North Seattle, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Bothell, Kenmore, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Kirkland, and Bellevue), then we've got you covered. Even if she lives out of town or out of state, we can still get flowers/plants to her...and using a REAL flower shop for that matter! Not somebody that you find on the internet and you think is a real florist. Which is extremely important during these economic times for the survival of your local neighborhood flower shops.

Give us a call 206-325-5068 or toll free: 800-888-5068 or stop by our friendly flower shop (Capitol Hill Flowers) 300 15th Ave E; Seattle, WA 98112. Our friendly staff can help you pick out the right bouquet or plant for your mom.

Administrative Professionals Day, Wed April 27th

Attn: All boss's
Re: Administrative Professional's Day

To whom it may concern,

This Wednesday is Administrative Professional's Day. This is a day when you let your assistants know what a great help they are to you and that without them you would not shine. "How do you do this?", you may ask yourself. Well, as your local florist, I am here to help.

There are several ways you can "honor" your assistant.
1. Lunch. Even though you probably do this more than just once a year anyways. (kinda lame..you can do better!)
2. Coffee and a thank you card. Need I say more? This is the person that keeps your calendar organized, manages your travel plans, sets up conference calls, manages others, and clears your desk..and all you're gonna do is coffee and a thank you card. (lame!)
3. The best one of all would be the first two AND a bouquet of flowers from Capitol Hill Flowers in Seattle. This would be a great way of saying "thank you". Coffee and lunch are gone in a day, but the flowers will be around for more than a week! A great reminder of how much your assistant is appreciated by you.

So, I urge you to give us a call: 206-325-5068 or order online: www.flower4gift.com Not only do we have the freshest flowers in Seattle and the BEST designers, but we also have balloons (administrative professional day mylars), chocolates, and Thank You cards!!

Sincerely,
Your local Seattle Florist,
Capitol Hill Flowers

Easter is almost here!!

Easter is only days away. Most of us have those family traditions of dying the eggs, making baskets filled with candies and toys, going to Church on Easter Sunday, etc. For me, it was always the same for much of my childhood.

I would go to my Grandma's house and stay the night. On Saturday, we would watch cartoons and dye the eggs that Grandma had prepared. On Sunday (Easter) morning, I would wake up and groggily run into the living room where a HUGE Easter basket was laying in wait. It would be filled with candies, money (change), toys, stuffed animals and sometimes clothes. My grandma still feels foolish for buying me a dress that cost $80...but it was for her first born grandchild and that's what spoiling is all about...lol. We would then get dressed, go to church and come home to have an Easter egg hunt in her yard. It was so much fun.

I will always remember and cherish those memories. Now that I have a child, I'm making memories of that he'll always remember. He's 16 now and actually asked me the other day if he would be getting an Easter basket this year. haha...but of course!!

But, since I don't live close to my grandma or mom, I will be sending them a lovely bouquet of flowers to adorn their table this Easter. To let them know how much I miss them and how I wish I was still that little girl that could stay the night and color eggs. Fresh flowers are just the thoughtful gift that I (or you) can send anywhere to let those close to us know how we feel.

To my grandma, I will always be that giggly little girl that colored eggs and she spent far too much money on a dress for, but she enjoyed every minute of it. For me, those are lasting memories I am happy to pass on and to reciprocate that love I felt with the language of flowers.

So, send flowers today for Easter. Your local Seattle florist is here and waiting to help you speak through the language of flowers. Call: 206-325-5068...we're waiting... and you would also be supporting a local florist/family. Your business is truly appreciated!!

Valentine Deals from your local florist!

With Valentine's day being just a few short days away, I wanted to put out there some of the deals that we'll be having. (And to also share some pics of some gorgeous flowers we've got in).

Deal #1: You can order a beautiful spring bouquet in vase, with a box of chocolates and a Vday mylar for your sweetheart. Total cost: $60 That even includes the delivery fee!!!

Deal #2: You can order the traditional dozen roses in a vase, with a box of chocolates and Vday mylar for your Valentine. Total cost: $95 That includes the delivery fee!

Deal #3: If you order a beautiful bouquet for Valentine's Day by Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 for delivery in Seattle area....the delivery will be FREE!

When you call up to order, just mention where you saw the deal that you want to go with, and we'll do the rest. We make it really easy for you...and when you order, You'll actually be talking with a designer that knows what they're doing! I'll be looking forward to hearing from you: 206-325-5068 or 800-888-5068

Beware of when you order online..Make sure you're ordering from a REAL florist!

We have been busy getting ready for this holiday. Worried that we've ordered enough flowers to meet the demand. Holidays like this one can make or break a flower shop. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that our clients never know about. Things that we do to make sure that your experience is as smooth and wonderful as it should be.

So, it's important to us that you (our clients) know how much you are truly appreciated. When you come in, call on the phone or even when you order flowers on our website, please know that we want you to have a great experience and be happy with what you get. By ordering directly through our flower shop, you're also doing us a favor(and also doing yourself a favor). You're cutting out the middle man!

When you go online to order flowers (like most people do because your time is important), let's say through One Eighthundred Flowers, you're not actually ordering through a REAL florist. They don't have a shop right in your neighborhood. They don't have the freshest flowers sitting right there in front of them, ready to be put together by an expert florist! That order goes to them, where they then take a fee, and send it out to a florist that carries the "wire" system they use. The real florist receives the order and fills it to value, using the flowers that are available and as similar as possible. That florist then delivers the bouquet to your loved one. And after a month, that florist then receives the money for filling/designing/delivering your order. But here's the catch, they only receive 65%-73% of that order. The remainder goes to the other guy...the order gatherer.

You may ask...why doesn't the REAL florist just not be part of the "order gatherers" system? Here's why. That order gatherer spends a ton of money on advertising. Advertising in all sorts of ways. Advertising that is extremely appealing to most consumers. Their advertising budget is way more than an actual independently owned flower shop can afford. Advertising that we can't compete with. On an average day, our flower shop receives 5-10 direct from client orders and approximately 20-30 order gatherer orders. You do the math.

So, I encourage you to not be tempted by the "order gatherers". Instead, do a little homework of some of your local florists. You can always call and make sure their physical location actually exsists. If so, order off their website, call them, they will have an actual person that is sitting in their store looking at the flowers that you are going to be sending to your loved one. This REAL florist will go above and beyond to make sure that your experience is awesome and will keep you coming back for more.

It helps you and it helps us. Thanks for reading.

Our beautiful flowers will be at the Seattle Wedding Show. How 'bout you?

As some of you may know (those of you that will be tying the knot soon), the Seattle Wedding show is this weekend! :) Although we will not be there, our flowers will. Your local Seattle flower shop will be pairing with Platinum Designs, Inc.

So, it's time for me to give a shout out to Stephanie with Platinum Designs, Inc. If you're in the market for unique customed designed chair covers and accessories...look no further. Check out their gallery online and if you're at the wedding show this weekend, stop by their booth (#635) It'll be close to the Fashion Show stage.

But, those tables with gorgeous linens won't be alone. Cap Hill Flowers will have some of our masterfully designed centerpieces displayed. Perfect for the wedding/event you're planning. You can make an appointment to see one of our talented designers for a wedding consultation (it's free!). Just give us a call: 206-325-5068 or email us: flower4gift@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you and would be honored to be part of your special day! Our flowers are always the freshest and we pay close attention to every detail. Have fun at the Seattle Wedding Show!!

Christmas is here! Not too late to order flowers!!

Well, here we are again! Christmas. Need I say more. If you look to the left, you can tell that we here at Santa's Cap Hill Flower village have been really busy elves!

We've been receiving tons of flowers that will be ready for you to have delivered in All Seattle metro and surrounding areas or you can pick them up if you'd like! You can also order online 24/7. We're open all the way through Christmas Eve and delivering!

So, if you need a last minute gift or you need a little guidance, give us a call: 206-325-5068 or 800-888-5068. These elves can't wait to talk to you!

We've got the freshest flowers in town and some of the best designers. I am biased though! But our loyal clients will tell you that we're the best! Come n see for yourself. Can't wait to meet you. 300 15th Ave E; Seattle, WA 98112

How 'bout Flowers and Candy for Halloween?!

Halloween is just days away. It's one of my favorite holidays and is becoming more and more popular. Don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving for the family aspect and Christmas for the warmth, but Halloween is just plain fun!

We've got some really fun flower bouquets this year. The Halloween Treat is one of my faves! It's a decorative pumpkin filled with fresh flowers (along with the spoooky bat) lol!

We can customize any order. From adding peacock feathers for a touch of elegance and lush to adding some yummy chocolates, from Halloween balloons (it's just a party without them!) to a spider web bouquet. With all our years experience, I'm sure that Cap Hill Flowers can complete your fun filled Halloween.

You can order online anytime or you can just give us a call: 206-325-5068. Our friendly peeps will be here to help you out. Hope to hear from you.

And yes! We will be handing candy out on Saturday Oct 30th to our neighborhood kiddies and we'll even be dressed for the occasion! Hope to see you here!

Boss's Day this Saturday!! oct 16th.

Okay, This is last minute, but I had to get a shout out to let everybody know that Boss's Day is Saturday. If you're as happy as I am at work and really like the person you work for (like I do) then giving a "thank you" to your boss is supposed to be celebrated by tomorrow. (saturday...hmm...today might be the day to do it if your boss doesn't work on saturday)!

What do you give? A card is really great..not an e card, but a real card (we have those!), a plant for their desk, a bouquet of fresh flowers for their desk, and/or chocolates (yum)! We have all these.

We also deliver if you're in a time crunch. Just order online or give us a call: 206-325-5068 . By ordering from us, you'd be supporting a locally owned business and making your boss happy. That could be better!?

So, if you like who you work for and want to make it known, do something nice for 'em! Boss's often get looked over for praise and appreciation, why not do it today?! Flowers are a great way to say it!

Yes! Our flower shop is locally owned and operated.

Picture this: The phone rings at our flower shop. I answer with a smile on my face. On the other end is "Norm" (aka: a new customer). Norm asks, "Do you deliver?" My answer is "yes."
>>>We deliver to ALL Seattle and surrounding areas(including Kirkland and Bellevue)<<<
Then Norm asks, "Are you locally owned?" My answer is "yes". >>>The owners are a wonderful couple whom live locally and actually "work" in their flower shop. They wash buckets, clean flowers, answer phones, and sometimes deliver.<<<>>>We're located on the corner of 15th Ave E and E Thomas, in the Red Brick Group Health bldg across from Safeway. You can't miss us, we've got the freshes flowers on display right out front!<<<

Norm and I continue to have a great conversation and he tells me that he's called high and low, looking for a "local" flower shop, he wants to support a small business. That's the entire reason that I work for this great company. It's important to do something you believe in!

At the end of our conversation, Norm decides that we're the company he wants to spend his money with. This is of course, after I tell him that "we get our flowers in EVERY day. Our clients are #1. We strive to excede your expectations and provide a fantastic and friendly service."

I do hope, that if you decide to order flowers for delivery or even pick up, that you'll give us a chance?! After all, our clients are #1 in our book and we will always strive to excede your expectations, plus, you'd be supporting a local business here in Seattle.

Did you know *this* about your local flower shop?

So, after a huge shipment of flowers came in on Wednesday, it got me thinking...

Did you know that our flower shop gets fresh flowers in almost EVERY day? It's true! And it's hard work. If you're an independent flower shop (like we are), you find yourself doing it all. From designing gorgeous floral bouquets to cleaning buckets, to answering phones to cleaning flowers. It's important that when we get these gorgous flowers in, that they get treated properly. Clean, warm water (that helps hydrate them), clean buckets for display, cleaning the leaves from stems and cutting. So, don't be surprised if you come in and see me walking around with my knife...I'm just a busy bee!

Did you know that during the summertime, a lot of our flowers are locally grown? It's true! We just received some gorgeous dahlias, zinnias and sunflowers. You should come check them out!

Did you know that we are locally owned and operated? It's true. The owners are a lovely couple that I get to work with every day. Their goal for your local flower shop is to carry the best selection of flowers and make them available to you. We all work very hard to make sure our customers know that they matter. You matter. Thank you for your business.

Did you know that we deliver to Bellevue, Kirkland, South Seattle, downtown Seattle, West Seattle and more? It's true! Place an order for delivery to Microsoft, we can do that too! Even North Seattle, some of Lynnwood, Bothell, etc.

Did you know that you can order online? Yep, right here. You can feel good about ordering online 24/7 and supporting a local floral family.

Just a few things you may have never known about your local flower shop. You can also follow us on facebook and twitter!

Gay Pride Weekend in Cap Hill

It started out cool and dreary in Cap Hill on Saturday (26th), but don't let that fool you. The colors are flying bright down on Broadway for Pride Weekend. Music, Food, Clothes...fun, it's all there. I feel so left out as we are up on 15th Ave..seems Broadway gets all the action. But, we will always be supporters of the cause...come check out our rainbow of flowers.

From hydrangea to lilies, roses to gerbera daisies, snap dragons to september flower...we've got the goodies. Come pick up a bouquet to take to a bbq or to give to your love...You know you want to. We're on the corner of E Thomas and 15th Ave E..can't miss all the flowers out front!

Or call me to make a delivery: 206-325-5068

Capitol Hill Flowers

Hello everyone! We are Capitol Hill Flowers located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle on 15th Ave E. Just a little bit about us: We get fresh flowers in every other day, direct from the grower (that ensure's that they're super fresh)..we're talkin' flowers such as Roses, Hydrangea, Tropicals, Oriental lilies, Asiatic Lilies, Sunflowers, just to name a few.

We also deliver to Seattle Metro and the Greater Seattle Area such as Seattle, Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Bothell, Kenmore, Bellevue, Medina, Clyde Hill, Mercer Island, Kirkland, etc......

Did I mention that we also carry chocolates, plants (mostly indoor), glassware, stuffed animals, and balloons. We also fit EVERY budget.

We're locally owned and operated by a fantastic couple. Your designers are Mimi (25 + yrs experience), Heather (15 + yrs experience) and Sherelle (5 yrs experience). We'd love to hear from you..call us at 206-325-5068 or stop by: 300 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112.