codified TF hardgoods

[Spookyflowers]

I'm in a small rural area and do not buy any of there containers. I flat out tell them no when they call and they always ask why and I say people don't want there junk containers anymore. Of course the people calling have no idea of what I'm even talking about.

 

[Flowerchatter03]

A very common theme one sees in buying failed flower shop inventories - is cases of unopened TFTD holiday product.

You are so right!! We have purchased inventory from 2 shops that have closed in the past 3 years and ended up with cases after cases not opened. The last shop closed after Christmas and GAVE me WS containers. She gave me probably 24 of those red shiny ceramics left over from VD I think 3 years ago. I made a special out of it and got rid of most of them last week.

I worked at another shop years ago and found boxes of WS containers from days gone by. There was even a ceramic chicken platter that held deviled eggs. What the *^@* were they thinking?

 

[Tuberose]

I worked at another shop years ago and found boxes of WS containers from days gone by. There was even a ceramic chicken platter that held deviled eggs. What the *^@* were they thinking?

I had to laugh at that!! Shop I worked at had them too! Every time the boss was away one of those pieces of #$@^&# hit the garbage can! We managed to get rid of the coke polar bear things, which she got stuck with cases of them from another shop. We put a small arrangement in his head and sent it out to longstanding customers as a thank you, they loved them, go figure. We still have a few of those Galway crystal Easter baskets, gah!

I think we got rid of half of our TF product at VDay using them for tulips and anything else.

Trish

 

[yellowroses]

Joe, I order exactly like that too. I made a big mistake with Valentines Day. Live and learn. Did any one have problems with the red bubble bowls with the "love" rhinstones on them. I only sold 3 to the same guy and when we took them out of the cooler, the rhinstones fell off. He is a really good customer and friend, so I gave him my tube of super glue and sent him on his way with my apologys. He knew it wasn't my fault. I need to call TF and let them know. (as if they would even care)

 

[Dee Dee]

Ok here is everything i can come up with for you (sorry if I repeat didn't read entire post)

Small Town - TF allows you to purchase min. then split with other shops, you give TF the names of those shops (must also be TF shops) and they will codify them for carrying that container.

Stuck with old stuff - No I have never returned (sorry) but you can post the best pic possible of just the container on craigslist, etc and offer them at the price you paid (price + shipping) write something like 'Perfect for a bride or bride to be" the DIY crowd might eat it up and you will at least break even.

Last only but TF containers that you know you can reuse for other things (designs) or that you KNOW your customer base will buy. For me that is the Kincaid stuff.

For the sake of Pete don't just throw in the towel or throw them away. Donate them, people will always remember when you are generous. Give them away free with another purchase from your store customers love free stuff even junk LOL.

Hope I have helped a little. Good Luck!!

 

[Luc]

When I look at the codified items I ask the following questions:

1. Can I sell them after the holiday as a everyday container?

2. What is my retail start up cost on the container including delivery price>?

3. Does it look alright for the value you want for it?

So far my answers has mean NO to codified Product with teleflora and I am the biggest flower shop in my town. However the only other florist has been buying a mix holiday case that they have been able to sell to her. Which means more crap on her shelf for her buck.

There usually 2 holiday that you may want to get containers for and that is Christmas and Mother's Day since they are the usually biggest holiday to move things around, aside from that stay away from them.

Just my 2 cents from expereinces

Luc

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

You are so right!! We have purchased inventory from 2 shops that have closed in the past 3 years and ended up with cases after cases not opened. The last shop closed after Christmas and GAVE me WS containers. She gave me probably 24 of those red shiny ceramics left over from VD I think 3 years ago. I made a special out of it and got rid of most of them last week.

I worked at another shop years ago and found boxes of WS containers from days gone by. There was even a ceramic chicken platter that held deviled eggs. What the *^@* were they thinking?

HEY! That was a BIG seller here - back in the 80's I think ???

-H.

PS - don't EVERY just throw these old containers away! Donate them to local nursing homes/adult community organizations as they can use them! We have done this for years, and it actually spins off some biz every once in a while!

 

[Joe Mioux]

A very common theme one sees in buying failed flower shop inventories - is cases of unopened TFTD holiday product.

yea, isn't it great!

joe

 

[lori042499]

No, it's not paid for. I fell for the "you'll be prefered in your city because blah, blah, blah. I'm not a dumb person. I thought about it for a long time and jumped on board when there were alot of freebies. It's just been the last 2 Holidays that have really s#**ed. People just aren't spending money. We'll see what happens with Mother's Day. Easter is never a good wire Holiday. Marginal to say the least. I know for sure that I won't codify for anything anymore, cause it sure couldn't get any worse. Thanks for the advise.

I have stopped buying the containers...The first 2 years was good I sold out of most containers, bought small etc...since the diamonds and roses promo last year I was left with tons of containers well 6 or so of each type...I finally said no way jose after xmas this year with 3 of those stoopid trees left....no way no how am I going with them any more...

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

Returing TEL product

It can be done. But, there are many catches...

You can return unopened cases within 30 days of reciept. BUT.....
you MAY have to pay a restocking fee.
AND - here's the killer, you will LOSE any and all discounts, incentives, and or $ off not only on that Holiday's containers, but EVERY OTHER holiday container order with that same incentive!

Found this out last month with TEL when they shipped me that stupid LOVE container - which I didn't order, but they said I did - in a combo pack...yada.....

Anyway, after a threat to terminate my membership, and a good relationship with my TEL rep, we got that stupid case returned with no penalties.

Buyer beware with TEL! They have many strong-armed tactics they are using with member florists (their customers - ha) and digging their own grave in the process.

- Herb

 

[Flowerchatter03]

HEY! That was a BIG seller here - back in the 80's I think ???

-H.

PS - don't EVERY just throw these old containers away! Donate them to local nursing homes/adult community organizations as they can use them! We have done this for years, and it actually spins off some biz every once in a while!

We all signed the back and gave it to one of our wholesalers for a Christmas gift!!!!! lol

 

[Dee Dee]

OMG - Flowerchatter I laughed so hard!

I am going to make Really,really, really tiny arrangements in my TF Christmas containers (the ones TF send to shops as x-mas gifts) and gift them to my TF Rep. next Christmas. I bet he will just love getting them.
lol

 

[Flowerchatter03]

OMG - Flowerchatter I laughed so hard!

I am going to make Really,really, really tiny arrangements in my TF Christmas containers (the ones TF send to shops as x-mas gifts) and gift them to my TF Rep. next Christmas. I bet he will just love getting them.
lol

Love it!!!! Everyone should plan on doing that next Christmas!!!!!

 

[Cathy44]

Amen to Rhonda and once I did try to send them back but it wasn't worth it because it costs a small fortune for postage so you are better off to keep them and eventually you will sell them or maybe another florist will take them off your hamds

 

[calla.gal]

We are small as well, and one of 4 shops in a town of only 4500 people. Would another shop be willing to share containers with you? I didn't know you could do this until a TF rep told me about it. You can split a case of 12 and each be coded. I was ready to do this with a shop we have a good working relationship with, then they dumped TF. I didn't code for VD and I'm probably not going to code for MD either. We have a Wal-Mart here, so I won't sell hardly any easter lilies. But the brides are starting to come in, so I'm happy about that. Good luck on the container return thing - keep us all posted as I'm sure we'd all like to return our leftovers!!

 

[sandytf]

I am very, very picky about what containers I purchase (we are FTD). I consider the look of the container, the cost, and more importantly, the suggested retail of the actual arrangement since that seems a better predictor of whether or not the container will sell. I also consider whether or not the container can be used beyond the holiday. Since we have multiple locations, I can split a case between stores. Even so, I didn't purchase any containers for VD since it's not a holiday with a lot of wire orders. Are you a member of WUMFA in WI? If so, you may want to contact some other TF florists and see about splitting cases with them for the next holiday. I know some florists do that. Hope this helps a little! I've been there.

 

[Tuberose]

On one of our deliveries for Vday we delivered the TF Love bouquet to a gal, when the driver showed up, she had already gotten two others of the same bouquet and container. I think they were all from her kids, and yep, it was probably the price point that drove the sales.

Trish

 

[Twila]

Whenever I buy them - often (most of the time), I split with other shops. Also NEVER NEVER wait to fill them for currrent orders. As soon as you get them, fill 'em up with whatever design you want....and move 'em out the door. The only real time that the designs have to look like the picture is when it is for an incoming order (or someone requests it from the picture). I remember that a WS Education Speciallist talked about doing this at a program - many moons ago. Most people in the audience were shocked...they thought they had to wait and sell them after the order came in. And then they wonder why they have so many left over. If we are out for a WS order....Oh Well.

I NEVER NEVER NEVER codify for the WS products! It has taken many years for the WS reps to understand this. "Why in the world wouldn't you codify?" If you buy the container, why not make 100% of the profit to your local customers instead of giving more to the WS? If any shop calls to see if we have it, then of course we fill it!

Also before buying, I will look to see if there is any other use for the container besides the Holiday. I am very proud to say that because of these practices, I have NO holiday WS containers around gathering dust!! We may have 1 or two Christmas pcs left (TK), but that's all.

My usual method of operation is to buy on Clearance any time I can. Those containers become my holiday specials. Sell them at regular retail price or just below that, and you make a good profit. I bought the TF Crystal Butterfly Vase and Laura Ashley Vase. TF keeps offering different (but same) Laura Ashley stuff. When they have been ordered for incoming, I can offer a different style of Laura Ashley....They will usually go for the sub. The past few V-days and M-days I have not had to purchase any new products to sell. Whatever I have become this years specials. MAN I LOVE TO CLEARANCE SHOP!!!

 

[Flowerchatter03]

Whenever I buy them - often (most of the time), I split with other shops. Also NEVER NEVER wait to fill them for currrent orders. As soon as you get them, fill 'em up with whatever design you want....and move 'em out the door. The only real time that the designs have to look like the picture is when it is for an incoming order (or someone requests it from the picture). I remember that a WS Education Speciallist talked about doing this at a program - many moons ago. Most people in the audience were shocked...they thought they had to wait and sell them after the order came in. And then they wonder why they have so many left over. If we are out for a WS order....Oh Well.

I NEVER NEVER NEVER codify for the WS products! It has taken many years for the WS reps to understand this. "Why in the world wouldn't you codify?" If you buy the container, why not make 100% of the profit to your local customers instead of giving more to the WS? If any shop calls to see if we have it, then of course we fill it!

Also before buying, I will look to see if there is any other use for the container besides the Holiday. I am very proud to say that because of these practices, I have NO holiday WS containers around gathering dust!! We may have 1 or two Christmas pcs left (TK), but that's all.

My usual method of operation is to buy on Clearance any time I can. Those containers become my holiday specials. Sell them at regular retail price or just below that, and you make a good profit. I bought the TF Crystal Butterfly Vase and Laura Ashley Vase. TF keeps offering different (but same) Laura Ashley stuff. When they have been ordered for incoming, I can offer a different style of Laura Ashley....They will usually go for the sub. The past few V-days and M-days I have not had to purchase any new products to sell. Whatever I have become this years specials. MAN I LOVE TO CLEARANCE SHOP!!!

Very wise words Ms. Twila!!!!! :hug:

 

[RWK]

Another HUGE disadvantage to those WS containers is this.....WE ARE FLORISTS, WE SELL FLOWERS, I am not a container salesman.....the containers overshadow and dominate the complement of flowers......I am of the opinion that the container should NEVER overshadow the flowers. YOUR flowers should be number one and the container number two.