Image: Fairfield Flowers / Heidi Onos from Fairfield Flowers in Chilliwack.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Not paying in full

Chilliwack self-serve business reminds customers to pay in full

Jul 2, 2025 | 11:27 AM

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack florist is reminding customers to honour their obligations after recent instances in which customers took flowers from their self-serve stand but did not pay in full or just didn’t pay.

Heidi Onos from Fairfield Flowers wrote in a social media post Wednesday morning that the floral business has been on a honour system since day one, coming up on seven years now, but some people still shirk their responsibilities.

“Have we been stolen from or short-changed? Yes, and I find it incredibly offensive,” Onos said. “You’re on our property. Our cameras are excellent; I can practically read the fine print on your driver’s license when you open your wallet! We have your license plate, and if you show up in a stolen car, well, you wouldn’t be the first… I’ve even been attacked inside my shop.”

Onos says she won’t be hindered by the thefts.

“But does that deter me from making flowers available before and after hours? Absolutely not,” she said. “I know how many people smile because of our flowers, and the pandemic showed us all how important flowers are for our mental health. Mental health matters to us, too, so we continue to use the honor system on days we’re not in the shop. Truthfully, 9 times out of 10, we’re still here because running a farm-to-florist shop leaves no real days off.”

Road project in Chilliwack

Multi-use pathway project on Knight Road in Chilliwack to wrap up next month

1h ago

Business closure

Chilliwack poké franchises close

1h ago

Shots fired, cars burned: Surrey Police

Shots fired, cars burned: Surrey Police

16h ago

She’s simply asking customers to pay for flowers, just like they would at any other self-serve retail business.

“Please respect the honor system once it’s out,” Onos said. “We accept cash, e-transfer, or, if you’re a great chef, ‘dinner’ (haha)! When we’re in the shop, we always have change.”

Fairfield Flowers is located at 47409 Fairfield Road in Chilliwack. They provide hand-tied bouquets, wedding arrangements, and sympathy flowers. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 9-5 Wednesday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.