My wire business for the first 2 months of this year continues to drop like a bowling ball out a 10 story window. Wire ins are down 42% and wire outs are down 28%. I think something has got to give in the wire business pretty soon.
First 2 mths wire business
- Thread starter steve
- Start date
We've been approached by all four (FTD, BMT, TF & FS) in the last 30 days - lots of 'free' and low priced offers to sign up. Can't imaging why anyone is paying full fees with so many deals flying around (unless you're locked in with a POS and then they can name their price 'til the end of your contract.)
When issues about the way the companies operate are voiced, the universal response is 'we hear you and we are changing'. My reply is always: I'll wait and see your changes implemented and then I'll call you.
Outgoings here are steady, but they're not a big part of our business.
For shops using WS images, please do realize the WSs are offering way better deals (20 - 25% off, 'no service charge', affinity programs, points, clubs, etc...) to consumers for the same products.
And drop-ship is making greater and greater inroads - due to price - so there's less volume in the pipeline.
When issues about the way the companies operate are voiced, the universal response is 'we hear you and we are changing'. My reply is always: I'll wait and see your changes implemented and then I'll call you.
Outgoings here are steady, but they're not a big part of our business.
For shops using WS images, please do realize the WSs are offering way better deals (20 - 25% off, 'no service charge', affinity programs, points, clubs, etc...) to consumers for the same products.
And drop-ship is making greater and greater inroads - due to price - so there's less volume in the pipeline.
Flowers are luxury item.
Maybe, if we could get the genetics gurus to develop flowers that people could view and enjoy for three days and then become edible it would help.
Fry up a mess of genetically enhanced Mums and Gerbers, instead of bacon.
Maybe, if we could get the genetics gurus to develop flowers that people could view and enjoy for three days and then become edible it would help.
Fry up a mess of genetically enhanced Mums and Gerbers, instead of bacon.
Doug Munro
Well-Known Member
I can only speak for our own wire business and we have not seen a drop in outgoing, in fact most months we are witnessing a double digit increase over the previous year. However the vast majority of our business is generated within Canada and we have been fortunate in the fact that our economy was not devatated to the extent yours was.
anytimeflowers
Linda
Interestingly, many of my customers over the past couple horrendous years have voiced the exact opposite! More than one has actually said, and I quote, "With this economy, you sure are lucky to be in a business that people still need to have.", un-quote.
My eyes probably pop out, and then my business self takes over and I agree with them. I sure as heck don't go around moaning about how bad business is to them.....most people want to be associated with a winner.
AND......ARE there any geneticists out there, because that view and eat is THE GREENEST idea I have ever heard. I know there are edible flowers, but I don't think they are a viable product for a traditional florist unless they grow a lot of them to bring the price down.
duanermb
New Member
Is that in shop/call in local wire outs or internet stuff generated at GD central?
BOSS
FlowerChat Administrator
Why? They're still getting their orders filled... why would they change [for the better]?
I don't think so, especially after doing a few grand in sympathy work today. We have seen a steady increase of every day biz ever since Valentines...the difference today is, that florists have to go get the business, rather than waitng for it to come to them.
Me either... it's not bad, it's just **different**... scale down or up to fit what you have...don't worry about the GROSS and concentrate on the NET.
Now I just merely posted the wire business abouve my local delivered orders are up 7% for the same 2 months and over all my business is up 4%.
Why? They're still getting their orders filled... why would they change [for the better]?
Read more: First 2 mths wire business
Where professional florists grow FC Professional Florist Community
Well Not sure about that Mark I am the only FTD florist in the largest city in Vermont also the only FTD florist in the 4th largest city in Vermont with exception of a Grocery store in both cities. The wire ins ar enot coming into this market. And I am still a big sender but I continue to drop every month yet I will bet you I still will be in the top 300 at end of year.
Read more: First 2 mths wire business
Where professional florists grow FC Professional Florist Community
Well Not sure about that Mark I am the only FTD florist in the largest city in Vermont also the only FTD florist in the 4th largest city in Vermont with exception of a Grocery store in both cities. The wire ins ar enot coming into this market. And I am still a big sender but I continue to drop every month yet I will bet you I still will be in the top 300 at end of year.
dlnfloral
Beaches,Umbrella Drinks and Jimmy Buffett Are Call
When I was FTD I had started to see a drop in wire ins and outs. So I know my decision to drop them was a good one. I really wasn't sending alot to begin wiht so it was pretty much a no brainer for me. I have a friend who works in a bigger shop and she said she has seen a drop in wire outs also. But wire ins are still going strong for them. But they will take any order any price.
BOSS
FlowerChat Administrator
Hmmm. let me see here Andy...Your business is UP while your wire business is DOWN... what does that tell ya?
Steve, they're losing order volume as fast as florists are, and as to florists, many are simply telling their customers to call/click direct. Wire biz, both in and out will continue to decline, never to return to what it once was.
Closest I ever got to a free trip was Top 150...glad I missed it.
The problem is florists like that don't go out of business soon enough.
The last long enough to take enough revenue out of local business to hurt everyone.
The way nothing new or positive is happening within our economy we're going to see alot more closings.
Cut back every place you can, go into survival mode... but keep an upbeat postitive attitude.
The last long enough to take enough revenue out of local business to hurt everyone.
The way nothing new or positive is happening within our economy we're going to see alot more closings.
Cut back every place you can, go into survival mode... but keep an upbeat postitive attitude.
duanermb
New Member
That's great to hear. Wires or no wires, the word on the street is most florists are significantly down, or just a little up. Considering the market, I consider a little down to be flat, and little up to be significantly up. In other market sectors, like construction, many territories are showing that the slowdown has stopped. Keep going, and all will soon be well. Steal market share from your competitors, and build during this time, even a little, and that translates into huge cake later on.
(Fictitious city, numbers, everything, but you'll see what I am talking about. Market share is your piece of the pie, and what's left is what your competitors are doing in your marketplace)
Here is what the numbers look like growing at 15% per year through the recession.
Concur!
Sorry if I hijacked the thread.
Attachments
I know, that no one wants to admit it.
I'll say it this last time. The government is stamping out $100 bills like keebler cookie elves.
The so-called stimulus bill money is being rat-holed by the administration so they can pump it into the economy during election time. They are going to have a hard time keeping incumbents, because word is out to fire alll incumbents regardless of party affiliation.
Nuff, politics...just don't get to thinking optimist about business. Keep your attitude upbeat and do your best to perservere. There is no bright light economy at the end of the tunnel at this time.
One poster said it... listen to the message. "dont' worry about the gross and concentrate on the net"
That means "managing your operating costs and do your best to stay profitable".
I might add... go to church, and rejuvenate your faith, honor God, he will honor and lift you up.
I'll say it this last time. The government is stamping out $100 bills like keebler cookie elves.
The so-called stimulus bill money is being rat-holed by the administration so they can pump it into the economy during election time. They are going to have a hard time keeping incumbents, because word is out to fire alll incumbents regardless of party affiliation.
Nuff, politics...just don't get to thinking optimist about business. Keep your attitude upbeat and do your best to perservere. There is no bright light economy at the end of the tunnel at this time.
One poster said it... listen to the message. "dont' worry about the gross and concentrate on the net"
That means "managing your operating costs and do your best to stay profitable".
I might add... go to church, and rejuvenate your faith, honor God, he will honor and lift you up.
herndonflorist
Well-Known Member
Mikey the Flower Guy
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Faith DON'T pay the bills, but, "faith" in yourself certainly helps....
You are spot on Dragon with your numbers. My strategy from the time this down turn started was to tighten the belt and be the last one standing in my market. and when things turned around reap the benifits. My market has not improved in last year what did happen is 5 shops closed and one of those five was one of my branches. I expect giving the economy that 2 more may go this summer.
BOSS
FlowerChat Administrator
Yep... that's the way to go.
I believe, as do *some* others in power, that this economy IS going to be with us for at least the next 2-3 years. We will continue to see shops close/down size and adjustments will continue to be necessary on a daily level. The industry as a whole, will see more change especially in the order transfer segment and in consumer sales. Wire business will continue to decline, but some of it will be offset with new direct customers, as well as a renewed upswing in personal (for self) flower sales.
BOSS<<<<also playing the game to be not only the last florist standing, but to also improve customer service/satisfaction, increase sales of personal flowers and eliminate my exposure to ANYONE that does not work for me.
Doug Munro
Well-Known Member
When I seen mention of "government stimulus money" I laughed out loud.
I hope that our industry is not relying on this imaginary influx of cash to turn things around.
When will people learn that the government can not create jobs in the private sector? These so called stimulus packages are simply the governments way of "laundering" money. They take in $1.00 from the taxpayer and return a small portion of it back into the economy. In between they grow the bureaucracy and keep their fingers crossed they will garner votes for the next election.
The only way to improve the economy is to leave the original $1.00 in the taxpayers pocket so that the can spend it
I hope that our industry is not relying on this imaginary influx of cash to turn things around.
When will people learn that the government can not create jobs in the private sector? These so called stimulus packages are simply the governments way of "laundering" money. They take in $1.00 from the taxpayer and return a small portion of it back into the economy. In between they grow the bureaucracy and keep their fingers crossed they will garner votes for the next election.
The only way to improve the economy is to leave the original $1.00 in the taxpayers pocket so that the can spend it