Florists, Enough is Enough: The Truth About Freebies and How to Make Collaborations Work for You
There’s something we’ve heard time and time again from florists: the casual, throwaway story that sounds more like a comedy sketch than a business interaction.
"A local event asked if I could supply a few bouquets... for free." "An influencer messaged saying they'd tag me if I provided flowers for their shoot." "A big-name brand wanted me to run a workshop... but they didn’t have a budget."
Sound familiar?
It’s become so normalised that we hardly blink. But let us say this clearly:
Florists, enough is enough.
We have to stop normalising being asked to work for free.
Not for a tag on Instagram. Not for "exposure." Not because it’s a "great opportunity."
Because here’s the reality: No one is asking their plumber to collaborate on fixing a leak in exchange for a shoutout. No one is asking their accountant to file their taxes for "experience."
So why is it acceptable in floristry?
Just this month, a florist we work with was approached by a nationally recognised (and widely loved) organisation. They wanted her to deliver a flower care workshop for their team. But pay her? Nope. They wanted it for free.
We get it. The name was tempting. The chance to be associated with a well-known brand was appealing.
But here’s the thing: collaborations only work when they’re mutually beneficial.
Before You Say Yes, Ask Yourself:
Have I costed it up? Consider your time, materials, delivery, set-up, travel and your mark-up. Treat it like any other job.
What are they offering in return? Is it genuinely valuable to your business?
Will it help you grow? Will it lead to sales, new customers, meaningful visibility?
If you’re not getting paid, or being offered something of equal value, the answer is a simple one: no.
When "Exposure" Isn’t Enough
We’re all for working with influencers or local creatives. But do your homework.
Is their audience your audience? If they’re national and you only deliver locally, it’s might not be a fit.
What reach have their previous collaborations achieved? Ask for examples.
What exactly are they offering? Is it a tag? A collaborative post? Newsletter inclusion?
Be bold enough to say:
“Here’s what I’d need in return to make this worthwhile.”
This could include:
A fee for your time, labour, product and delivery – even if it’s discounted
A collaborative Instagram post (not just a tag) on both feeds and stories
A dedicated slot in their next email newsletter
Full credit and website link in all promotional materials and press releases
A blog post featuring your business on their site
Flyers distributed to all customers /attendees/staff
A testimonial or review you can use across your marketing
Professional photography or video content you can repurpose
You’re a business. They’re a business. Ask for what you need.
Your Work Has Value
Flowers have value. Your time has value. Your creativity, your skill, your reputation – all of it is worth something.
And the more you believe that, the more others will start to.
So the next time you get a cheeky DM or an email promising exposure? Remember this:
You are not obligated.
You do not have to work for free.
You are allowed to ask for more.
Want to Make Collaborations Work for You?
If the partnership is something you’re open to, here are some smart steps to protect your business:
Cost It Out: Always work out your true cost first.
Get It in Writing: Agree on terms, expectations, and deliverables.
Set a Goal: What do you want from this collab?
Measure Results: Track what the collaboration brings – and learn from it.
Over to You
Have you had a cheeky freebie request lately or perhaps you’ve managed to turn a freebie request into a win-win collab? Drop us a DM @we_are_queenbee and tell us about it so we can start to call this behaviour out and learn from best practice!