Bloomnet ?

[NavyBrat]

He said he's interested only in the florist to florist business. Since Bloomnet's rates and rebates are much more appealling than TF/FTD it's only good business to investigate. As above, he's not interested in HQ orders.

Ryan

Bloomnet, Bloomlink, 1-800 flowers...it's all the same thing...the biggest OG out there! Florist to florist? NOT! How can it be florist to florist when 1-800 is in the middle? I was one of the the charter members of 1-800-flowers, back in the beginning of time, before McCann had the fantastic insight to purchase the 1-800 number. Best move I ever made was finally dumping them! The final straw was when they insisted I send a minimum of 20 orders through them monthly or pay a fee for non-compliance. Their rates increased continually, they insisted I purchase their products, fill their orders as shown on their website for ridiculous prices which included no delivery. Yes, they pocket the delivery. Simply...OUTRAGEOUS! I employed at least one extra designer on an every day basis to fill their orders and another driver to deliver. On holidays...forget about any profits you'll make filling your own orders, because all those profits will be eaten away by the flowers, containers, staffing you need just to fill their orders! PLEASE! I am just beginning to recover financially after years and years of filling these orders. Surely, there's a better way to do "florist to florist" business.

 

[NavyBrat]

I know most of the florist on here just want to laugh at me or yell at me for defending Bloomnet, but I have had them for a year now and really like them. I haven't the big fees that my florist friends pay with FTD, I can order product IF I WANT (not forced) and it is pretty good quality, even the fresh. I carry only a small amount of the codified containers but there are cute and I can sell them in shop as well.

NOW the one bad thing is they often do not include enough money for delivery once you have subtracted the cost of flowers, the container and the wire service, but I have been pleased with them granting me price changes when I ask for them. We are the only shop in my county with Bloomnet, but the counties to the north and south have 2 Bloomnet shops in each of them. I was told by my rep that they will never put more than 3 in a county. I was called by telefloral last month asking for me to join them, I asked how many shops in my town had them and how many orders they sent that shop, it was 1/3 what I get from Bloomnet and if I were to join them, I would be splitting that with the other shop in town. NOT!!!

So say what you will, I get a check EVERY month from them not like most shops having to write a check to the wire company.

I believe we have discussed this before, but I can tell you that you are absolutely, positively NOT making money filling these orders. Just because you receive a check, does not mean you are profiting. CHR (Cathy) posted a great tool on FC Free WS profit To Overhead Calculator: http://www.flowerchat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4289
I urge you to see for yourself and post your results.
I WRITE a check to TF every month and I know for a fact that I am making money on SENDING My shop is a top 1,000 Teleflora sending florist and that is where the money is...not receiving orders. If we weren't such a big sending shop, I would drop TF too. If a better solution comes along where I can transmit the orders quickly and efficiently, I'd be thrilled to leave TF. Just waiting for the day. At least I had the sense years ago to realize that a shop does not need more than one wire service. Can't even remember the year I dumped FTD and all my florist buddies in NJ were appalled...years later they saw the light and most of these shops have only one wire service now.

 

[Eric S]

No one is going to yell at you. If anything I want to share my experience with as many people. There is a better way to do business and thats the word that I am trying to get out there.

I can throw the numbers out and try to explain it over and over. Its not going to change your mind you have to figure that out on your own.

All it took was one post from Toto and you know what I am still in business and thats the real deal..

 

[NavyBrat]

All it took was one post from Toto and you know what I am still in business and thats the real deal..

Eric,

Now i'm intrigued...care to share that post from TOTO?

 

[goldfish]

Opinons on membership in Bloomnet would be appreciated. Have been approached for membership.

If you expect your store to be primarily an order-sending florist, TF/FTD might be a more attractive choice, because they still have more florists as their members as far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong).

If you are primarily a filling florist, Bloomnet can be a less undesirable alternative to FTD/TF. In our experience, it is very difficult to make a net profit just by filling incoming orders, since they are essentially discount orders. To break even with these discount orders, you would have to fill a fairly large number of orders; in our case, at least ~100 orders a month.

So the most critical factor is whether or not your store will have some kind exclusivity with Bloomnet in your delivery area. If you do, you might be able to achieve a teeeeeneeee bit of profitability by filling TONs of incoming orders. Actually, that's how the previous owner of our store was running the business... and you know what, she got tired of it and decided to sell. So here we are, trying to clean up the mess she left.

Wire-services are addictive, that's the problem. Once addicted (or "trapped" shall I say), some florists just stop working on local promotion, marketing, design improvement, new-product development, all those retail fundamentals that are vital for long-term survival. That's my opinion.

 

[Eric S]

Wire-services are addictive, that's the problem. Once addicted (or "trapped" shall I say), some florists just stop working on local promotion, marketing, design improvement, new-product development, all those retail fundamentals that are vital for long-term survival. That's my opinion.

You are so correct and thats the point that needs to be made.

Navybrat its been a long time since that post. It was just something that was said that made me really think of where I wanted to go with our business.

Yesterday my wife came up with an idea and today we made a very big purchase of some product and my wife spent the night creating new arrangements for the website with it and now I am taken the pictures of the arrangements and I will go home put them up on the website and tomarrow we will start promoting this product. That is the one thing that makes running this business fun and profitable. It sets us apart from everyone else and thats what makes this industry the way it should be.

By the way the product was Lilac and I know that you wouldn't see that in any wire service product.

 

[BOSS]

Time out folks....

All I said was that I was meeting with them!!! Did not say I was signing on the dotted line...

A few things to consider....If you get a check from the WS you have it backwards...much better to have to send them the check...

Another thing is, Doug Parks is a personaly friend of mine and I'm looking forward to seeing him again and getting information straight eliminating some of the hear-say floating about...oh and not to forget the *free lunch*:thumbsup

I agree that 800Flowers is somewhat of an OG, however they do not claim to be someone or some place they are not, like the D'OG's that I have formed my battle cry against.

Far as I know, 800F has a better rate for both membership and other things than I currently have with FTD, whom I am looking at removing from my future plans, based on their current unwillingness to correct the many issues they allow the D'OG's to get away with.

As to the Florist to Florist part, I have been told that I can utalize their network of 10,000 florists to transmit my orders, their goal is for a total florist base of about 12,000, and that it's only Bloomnet members (or someone) that when you sign up for a specific deal you are required to accept "company orders" and that you can set your minimums to what you need.

Like I have said numerous times at this point in time, for my business to succeed and prosper I need an order transmission platform that will allow me to operate in a streamlined profitable manner, and calling out orders is not an option. Now if you all would be so kind as to go on MAS Direct then we could have something....

Mothers Day is fast approaching, once past look for some interesting developements over the summer. There are many options that are beginning to present themselves, all of which would/will benifit RealFlorists...well at least those willing to look at things in a new way...

Prosperous Mothers Day blessings on you all....GO MAKE MONEY!

 

[NavyBrat]

Mark,

I respect your judgment and hope you will post your evaluations after your meeting. I'm always willing to look at things in "a new way". I also need an order transmission service that is speedy and efficient due to the volume of orders we send. Our customer still want us to provide that service. I only wish I had done more investigating before purchasing Daisy...I could have gone MAS.

Wishing you and everyone at FC a successful Mother's Day!

 

[Jerry]

I really enjoyed reading this thread.

In our area, of the 4 Bloomnet florists that I know of. 3 are hard pressed to even pay their flower bill, and they are COD only, let alone pay their help, rent, etc........ The 4th is the largest, and buys all the left over product out the back door of the wholesaler.

I guess if I were thinking of joining for F2F or to be any part of that system(and I'm not). Just knowing the florists in my area and the shape their in, I would have to wonder what kind of arrangement my customer would be recieving.

I've always kept up on what is going on in my area, asking, listening, watching. And my conclusion is, when a florist signs up with Bloomnet, they are wanting more incoming orders. The shops mentioned, were not doing well before they signed up. We all know incoming will only make their bottom line, bottom out even faster. So again, what kind of quality can you expect from a florist that is grasping for air to keep their shop open? Discount after discount does not keep the ball rolling.

My spin on Bloomnet.

 

[Luc]

Why would you even consider going with bloomnet?
Isnt bloomnet 1-800 flowers.
I also got a visit last year and decide NOT TO GO WITH THEM.
For several reasons:
1. I HAVE TO FILL THEIR ORDERS cheap orders no matter what.
2. In discussions on this board we talked and talked on going with one wire service. Why have 2 when we all know it is more profitable going with one wire service.
3. Sure it is cheaper, but eventually it may get more expensive when there is people hooked on it.
4. Mark you dont fill for ftd.com, why would you fill for 1-800 flowers your competitor>
I just don't understand anymore....
It seems we a florist makes progress, they want to step backward.
If I was in your shoe, my answer is NO...
THey always make it look rosey on the other side but they forget to give you details.
Luc

 

[Rhonda]

Having had dealings this past week with 800Flowers

I kind of have to say that their Customer Service-both filling florist wise and consumer wise-leaves a lot to be desired.
I have an order sitting in front of me right now that we filled for them (at a great price I must say and now I know why) and I'm very concerned after it is delivered that I will get a call from the recipient, here's why-
The order is for a dozen roses delivered in a rural area- sent it to us for $69.99, I asked for $9.99 more for delivery and requested phone numbers (none was included on the order) to call first to make sure someone was home. The recipient that I talked to just a little bit ago is an elderly woman-well over 70. The card reads: (and is shown exactly as on the order)
with all my life baby with all my li fe baby with all my
life
baby michael dada
I was concerned after speaking with the recipient so I called 800 to find out more on the card and/or sender. When the 1st dip s**t answered and I couldn't understand a word she was saying but finally I gave her the order number, she says "hold on, I'll transfer you"..and does to ...QVC!!
Finally after listening to all the menu items, I hold and get a "customer representative" to whom I try to explain what is going on. She tells me "We are associated with 800Flowers?? Let me get a supervisor" She does and comes back to tell me they can get no information on the order that came from their website through the portal to 800Flowers for fulfillment. I have to provide them the senders credit card number in order for them to try to pull up the order. This is one of the most frustrating things I have had to do. If the dear old lady calls me and wants to know what this is all about...I'm giving her 800Flowers number and they can try to explain what it was all about.

 

[Bigted]

Rhonda

Reject the order and save yourself a lot of heartache--or should I say headache?

 

[BOSS]

4. Mark you dont fill for ftd.com, why would you fill for 1-800 flowers your competitor>

Re-read my original thoughts Luc... you do NOT have to accept "company Orders" amd I'M JUST LOOKING...wanting the info direct from the horses mouth...

 

[fairfield]

I was told that I could be a sending only shop for $20 per month (membership fees are based on the number of orders received and $20 is minimum). I could send 25-40 orders a month from walk-in alone (a good number for this area). At that rate (20 or more) I would get $5 per order rebate.

Sounds like a money making prospect to me.

If I choose to receive orders I can:

1. Opt-in for 800flowers orders at 71% plus order fees
2. Cherry pick F2F orders at 73% plus order fees

It's all good!

 

[fairfield]

I should probably say that I will not be signing up with bloomnet. As good as it sounds, they are in the business to make money. 800flowers makes money from customer purchases. Bloomnet makes money from the florist. I can't afford to have another company making money off our hard work. We are focusing on US making money off our hard work. Wire services are like credit cards. When one becomes too expensive, switch. They'll always take you back and they'll price match. For awhile... Then... Switch.

No thanks. I'll let others play games. Not complaining, just explaining. Maybe it will work for you. There is money to be made!

Jason

 

[Dazeal]

Ken, let's see. Hmmm well they compete against you/us and the floral industry as we know it. Supporting 800flowers or FTD is like shooting brick and mortars in the foot and a slap in the face.

I can show empathy for those who were grandfathered into FTD before they went bad, but to join FTD or 800flowers at a time like this, knowing what you know is not ethical to our brothers and sisters of our struggling industry in my opinion.

There are other options that are PRO brick and mortar. Whose side are you on? You gunna put money in their pockets to build filling stations in the near future in your home town?

 

[Dazeal]

I was concerned after speaking with the recipient so I called 800 to find out more on the card and/or sender. When the 1st dip s**t answered and I couldn't understand a word she was saying but finally I gave her the order number, she says "hold on, I'll transfer you"..and does to ...QVC!!

The same company that owns QVC owns Proflowers. I bet you got a call center and they messed it up.

 

[Buzz]

I have to tell you, Bloomnet/800flowers will be the last wire service I would ever use again. Coincidentally I was just approached by them today as they wanted to recruit me for the 2nd time. We dropped them about 2 years ago for numerous reasons. When they asked why we were not interested we were more than happy to express our opinions. It was impossible for us to make money with them. They consistently sent low $ orders. At the beginning we were asked if we could handle 10-15 orders per day. Of course we said yes. However this quickly dwindled to 2-3 orders per week as they continued to add more fullfilment centers in our area. The only orders we would recieve are orders that came in just before the same day delivery deadline (they didn't want to send another truck out) so they just sent the order to us. Or, deliveries that they could not find the address of (we are in a rapidly growing suberb of Denver) even the best mapping software does not show all of the new streets. Their customer service was very weak. The error rate of the orders (wrong names, addresses, etc.) was extremely high. It just so happens I have a little inside information on this one! 800flowers outsources their phone reps through a company called Alpine Access, located in Golden Colorado. This particular company happens to utilize "work at home" reps. They have an internet based system that literally allows their representatives to work from the basements of their homes with almost no supervision. OK, if you call a yahoo chat room supervision then I guess that counts because that is how most of their phone reps are supervised. I happen to know that this company struggles to keep quality reps on the program especially during peak seasons, mother's day, valentine's etc. I have seen this 1st hand as I have a close relative who worked on this program. Now, this is where the consumer should actually be afraid of this company. We all know that Identity Theft is now the fastest growing white collar crime of this century. Do you really think that the average consumer would be calling 800 flowers if they knew they were giving their name, address, & credit card information to some rep working in the privace of his own home with little or no supervision. The only reason I could understand anyone wanting to use this company is if your need to get your name out in your neighborhood. Then I suppose you might view 800 flowers as an advertising expense. WEW! Thanks for letting me vent on this one!

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

My handy dandy rep called back yesterday to see what our decision was...
I told him that for the $$ to join, to pay monthly, to discount our orders, we decided to put that $ into our business to market our own name with promotions and fresh flower advertising. That now that customers were starting to remember us, we really wanted to build our own name in our community, and a new wire service really wouldn't offer that for us. "Well it sure would help you get your product in front of your customers ... you mean you don't want to have incoming orders?" I said no, I do want incoming orders, but want them to come directly to us, from people in our town, and that toward that end, we were going to aggressively market our own name, not a wire service.
The conversation was short & sweet, didn't have the time to go into details with him as we were working on getting a 21 pc party out, a huge wedding for the weekend, paperwork for two bridal consultation finish-ups coming in over the next two days, mother's day prep, training a new employee ... all that just made me realize that it will come, without 800flowers. It already is.
tracy

 

[BOSS]

To give a little perspective

To give a little perspective to people comments, I have added a PRIVATE poll to this thread.

I do appreciate everyones comments, and thoughts on this subject. It's interesting to see some say

there is money to be made

but that they won;t be utalizing the service. Kind of strikes me as odd.

Also interesting to see is that some folks still base the value of a "service" on the volume of INcoming orders they receive, when we all know (or should) that the real, the easy money is on the sending side.

Our community represents a very good cross section of the industry, sending shops, filling shops, small, medium and large operations. What works well for one may not even apply to another. We must keep in mind when reading folks comments that they are the ones that know their personal sittuation best and can best judge what is best for their business.

We must also keep in mind that many of us, must utalize "services" of other companies to operate in an efficient, profitable manner in the short term, until there is a viable long term soloution. This I can personally attest to, and can say that one will happen, and in the nearer rather than distant future.

Please take the time to vote...I think it will give us all a better perspective.