What started as a cottage industry, Internet floristry is now big bucks and the company entered a highly competitive maturing market. So what is the secret to their success? Simon Parkhouse MD at thanks-a-bunch believes that "We have an excellent product to offer the market combined with an efficient supply chain and ordering process. This means that we can keep overheads to a minimum. We also like to think we go that extra mile to keep our customers happy, we have one of the highest returning customer rates in the online florist industry"

Thanks-a-bunch have recently moved into the hamper delivery market as well, providing a sales channel for their local Farmers Market. "This ensures we have the highest quality local produce straight from the Farm" says James Fisher hamper manager at Thanks a bunch. "We have excellent relationships with our farmers and believe in paying a fair price for a fair product"

A stroll around the thanks-a-bunch office is a strangely calming experience. There is none of the usual creaking and groaning of a rapidly expanding business struggling to fulfil its bulging order book. "No we've managed to off load some of that!" laughs Simon, "Our suppliers have that task ? we like to concentrate on providing top quality customer service, and a pleasant online shopping experience. Once the customer has placed the order it is automatically transferred to our suppliers, who make up the order and send it straight out to the customer".

Organic growth

The growth in the organic produce market is reflected in the hamper delivery business. "We've seen a large rise in interest in our organic range," says James. Which is good news, it means people are really thinking about the quality of the food they are eating and where it comes from"

Learning food and flower facts

In a constant effort to improve their customer's shopping experience and product knowledge the company recently launched an online forum. It offers valuable information and resources to the customer allowing them interact directly with suppliers.

Future Developments

The company intends to increase its product range. "We are having a look at the organic flower market at the moment, with a view to getting a wholly organic fresh cut flower range on sale in the next 3 months"