SFLSOP201A
Source information on floristry products and services

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source and apply fundamental details about the floristry industry and the various products it sells. It requires the ability to identify appropriate information sources and to research, develop and maintain a product knowledge base.The related function of researching and interpreting specific details about flower and plant materials is covered in:SFLSOP202A Recognise flower and plant materials.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit describes a key workplace skill for all people working in the floristry industry. They require a broad knowledge of the industry and essential product knowledge that supports many sales and operational work activities. It applies to the full range of industry sectors and environments; the floristry business could be a retail, studio or online business.

All personnel at all levels would apply this skill and it applies to a diverse range of people such as retail floristry personnel, telephone sales agents, e-business sales personnel, studio florists, floral designers, florists involved in corporate or special events and owner-operators of small floristry businesses.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify and access information about the floristry industry.

1.1. Identify the sales or operational need for industry and product information and clarify with the help of relevant personnel.

1.2. Identify sources ofinformation to obtain information on the floristry industry.

1.3. Access informationabout the industry from sources and select according to the identified need.

2. Source and comprehend information on floristry products.

2.1. Use a range of methods to obtain information on products and services frequently sold by the floristry industry including those for events and special occasions and ancillary merchandise.

2.2. Read and interpret specificproduct information to further develop product knowledge.

2.3. Comprehend the features of the particular floristry product range of the business and apply this in day to day activities.

2.4. Obtain information on suppliers of floristry materials and apply this in day to day activities.

2.5. Record and store information for future use according to the organisation's systems.

3. Update personal and organisational knowledge of floristry products.

3.1. Obtain information to continuously update knowledge of floristry products and services.

3.2. Seek feedback from colleagues and customers on experience with floristry products.

3.3. Share updated information with colleagues according to the organisation's procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

research skills to identify, interpret and sort relevant information

communication skills including active listening and questioning to obtain information and to provide a verbal summary of information

literacy skills to read and comprehend the content of sometimes unfamiliar and detailed product information documents, including in-house and supplier product sheets or manuals

writing skills to summarise and record information in basic documents such as information sheets, portfolios and files.

Required knowledge

sources of general information on the floristry industry

sources of product information including industry, supplier and grower sources

key characteristics of the floristry industry, including structure andbusiness interrelationships

the existence and operational function of relay services, in particular those that apply to the business

the existence and main operational functions of industry and grower associations, supply and distribution organisations especially those with which the business has a relationship

the key characteristics of major categories of floristry products sold by the industry

the key features of products sold by the floristry industry including ancillary products and special occasion and event products and, in particular, the products and services sold by the organisation

the existence and basic aspects of state and territory laws and actions that must be adhered to by floristry businesses, in particular laws that cover:

environmental protection (this would include requirements that must be met by floristry businesses when sourcing and selling protected flowers)

consumer protection (this would include refund requirements that must be met by floristry businesses, terms and conditions of quotations and cancellation fees)

responsible service of alcohol

food safety.

different formats for recording product information.

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to obtain current, relevant and accurate information on the floristry industry and products sold by accessing a range of information sources and using different research methods

ability to relay knowledge of current information sources

ability to describe the key features of the floristry industry and products sold

ability to regularly source and use information on a variety offloristry products.To ensure consistency of performanceand ability to respond to different requirements, this should occur over a period of time and the information should be tailored to meet different sales and operational needs

completion of research activities within commercial time constraints and within any operational deadlines.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to information equipment such as computers, communication technology, printers, information programs and publications currently used in the floristry industry to source and store floristry related information

access to sources of product information such as reference books, sales brochures, product and service manuals, supplier information kits, electronic information sources, the Internet and information databases.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of information sourcing activities that are integrated with other activities such as organising a relay sale or delivery, selling, assembling or constructing floristry products

projects, case studies or work activities to assess ability to obtain current, accurate and relevant information for particular operational purposes

evaluation of documented sources of information and portfolios of product information prepared by the candidate to meet differing operational needs

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of the sources of information and the various key features of the floristry industry and its products

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBPUR301B Purchase goods and services

SFLDEC201A Assemble floristry products

SFLDEC302A Design floristry products

SFLSOP307A Sell floristry products

SFLSOP308A Prepare quotations for floristry products

SIRXINV002A Maintain and order stock

SIRXSLS001A Sell products and services.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sales or operationalneed may involve:

providing product information and advice to the customer

selling floristry products

organising a relay sale or delivery

designing suitable floristry products

assembling or constructing floristry products

purchasing or receiving and storing floristry stock

preparing quotations.

Relevant personnel may include:

colleagues

supervisors

managers

floral designers

studio designers

more experienced florists

owner-operators of a small floristry business

production managers.

Sources of information on the floristry industry may include:

the Internet or intranet

major suppliers to the floristry industry

major relay organisations or distributors

state and federal government authorities e.g. the Australian Quarantine Information Service (AQIS) and state or territory national parks and wildlife services

media

reference books

libraries

industry associations

grower associations

unions

industry journals or trade magazines

personal observation and experience

colleagues, supervisors and managers

industry contacts, mentors and advisors

professional development activities including:

product launches

promotional seminars

trade shows

workshops

conferences

demonstrations.

Information about the industry may include:

different floristry sectors or business types within the industry and their interrelationships

major industry, union and grower associations and their role

major relay or distribution organisations and their role

different industries to which the floristry industry supplies products or has a relationship with including:

tourism and hospitality

events

entertainment

retail

wholesale

horticulture

fashion

the relationship that the particular floristry business has with others

current and emerging industry technologies

current issues of concern to the floristry industry including:

proposed or changing legislation that may affect the floristry business

negative environmental impacts of producing floristry products especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use

emerging markets

effects of economic situations on consumer spending.

Range of methods to obtain information may involve:

informal discussions with colleagues

formal study and research

accessing and reading promotional information, including product brochures and updates

talking to trade and general media

attending professional development activities including:

product launches

promotional seminars

trade shows

workshops

conferences

demonstrations

direct contact with other organisations, including suppliers, industry associations, grower associations and distribution chains

attending floral festivals and competitions

accessing the Internet and intranet

personal on-site observation or exploration of parks, gardens, state forests and national parks

organising information from own memory and experiences

watching television, videos and films

listening to radio

reading newspapers, books and other references.

There is a broad range of products and servicesfrequently sold by the floristry industry including:

flowers including:

fresh (common, exotic and Australian wildflowers)

dry and preserved

artificial.

plant materials including:

fresh (common, exotic and Australian foliage)

dry and preserved

artificial

potted plants

fruit and vegetables.

horticulture products

display or stock items

cash and carry arrangements

custom-made products

services such as:

design consultancy

event styling

relay organisation

transportation and delivery

labour for management of on-site events or special occasions

on-site installation and disposal of floral displays

on-site maintenance of all floral displays throughout the life of an event or special occasion

large, small or themed corporate displays including components constructed off-site and assembled on-site for:

exhibition centres

ball rooms

restaurants and reception centres

theatres

galleries

hotels

government buildings

hospitals

corporate offices

marquees

gardens

cruise boats

churches or chapels.

Events and special occasions may include:

corporate events

balls and banquets

themed events

industry and other awards presentations

theatrical performances

trade shows

exhibitions

floral competitions

floral festivals

special occasions including:

weddings

parties e.g. birthdays and engagements

religious celebrations e.g. communions, bar mitzvahs

funerals.

Ancillary merchandise may include:

chocolates, fruit, nuts, alcohol

hampers

gift items of any type

novelties such as balloons and toys

flower preservatives and conditioning agents

presentation materials including:

wrapping

gift cards and message items.

Specific product information may be found in:

product labels

brochures

e-brochures

organisation-designed information systems, e.g. inventory control database, product and service manuals, price lists

supplier price lists

sales kits

supplier information kits

advertising flyers

manufacturer specifications.

Features of the particular floristry product range may include:

supply cost

usual mark-up

sale cost

cost of any specials

products subject to promotions

suppliers

seasonal availability

complementary products and services

appropriateness for special occasions or events

appropriateness of different products to meet different customer needs.

Suppliers of floristrymaterials may include:

flower and plant materials growers and wholesalers no matter where located:

locally

regionally

intra state

interstate

overseas

wholesale suppliers of:

presentation materials

wrapping and packaging materials

foodstuffs and alcohol

novelties and toys

horticultural items.

Storage of information may include:

card reference systems

files and notes on particular floristry products

files and notes on suppliers of various floristry products

computerised database of information

personal product preference manual.


Sectors

Unit sector

Floristry


Competency Field

Floristry Sales and Operations


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.