Amen. You can belong to a wire service and use them in a way that YOU make money. We haven't accepted orders from FTD.com or the various order gatherers for ages. (Wish we could convince every other florist in Pittsburgh to do the same!)
Boycot!
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Amen. You can belong to a wire service and use them in a way that YOU make money. We haven't accepted orders from FTD.com or the various order gatherers for ages. (Wish we could convince every other florist in Pittsburgh to do the same!)
Rhonda
Well-Known Member
I am in love with my FedEx driver! Yesterday he put my two boxes of flowers in the cab of the truck with him instead of in the unheated back. (it was supposed to be in the 20's yesterday, it was 2 above)
It was pretty much just me ranting. I know the chances are low if it happening. It is just irritating that we are allowing these companies to run us into the ground with their services.
Maybe, but I highly doubt that they would use the wire service again... I do want to protect my consumers but at the same time I think they should be protected from WS as well.
I'm not with WS anymore. At least not Teleflora and FTD I am with FSN because I believe they have good business ethics right now and you can make money sending orders out as well as receiving. They don't charge for so many things that they kill your budget.
lori042499
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How many consumers do you really think even realize they are ordering from a company that farms out the orders...We(florists), as a group, always assume that the consumer knows how the WS thing works, they do not....They, as a group, are not aware that some flowers are drop shipped, or that the person they are speaking wih has no knowledge that difference between a daisy and tulip, or that the company they placed their order iwth isn't the ones that will be making the flowers....We give the general public way too much credit for knowing what is going on with their orders...
The general public don't care until there is a problem, and even then will make the same mistake 3-4 times before swearing off a particular service...I personally know a woman who has been ripped off by people selling stuff on e-bay 5-6 times because she has not learned the signs of internet fraud, you would think once would be enough to learn the facts about ordering on the web, but obviously not...
The ordering of flowers on the web won't go away....the consumers are getting smarter but not fast enough...a boycott isn't going to happen and most florists are not going to get rid of the WS any time soon for many of the reasons stated here many times...It is a personal decision and no amount of complaining is going to make that decision for you...
It is true that if all the florists left the WS they would have no choice but to go away...but to get that to happen, is just fantasy land thinking at best...We all need to make our own business decisions for ourselves and reevaluate what if anything are the benefits of a WS and make that decision accordingly. Yes they suck in some ways and don't in others. They serve a purpose and when that purpose longer met(whatever it may be) they must go...Until then, if you are signed on you must uphold your end of the bargain as they do theirs...They are in the business to make themselves money, they make decisions that makes them money as should we...If they make a decision that makes you less money and you choose not to make a decision that counters that on your end that is your fault not theirs...If you can't counter it or absorb it, it is time to rethink it and drop, easy as that....
How many consumers do you really think even realize they are ordering from a company that farms out the orders...
Very few, which is why I try to educate my customers when they call my shop or when I am socializing and someone asks a question about my business.
We(florists), as a group, always assume that the consumer knows how the WS thing works, they do not....
I have never assumed that customers know how the WS works. In fact I know it is due to their own lack of knowledge that they go through these services and either get charged too much for delivery services or they are sold product for far less than what is needed and their recipient receives bad arrangements due to lack of money.
They, as a group, are not aware that some flowers are drop shipped, or that the person they are speaking with has no knowledge that difference between a daisy and tulip, or that the company they placed their order with isn't the ones that will be making the flowers....We give the general public way too much credit for knowing what is going on with their orders...
Which again is why I say we should educate our customers and inform them of these issues and stop bad business practices that reflect directly back onto us.
The general public don't care until there is a problem, and even then will make the same mistake 3-4 times before swearing off a particular service...I personally know a woman who has been ripped off by people selling stuff on e-bay 5-6 times because she has not learned the signs of internet fraud, you would think once would be enough to learn the facts about ordering on the web, but obviously not...
Unfortunately, not everyone has the skill level or competence to know when they are being ripped off or treated with ill regard as long as the company gets their money. On the other hand I do think that many people care and I feel compelled to make sure I do inform people of these problems and treat them with common decency.
The ordering of flowers on the web won't go away....
I never said it would...
the consumers are getting smarter but not fast enough...a boycott isn't going to happen and most florists are not going to get rid of the WS any time soon for many of the reasons stated here many times...It is a personal decision and no amount of complaining is going to make that decision for you...
I do believe that most people on this website took my post as one that even I know is fruitless and I know that most people are not going to change. But it is my right to speak my mind and try to get other business owners to think about exactly who they are teaming up with, and I guarantee you these WS are not our friends when they are charging such extensive prices for their services. It is inflated!
It is true that if all the florists left the WS they would have no choice but to go away...
That is also not true, WS would just find another way. They will always be a bone of contention for us but I am saying that they should not be living off the backs of small business owners.
but to get that to happen, is just fantasy land thinking at best...
I'll try to drop back from the clouds for you.. Oh wait, that would be way to accomodating of me....................................................
We all need to make our own business decisions for ourselves and reevaluate what if anything are the benefits of a WS and make that decision accordingly. Yes they suck in some ways and don't in others. They serve a purpose and when that purpose longer met(whatever it may be) they must go...Until then, if you are signed on you must uphold your end of the bargain as they do theirs...
Which is why I am not with them anymore except for one company that still seems to be doing business without trying to strangle my cash flow. We will see how long that company continues their current practice. As soon as they get greedy I will discontinue their services as well.
They are in the business to make themselves money, they make decisions that makes them money as should we...If they make a decision that makes you less money and you choose not to make a decision that counters that on your end that is your fault not theirs...
Oh please don't lay their greed upon my doorstep. I find it exceedingly rude. I made my decision to get out, and I'm hoping that others will follow me if they have any salt about them at all.
If you can't counter it or absorb it, it is time to rethink it and drop, easy as that....
In no way was I rude in my posts but this whole post of yours seems to be a thumb in my face. In the future I will take your comments for what they are worth. What your comments are is for you to decide.....
Very few, which is why I try to educate my customers when they call my shop or when I am socializing and someone asks a question about my business.
We(florists), as a group, always assume that the consumer knows how the WS thing works, they do not....
I have never assumed that customers know how the WS works. In fact I know it is due to their own lack of knowledge that they go through these services and either get charged too much for delivery services or they are sold product for far less than what is needed and their recipient receives bad arrangements due to lack of money.
They, as a group, are not aware that some flowers are drop shipped, or that the person they are speaking with has no knowledge that difference between a daisy and tulip, or that the company they placed their order with isn't the ones that will be making the flowers....We give the general public way too much credit for knowing what is going on with their orders...
Which again is why I say we should educate our customers and inform them of these issues and stop bad business practices that reflect directly back onto us.
The general public don't care until there is a problem, and even then will make the same mistake 3-4 times before swearing off a particular service...I personally know a woman who has been ripped off by people selling stuff on e-bay 5-6 times because she has not learned the signs of internet fraud, you would think once would be enough to learn the facts about ordering on the web, but obviously not...
Unfortunately, not everyone has the skill level or competence to know when they are being ripped off or treated with ill regard as long as the company gets their money. On the other hand I do think that many people care and I feel compelled to make sure I do inform people of these problems and treat them with common decency.
The ordering of flowers on the web won't go away....
I never said it would...
the consumers are getting smarter but not fast enough...a boycott isn't going to happen and most florists are not going to get rid of the WS any time soon for many of the reasons stated here many times...It is a personal decision and no amount of complaining is going to make that decision for you...
I do believe that most people on this website took my post as one that even I know is fruitless and I know that most people are not going to change. But it is my right to speak my mind and try to get other business owners to think about exactly who they are teaming up with, and I guarantee you these WS are not our friends when they are charging such extensive prices for their services. It is inflated!
It is true that if all the florists left the WS they would have no choice but to go away...
That is also not true, WS would just find another way. They will always be a bone of contention for us but I am saying that they should not be living off the backs of small business owners.
but to get that to happen, is just fantasy land thinking at best...
I'll try to drop back from the clouds for you.. Oh wait, that would be way to accomodating of me....................................................
We all need to make our own business decisions for ourselves and reevaluate what if anything are the benefits of a WS and make that decision accordingly. Yes they suck in some ways and don't in others. They serve a purpose and when that purpose longer met(whatever it may be) they must go...Until then, if you are signed on you must uphold your end of the bargain as they do theirs...
Which is why I am not with them anymore except for one company that still seems to be doing business without trying to strangle my cash flow. We will see how long that company continues their current practice. As soon as they get greedy I will discontinue their services as well.
They are in the business to make themselves money, they make decisions that makes them money as should we...If they make a decision that makes you less money and you choose not to make a decision that counters that on your end that is your fault not theirs...
Oh please don't lay their greed upon my doorstep. I find it exceedingly rude. I made my decision to get out, and I'm hoping that others will follow me if they have any salt about them at all.
If you can't counter it or absorb it, it is time to rethink it and drop, easy as that....
In no way was I rude in my posts but this whole post of yours seems to be a thumb in my face. In the future I will take your comments for what they are worth. What your comments are is for you to decide.....
Mikey the Flower Guy
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it was NOT a "thumb in your face"....
Generally speaking, we could EASILY "confine" the OG's and wire services into dropshippers, IF we could get everyone together, which has proven to be impossible, BUT, IF you were to do a little research in FlowerChat, MANY of us have become "agitated" every time this comes up, since, over, and over, and over again, too few REAL FLORISTS are truly interested!!
Mikey the Flower Guy
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are you SURE, NONE have "slipped" by.....I'm pretty vigilant, but, every once in a while.....
BOSS
FlowerChat Administrator
throwing it out there
I can attest to the horror of wire service but I also have come to grips with the fact they can do what I cannot. the name alone tells you what they are about. they are a service that connects our wires. Most people are not going to know that ravenna has a little flower shop that is great. they want to go to one location pick out what they like, pay and be done. if they wanted to talk about their selection and have the contact they would. These are the educated consumer of flowers. Instead of a boycott, I would propose a conversation with the wire service. why can't we negoitiate with them? I call verizon about the increase in my(home) DSL and low and behold they have faster service for less money. Can this work? in this economy something has to give. they want people to use their service. they need to respect the people who provide the service. I think I will spend sometime and put my money where my mouth is. I will call and see what can be done. I am a little shop in a little town but I love my work and love the customers. If I have to put up with the gathers I will but I will always give 100% to my customers
I can attest to the horror of wire service but I also have come to grips with the fact they can do what I cannot. the name alone tells you what they are about. they are a service that connects our wires. Most people are not going to know that ravenna has a little flower shop that is great. they want to go to one location pick out what they like, pay and be done. if they wanted to talk about their selection and have the contact they would. These are the educated consumer of flowers. Instead of a boycott, I would propose a conversation with the wire service. why can't we negoitiate with them? I call verizon about the increase in my(home) DSL and low and behold they have faster service for less money. Can this work? in this economy something has to give. they want people to use their service. they need to respect the people who provide the service. I think I will spend sometime and put my money where my mouth is. I will call and see what can be done. I am a little shop in a little town but I love my work and love the customers. If I have to put up with the gathers I will but I will always give 100% to my customers
Just wondering if we try too hard to educate the customer? Perhaps they really only wanted to order flowers. :dunno:
lori042499
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Sorry you thought my post was rude...I don't think I ever accused you of being rude, all I did was enter a post with my particular feelings on some items that you posted about...
now I am truely confused, if you do not belong to a WS why would you be advocating a boycott of a service you do not utilize....just because you chose to go the pseudo WS-free route, doesn't mean its right for all to do so...
and as for FSN, I do hope you like filling orders for the slimiest OG in all of creation urban flowers, because that is their main supplier of order volume...how's that for better business...if they had more members and more money to throw at the OG's they would have them all....all WS are the same on different scales...the big ones are more costly because they spend more money to get us the orders we demanded years ago....other than that they are all the same...
OH and don't get me wrong there are plenty of days that I hate the WS, but I honor the partnership that I entered into and will until the day I quit...that's how I roll, 100% goes to every order every day until I say I can no longer do this...
now I am truely confused, if you do not belong to a WS why would you be advocating a boycott of a service you do not utilize....just because you chose to go the pseudo WS-free route, doesn't mean its right for all to do so...
and as for FSN, I do hope you like filling orders for the slimiest OG in all of creation urban flowers, because that is their main supplier of order volume...how's that for better business...if they had more members and more money to throw at the OG's they would have them all....all WS are the same on different scales...the big ones are more costly because they spend more money to get us the orders we demanded years ago....other than that they are all the same...
OH and don't get me wrong there are plenty of days that I hate the WS, but I honor the partnership that I entered into and will until the day I quit...that's how I roll, 100% goes to every order every day until I say I can no longer do this...
lori042499
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This statement says volumes....there are a great many people who really don't want to hear our spiel on WS crap....they don't care they just want to buy some dang flowers....
Just like I could care less how the tiny little phone co can save me money, I just want a reliable phone line without having to hear all the gobbledegoop that the 400 tiny companies have come up with as to why they are better, blah, blah, blah...who cares....
Sorry you thought my post was rude...I don't think I ever accused you of being rude,
I never said you did..............
all I did was enter a post with my particular feelings on some items that you posted about...
which at the present and in the past, you were and are quite sharp with me. To which apparently you seem to either not care, or notice.
now I am truely confused, if you do not belong to a WS why would you be advocating a boycott of a service you do not utilize....
Did you read any of my last posting because I am sure I mentioned quite a few reasons as to why I do wish others would stop using them. One or two for example..........They charge our companies too much to be a part of their services, they do not keep us in mind when they post how much they plan on selling a product for, see post above and actually read it............ and because I have an opinion myself and it is my right to state that opinion whether you like it or not.
just because you chose to go the pseudo WS-free route, doesn't mean its right for all to do so...
Fine, but I can definitely give my opinion as to why I don't feel others should use them and why I choose not to.
and as for FSN, I do hope you like filling orders for the slimiest OG in all of creation urban flowers, because that is their main supplier of order volume...how's that for better business...if they had more members and more money to throw at the OG's they would have them all....all WS are the same on different scales...the big ones are more costly because they spend more money to get us the orders we demanded years ago....other than that they are all the same...
Whether they take OG orders or not is not my point. The point is that they are not charging so much for their services they make it hard to use their service. It seems to me that I received TONS of orders through FTD and Teleflora that I knew were from OG's and yet you seem to be more than happy to take their orders. Who's the pot calling the kettle black? FTD and Teleflora reps told me the only way to really make any money with their company was to have more outgoing orders. We'll I wonder how that is going to work in a few years when everyone starts sending orders but no one wants to fill them because they can't even break even. At least with FSN I can count on having enough money to cover the flowers going out the door if I do take an order from another shop.
OH and don't get me wrong there are plenty of days that I hate the WS, but I honor the partnership that I entered into and will until the day I quit...that's how I roll, 100% goes to every order every day until I say I can no longer do this...[/quote]
Fine, just step off my shoes. I didn't step on yours to begin with but your certainly seem more than happy to stomp all over me over a whim of a conversation.
I never said you did..............
all I did was enter a post with my particular feelings on some items that you posted about...
which at the present and in the past, you were and are quite sharp with me. To which apparently you seem to either not care, or notice.
now I am truely confused, if you do not belong to a WS why would you be advocating a boycott of a service you do not utilize....
Did you read any of my last posting because I am sure I mentioned quite a few reasons as to why I do wish others would stop using them. One or two for example..........They charge our companies too much to be a part of their services, they do not keep us in mind when they post how much they plan on selling a product for, see post above and actually read it............ and because I have an opinion myself and it is my right to state that opinion whether you like it or not.
just because you chose to go the pseudo WS-free route, doesn't mean its right for all to do so...
Fine, but I can definitely give my opinion as to why I don't feel others should use them and why I choose not to.
and as for FSN, I do hope you like filling orders for the slimiest OG in all of creation urban flowers, because that is their main supplier of order volume...how's that for better business...if they had more members and more money to throw at the OG's they would have them all....all WS are the same on different scales...the big ones are more costly because they spend more money to get us the orders we demanded years ago....other than that they are all the same...
Whether they take OG orders or not is not my point. The point is that they are not charging so much for their services they make it hard to use their service. It seems to me that I received TONS of orders through FTD and Teleflora that I knew were from OG's and yet you seem to be more than happy to take their orders. Who's the pot calling the kettle black? FTD and Teleflora reps told me the only way to really make any money with their company was to have more outgoing orders. We'll I wonder how that is going to work in a few years when everyone starts sending orders but no one wants to fill them because they can't even break even. At least with FSN I can count on having enough money to cover the flowers going out the door if I do take an order from another shop.
OH and don't get me wrong there are plenty of days that I hate the WS, but I honor the partnership that I entered into and will until the day I quit...that's how I roll, 100% goes to every order every day until I say I can no longer do this...[/quote]
Fine, just step off my shoes. I didn't step on yours to begin with but your certainly seem more than happy to stomp all over me over a whim of a conversation.
lori042499
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Fine, just step off my shoes. I didn't step on yours to begin with but your certainly seem more than happy to stomp all over me over a whim of a conversation. [/quote]
The only one here that seem to be getting emotional is you....The post you seemed to think was rude had a huge amount of industry standard in it not picking on you personally, sorry you took it that way...calling me rude is what got this personal...
I am not stomping and had not noticed that I pick on you in the past, to be honest I don't recognize you as a regular poster. I have strong opinions and let them be known, to you and to some people here that I consider friends equally...I would have said the same things to Bloomz or Erlene the same way and they are friends of mine...nothing personal here just opinions...so please don't get your panties in a bunch over it....
Ahhh, I just looked at your profile, new member in September....I see now...you will learn quickly that Ws threads are usually widely debated here...and it is very often that newbies take this personal and get over emotional....it is not neccessary...we all have differing opinions of the WS. I too thought that a boycott was in order a few years back, but then read and learned many things that opened my eyes to the different things that WS are...I have a way different view of what I pay for in a WS now and maybe you should take an afternoon or three and sift through the many many WS threads and see just how bad the arguing can get...and you will se that this is not anywhere near name calling or personal...
I would love to do it. However, the way business is right now we need every order we can get. We reject the garbage orders, but kee the better ones. If we had enough regular orders, funeral work, party work, weekly's and so on, I would dump FTD and TF in a heart beat.
I have yet to call you any names only that I felt you were a bit rude. I highly doubt if this is the first time someone has thought someone was being rude during a debate.
Also, if you don't wish people to think you are being rude directly to them you may wish to rethink using pronouns like (you).
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