E-commerce
As Wallander said on winning
the Dragon’s Den prize: “Our
commitments are - and always will
be – to support the independent
florists. Through this partnership we
will produce world-class products,
ensuring that our customers
always receive the freshest flowers,
uniquely arranged with skill and
care by a career florist and NEVER
from a production line in a faceless
warehouse.”
“By no longer providing a national catalogue, but instead
allowing vendors to show their best products at the best prices, in
real-time and being able to deliver within a very short time due
to their geo-location, relative to the customer. So we moved from
a pure online retailer to a marketplace where the vendors and
clients drive the range, price and delivery,” he explains.
It’s a fact indeed, that while larger organisations quickly capitalise
on the technological revolution, traditional small businesses and
upstart entrepreneurs are struggling to keep afloat. With the
correct business models, they could be the greatest beneficiaries
from the Internet’s empowering influence.
It’s wonderful that Wallander doesn’t intend ever taking the focus
of the business off the “heart and soul” approach coupled with
excellent technology that makes community businesspeople so
loved and respected, and, undoubtedly, makes SA Florist such a
dazzling success. After all, consumers in this day and age want
excellent products but want to feel good in a socially responsible
sense about what they buy.
Nicholas Wallander
Still in the early stages of transformation, traditional business
owners don’t always comprehend the opportunities the Internet
has unleashed. Many more technological innovations and
enabling capabilities like marketplace platforms are likely to
emerge, whilst the ability to connect everyone and engage them
more deeply will continue to grow exponentially.
Wallander says they are looking to expand into other business
arenas now and looking at international opportunities. They feel
the Dragon’s Den’s investment boosted their capital and brought
the Dragon’s unique time and energy into the business too.
The influence and involvemen