A container return program allows your flower shop to reclaim vases and containers that would otherwise end up in landfills. While implementing such a program requires some investment in time and resources, the benefits include reduced costs, environmental impact, and increased customer engagement. This guide presents multiple approaches or pathways to creating a successful program that fits your specific business model and resources.

The most important part - be sure to use the returned containers. Only save the containers your staff will actually utilize. Display them in an easy to see and reach area and be consistent with encouraging your staff to use them. I recommend setting guidelines for how long a container can sit on the “return” shelf before it moves to the recycling bin to avoid a build up of clutter.

Pathway 1: Basic Collection Program

Best for: Florists with limited space and staff resources

Implementation Steps:

1. Designate a collection area - Set aside a small space near your entrance for vase drop-offs.
2. Create clear signage - Post signs explaining what you accept (and don't accept).
3. Etablish a cleaning protocol - Determine when and how containers will be sanitized.
4. Implement a sorting system - Sort by type, size, or condition.
5. Set inventory limits - Decide maximum quantities to avoid overflow.

Customer Incentive: Primarily environmental responsibility and decluttering benefit.

Pro Tip: Schedule monthly "cleaning days" where team members process accumulated containers rather than trying to process each one as it arrives.

Pathway 2: Tiered Incentive Program

Best for: Shops with established customer loyalty programs. You could also create a “punch card” system to utilize this pathway.

Implementation Steps:

1. Create a tiered value system - Assign point values to different container types.

• Basic glass vase: 1 point
• Specialty containers: 2-5 points based on resale value
• Premium containers: 5-10 points

2. Establish redemption options:

• 10 points: Single-stem flower
• 25 points: Small mixed bouquet
• 50 points: $10 store credit

3. Track with customer loyalty software or simple punch cards.

4. Set quality standards - Only provide points for clean, undamaged containers.

Customer Incentive: Tangible rewards for regular participation.

Marketing Tip: Feature returned containers in a "Green Design" section of your display cooler with slightly discounted arrangements.

Pathway 3: Community Partnership Model

Best for: Florists seeking to enhance community relations and distribute workload

Implementation Steps:

1. Partner with community organizations - Schools, senior centers, or nonprofits can help collect and process containers.

2. Create a donation structure - Offer to donate flowers periodically to organizations that collect and clean containers.

3. Develop educational workshops - Host sessions on sustainable floristry for partner organizations.

4. Design a pickup schedule - Regular pickups from partner locations.

5. Create branded collection bins - Place at partner locations.

Customer Incentive: Supporting local community organizations while being environmentally responsible.

Pro Tip: Feature partner organizations in your marketing to strengthen relationships and build community goodwill.

Pathway 4: Premium Container Exchange

Best for: Florists with valuable, reusable containers. This can be implemented as part of a subscription plan as well.

Implementation Steps:

1. Design a container deposit system - Add a refundable deposit to premium containers.

2. Create branded, signature containers - Develop containers that customers recognize as part of your exchange program.

3. Include return instructions with every arrangement.

4. Track containers with simple codes or tags.

5. Offer a return-by-delivery option - Collect containers when making new deliveries.

Customer Incentive: Financial deposit returns plus convenience.

Pro Tip: Design your signature containers to be items customers might want to keep, but make returning them attractive enough that most will choose the return option.

Operational Considerations

Space Management

• Designate specific storage areas based on container type
• Implement a "first in, first out" system and set maximum quantities for each container type
• Conduct regular inventory reviews to prevent accumulation

Staff Training

• Train all staff members on acceptance criteria
• Create a quick reference guide for common container types
• Develop scripts for explaining the program to customers
• Assign specific responsibilities to team member

Promoting Your Program

In-Store Marketing

• Entrance signage or counter cards highlighting the program
• Display showcasing "before and after" of repurposed containers
• Staff mention program during checkout

Digital Marketing

• Feature program on your website with clear instructions
• Create social media posts showcasing impact statistics
• Send email reminders after major holidays
• Share "success stories" of particularly interesting container reuse

Partnerships

• Collaborate with local environmental groups
• Work with event venues to retrieve wedding and event containers
• Connect with corporate offices, hospitals or care facilities that regularly receive arrangements
• Partner with funeral homes to collect sympathy arrangement containers

Sympathy-Specific Considerations

Funeral and sympathy work presents unique opportunities and challenges for container return programs:

• Collaborate with funeral directors to collect containers after services
• Provide gentle reminder cards with sympathy arrangements about container return options
• Create a "Second Life" program where a portion of the value of returned sympathy containers fund arrangements for hospice patients

Intentionally buy specific sympathy containers that are dignified but easily reusable.