Advice On Dumping Tf

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ladyinc

New Member
Jan 20, 2008
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Alton Bay
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New Hampshire
OK....Here is my dilemma.

First, I already know that it would be a great decision...however....I need to know if anyone was paying lease payments on their POS when they did it and how did you handle it? or, Does anyone know the reprocussions?

Secondly,
If you run credit cards through your POS and use TF as your CC processor, then what do you do? Does anyone know of another CC Processing that can take over the Dove POS Program seamlessly?

I am so sick of their crap, that I want to tell them to come get their stuff and go back to my cash register and seperate CC box.

Hopefully I can gain some good advice from you good folks!! :hammer:
 
Been there done that

We dropped ftd 2 years ago, We had to find a ne POS system and the Payments on the eauiptment had to be completed. But we were thru as it sounds you are. We have found a software program called floristware, and while not perfect, it is working for us. We process our CC through a Merchant Service provider, and with the software we have to have an internet gateway account. But it can be done. best wishes mrflowermarket
 
I'm not a shop owner or anything but I do know Costco offers a lot of merchant services to small businesses. You might want to check them out.
 
I took over processing my credit cards from Teleflora and learned how to program my software myself... Really I got sick of talking to the inbred people at Teleflora tech support, so when I got someone knowledgable, I wrote down the instructions, step by step. Mine is Daisy POS, but I think the Dove is similar (at least that part of it). I would be more than happy to give it a shot with Dove. My advice is to switch your CC processor a few weeks prior to quitting...that way you don't have an interuption in the money hitting your bank account. Plus, most CC processors are so thrilled to get your business, they will walk you through the process. I also just quit and am going through the battle everyone warned about with the TF shark lawyers.
 
prestonway...sorry didn't realize Costco was a competitor. I know they sell flowers in bulk but I don't believe I've ever seen arrangements offered or what not. It was just a suggestion....no need for sarcasm.
 
aileen_c said:
prestonway...sorry didn't realize Costco was a competitor. I know they sell flowers in bulk but I don't believe I've ever seen arrangements offered or what not. It was just a suggestion....no need for sarcasm.
Click to expand...

No sarcasm...only fact.

Any business that sells flowers is your competition, whether it's loose flowers or arrangements. They are taking away from your potential sales.

As such, Costco is your competition, and it would be foolish to support their efforts.
 
Yet we clear our credit cards with FTD.
 
prestonway said:
No sarcasm...only fact.

Any business that sells flowers is your competition, whether it's loose flowers or arrangements. They are taking away from your potential sales.

As such, Costco is your competition, and it would be foolish to support their efforts.
Click to expand...
hmm... does purchasing cleaning supplies, ribbon, paper, gas, hot dogs, pizza, flat screens, gas, tires, produce, etc... count?
 
prestonway said:
No sarcasm...only fact.

Any business that sells flowers is your competition, whether it's loose flowers or arrangements. They are taking away from your potential sales.

As such, Costco is your competition, and it would be foolish to support their efforts.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't be able to go grocery shopping in my neighborhood if I did as you do... Even Target was advertising roses for Valentine's (they were at each register)!
 
We are doing the same thing. Anyone can take over your CC processing, but shop around prices vary. As far as your POS payments go we were told we will owe all the outstanding amount at the time of termination.
 
I have a friend that works for First Data Commercial services. They are one of the top 3 credit card processors. They also own Telechek and Star. If you are interested, PM me and I can provide you with her name and phone number. She is not limited to her home state and may be able to provide you with all the service you need at a great price!

Since they are the actual CC processor, you don't have the fees from the "middleman" like the banks, TF, FTD, etc.

They also can hook you up with a portable cc processor (if you do shows, etc), customized gift cards and can even put an ATM in your store (which I think you get some type of credit when it is used by your customers).

Be really careful when shopping for other cc processors. When we purchased our shop, we were supposed to have been grandfathered in to the previous owners contract. The cc company added another year (on top of the already 2 year contract) and had a clause that we could not cancel the contract under no circumstances. If we would have wanted to cancel, they would have charged us over $1200.00. We ended up going with another company and let them take their "fee" of $25.00 a month until the contract ran out. Then we sent a letter asking to cancel per their contract instructions. When we received no reply, we called and asked why no confirmation of cancellation. They informed us that yes they did indeed have the letter but we had to send it certified. So we sent another letter, certified and FINALLY got out of that contract.

The moral of the story is BE VERY CAREFUL!!!! The wire services are not the only company wanted to separate you from your money.
 
O.K., but...

hyfidel said:
I wouldn't be able to go grocery shopping in my neighborhood if I did as you do... Even Target was advertising roses for Valentine's (they were at each register)!
Click to expand...

LJVF said:
hmm... does purchasing cleaning supplies, ribbon, paper, gas, hot dogs, pizza, flat screens, gas, tires, produce, etc... count?
Click to expand...

Maybe it's just me.

My landlord owns a grocery store.

He has some of the best prices in town on many products.

There's only one problem.

He has a huge floral section.

...and no, I don't buy my groceries there, and have even threatened to sell turkeys at Thanksgiving since he likes competing with me so much.

But again, it's just an opinion...
 
A bit about all of these topics.

again we process our CC thru a really good Merchant Service Provider. In the last few months I have learned more about this (CC)industry that I ever wanted to know. I could divulge names in a PM but I don't think it's allowed in this public post?.?.?
Re: the whole COSTCO discussion. I've not darkened their doorstep nor have I frequented the WalMart or Sams companies for many years. These are the companies responsible for thousands of businesses closing up and leaving town. They are the worst thing to happen to Local economies in eons of time. I frequent my local independent stores for all of my needs. I shop my local grocer who only sells mums and ocassional potted plants We buy most of our groceries there. He has tried roses at v-day but I discouraged him and sales weren't all he expected so it works out. Costs me about 10-20% more, but I shop the sales and they are often better than the cost clubs. My cleaning supplies I buy from my locally owned independent cleaning supply co. Again may cost me a little more, but ya know what, My flowers cost a little more than the ones they sell at COSTCO. So I guess it's a trade-off. We buy our kids clothes, and our own from local clothing stores as much as we can. But We have not spent a dime in WalMart for years. They are the biggest enemy we have. and as soon as retailers understand that then there may be hope of a brighter day. I for one shop local as much as I can. :soapbox::soapbox::soapbox: best wishes mrflowermarket
 
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Flowerchatter03 said:
Be really careful when shopping for other cc processors. When we purchased our shop, we were supposed to have been grandfathered in to the previous owners contract. The cc company added another year (on top of the already 2 year contract) and had a clause that we could not cancel the contract under no circumstances. If we would have wanted to cancel, they would have charged us over $1200.00. We ended up going with another company and let them take their "fee" of $25.00 a month until the contract ran out. Then we sent a letter asking to cancel per their contract instructions. When we received no reply, we called and asked why no confirmation of cancellation. They informed us that yes they did indeed have the letter but we had to send it certified. So we sent another letter, certified and FINALLY got out of that contract.

The moral of the story is BE VERY CAREFUL!!!! The wire services are not the only company wanted to separate you from your money.
Click to expand...

I've found a few of these type of situations, expecially if it was the previous owners contract - they tell you they'll penalize you if you don't continue, what I mean to say is - ahhh bite me.

How would our customers do if we told them we were going to hold them to purchasing a service from us under legal threat.

I actually get a kick out of the few times I've gotten the chance to challenge companies like that.

mrflowermarket said:
Re: the whole COSTCO discussion. I've not darkened their doorstep nor have I frequented the WalMart or Sams companies for many years. They are the biggest enemy we have. and as soon as retailers understand that then there may be hope of a brighter day. I for one shop local as much as I can. :soapbox::soapbox::soapbox: best wishes mrflowermarket
Click to expand...

I love it and I concur completely.

I hate supporting Costco. And I'm very glad we have no Walmart in my city. Nearest one is 20 miles.
 
bloomz said:
I hate supporting Costco. And I'm very glad we have no Walmart in my city. Nearest one is 20 miles.
Click to expand...
I'm guilty. I just can't help it, Costco and Fry's are like Disneyland to me.
 
bloomz said:
I've found a few of these type of situations, expecially if it was the previous owners contract - they tell you they'll penalize you if you don't continue, what I mean to say is - ahhh bite me.
Click to expand...
bloomz said:
How would our customers do if we told them we were going to hold them to purchasing a service from us under legal threat.

I actually get a kick out of the few times I've gotten the chance to challenge companies like that.



I love it and I concur completely.

I hate supporting Costco. And I'm very glad we have no Walmart in my city. Nearest one is 20 miles.
Click to expand...


Pray they never come your way. It will be the end of the free market system as you know it.
 
ladyinc said:
OK....Here is my dilemma.

First, I already know that it would be a great decision...however....I need to know if anyone was paying lease payments on their POS when they did it and how did you handle it? or, Does anyone know the reprocussions?

Secondly,
If you run credit cards through your POS and use TF as your CC processor, then what do you do? Does anyone know of another CC Processing that can take over the Dove POS Program seamlessly?

I am so sick of their crap, that I want to tell them to come get their stuff and go back to my cash register and seperate CC box.

Hopefully I can gain some good advice from you good folks!! :hammer:
Click to expand...

We are in the same boat. Our eagle system was keeping us tied to Teleflora as well. But listen we tried processing through someone else and even though I managed to keep the whole thing working with Duck Tape it was not worth it.

Since September we have been processing with Teleflora Again. The savings are huge and more then enough to make it worth while to continue to be TF Members. What you need to do is take a look at your statement and run it like a business. I know shops that continue to advertise in multiple cities with red listings in the directory and I feel this is a big problem. If you want to fill orders just keep your city listing only. If you are tired of the small discounted orders then raise your min and make sure your listing your delivery fee.

If your not able to send enough out every month then I would talk to your rep about it. But if you have 20 orders a month to send then I really see no reason why you should get rid of Teleflora. You have an expensive POS system that you already have invested in and is probably almost paid for. It doesn’t make since to invest into another system that may take up to another five years to pay for when you haven't even had the time to use the original system that may be paid for real soon.

Myself I loss money on the products. So removing the codified products has helped keep the WS part of the business profitable. Processing credit cards through Teleflora I do not see anything out there that can compete especially when other processors nickel and dime you for corporate cards and stuff. When you send your orders out their is no processing credit card fees and that can translate into additional $35 to $75 worth of savings as well as your rebate checks. Spending additional money on trying to get more incoming orders is probably the worst business practice. If you feel you need to do this then call them up and say I want a deal to cover additional areas.

Look if anyone once some great advice on how to manage their wire service part of the business send me a Private Message or give me a call. I'll be more then happy to help. I really feel if we could figure out a way to remove the discounted orders from any one NETWORK we could really bring some quality back into sending and filling orders. The only way this can be done is through you and me. Filling orders from From You Flowers is not the answer and is the biggest problem. Stop discounting the orders that you send through the network. I explain to my customers what the min is and how much delivery is for any order that I send. I try to keep it as high as the min that expect from other florist and if my customers cannot match it and are looking for a way to save money then they are getting some direct numbers or website URLs to use.

It starts with all of us and we all can make a difference if we send quality orders and fill quality orders!!!
 
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