What's in a tag?

[Pantsonfire]

When looking at a bunch of plants at a store, I only recognize some of the different trade names.

What else should I be looking for on the tag? Like the initials "FCC/AOS" or"AQ/AOS", Etc. I understand what the initials mean. Are these just better financed varieties, or is everything else "mutts", that end up at Home Depot instead of the Westminster Dog Show?
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Heck, I have no shame. I'll buy a $3 NOID off the clearance shelf. (But I'll have you know, I do extend the pinkie finger when drinking a can of Pepsi.)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The initials are tagged on awarded plants. They are given at shows with certain orchid organizations' approvals.

They're given for many factors such as symmetry of the flowers, color, etc.

They may be priced higher because of the award the plant received. If the awarded plant is put into production, you're receiving a clone of it.

Esseentially Phal equestris is the same as Phal equestris FCC/AOS, but the awarded one may have more symmetrical flowers or slightly bigger and more symmetrical shaped leaves.

[cb977]

It's always nice to find an actual name on the tag. For instance, you might see Phal Join Diamond or Den Burana Beauty. With a name, it's easier to find out the parentage of the plant and if you were interested in placing your plant in a show for judging, it would need to have a name.