The first problem was that the holiday falls in winter, which can be the worst season for buying flowers. Add to that the huge demand that occurs on February 14, along with a depleted supply from the frenzied Christmas holiday six weeks before, and you get really expensive flowers. But for many buyers, still a relatively high percentage being the male of the species, this is a status symbol. Paying an exorbitant price for a dozen roses and having them delivered to her office on Valentine's day is considered a coup of the highest order. The relationship points awarded for this effort are great.
There is not enough space here to tell you all of the horror stories I experienced while working this dreaded holiday. I had things thrown at me and I was called names even I, with my sailor's mouth, would not use. I had people offer me bribes, beg, cajole, and threaten me while trying to get an order delivered by a certain time on the day. This holiday seems to bring out the worst in people, all in the name of love. Go figure.
Nowadays, I am working a different job. The slower pace of an online store is a real change for me. Granted, I still sell jewelry and that is another item that is much in demand for Valentine's Day. But because I don't sell high end items like diamonds and such, my sales tend to be quite a bit less. I was actually busier at Christmas.
So while I sometimes miss my old life in the flower shop, it is holidays like this one that make me happy I chose another direction for my creativity. Check out my shops to see unusual designs for the upcoming holiday or for any day.
http://www.mymysticgems.etsy.com
http://www.mymysticgems.artfire.com
