The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Mayhem with Marlin: Christmas Installs 101 — Pricing, Process & Profit

Episode 307

Episode 307: Lori and Vonda welcome friend and designer, Marlin Hargrove AIFD, for a masterclass in holiday home installs—equal parts sparkle and straight talk. From landing residential vs. commercial clients to deciding when to use a client’s décor vs. curating a full package, Marlin breaks down the real-world workflow: consult questions that matter, tree-lighting strategy, toppers (crowns or subtle?), staffing smartly (lighters, designers, fluffers), and building half-day/full-day rate structures that actually pay. You’ll hear clever marketing moves (neighborhood targeting, blogger partnerships, mailbox-friendly outreach), why take-down is gold for next year’s bookings, and how timing (Thanksgiving to New Year’s) drives your calendar and fees. It’s candid, practical, and a little bit hilarious—yes, including “save-the-marriage” tree installs.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist