From the Wire service who won't compete with us..they said so!

[FLOWERFARM]

who is filling these orders? teleflora office staff?

 

[TOTO]

Yeah, What you said Mark!

As the market (read economy) changes, and the mindset (read: internet saveyness)(is that a word?) of the consumer evolves, along with the change in the age makeup of our clients getting younger, it will be more and more difficult to balance the money spent on a wire service with the volume it generates.

That's it a NUTSHELL Mark!

Their old business model is dying and their passive streams of revenues from their Florists are drying up. As the volume of subcontracted discounted orders to their florists decrease, so will the florist's ability to continue to justify their alliance.

Which is why, most compete with their very own florists with the bait and switch tactics of DROP SHIPPING Gifts, or FARM DIRECT.

We all witnessed the "WE'LL NEVER COMPETE WITH OUR OWN FLORISTS for their CUSTOMERS!" go down the tubes with the departure of Greg Coccari, and so, what is their next logical business move?

And my new question of: "Why would ANY REAL FLORIST continue to FEED THE HANDS that BITE THEM?"

Just another FLORIST MYSTERY OF LIFE, I think?

 

[lizzie ann]

I will never undersatnd any shop that will tell their customers that they dont want to take their money....but would rather they spend it elsewhere..:hammer:

20% of an order may added up to a lot over the course of time...BUT..I would rather educate my customer on how the wire service is ripping off the customer with all their added charges.....They are very greatful that they will be able to talk directly to the florist ion the other end. Besides the 20% of the order that you would keep isn't really money you are making. By the time you get done paying all your membership fees,etc etc..and figuring in the pain in the butt factor....I prefer to not work for the wire service,thank you very much!!!

 

[thejabbershop]

Boy what a hot topic. Direct customer orders!!!! I met with some other florists at the beginning fo the month who all shared the same concern. I love the "motto" which states "your success is our priority" and believe me I have reminded the ws by using that message over and over again with them. Anyway, one person even suggested that florist ban together and on a specific day as decided by the group, everyone rejects ws orders and then asked would people really do it? As someone already mentioned where would they be without us. I applaud all the suggestions and am making this suggestion in addition to them. What if the first baby step is to set up a database of some sort for florist that can be accessed by other florists and the general public. Something simple. Isn't that really what some of the ws's are about. The pictures and selection guides can come in time. What about getting the message out on every "free" site available. There are sites like craigs list, and I am sure others. If a customer is willing to dial a phone number why can it not be ours instead of the ws. In this day of economics you would think that people would want to save or are they just "unaware" of the way ws handles the money?

 

[dhamil6490]

Jabbershop - check out Independent Florists Association at www.myifa.org and Flowershop Network www.fsnf2f.com

 

[janna]

If you are interested in trying a different wire service that is interested in the sucess of retail florist, Direct2florist is offering a free one year voucher worth $200 if you sign up to try Direct2florist for one year. This offer is available through some wholesalers. There are many advantages and I've heard possitve results. If you aren't familar with Direct2florist you can read more on their website. Direct2florist.com and here are some facts.
FACTS ABOUT DIRECT2FLORIST

· It’s An Independent Internet Order Generator - Consumers worldwide can place orders directly with traditional local florists.
· Provides Instant E-Commerce – Florists can be up and running in minutes.

· Give You 100% Value on Every Order - Orders are not discounted.

· You have 100% Control - Each florist uploads their own products, sets their own prices and selects their own delivery area.
· You Get Paid Before You Deliver

· Send orders shop to shop

You might ask, What’s in it for Wholesalers? It’s simple – we want you to be successful and profitable. There is no other reason
this offer will expire December 31st

 

[Excptnl]

20% of an order may added up to a lot over the course of time...BUT..I would rather educate my customer on how the wire service is ripping off the customer with all their added charges.....They are very greatful that they will be able to talk directly to the florist ion the other end. Besides the 20% of the order that you would keep isn't really money you are making. By the time you get done paying all your membership fees,etc etc..and figuring in the pain in the butt factor....I prefer to not work for the wire service,thank you very much!!!

ive never had as much money in my bank account as i did when i was a heavy sender.... and that was after the ftd statement came in..we are also weighted the highest in every zip.

what about months where money is tight....you can now take their money....deposit it into your account and use it, rather than laying out all the cash and waiting weeks and weeks for a check...



You are providing a service....if you want to work for free...so be it...you're taking your customer and sending them somewhere else...

 

[lizzie ann]

ive never had as much money in my bank account as i did when i was a heavy sender.... and that was after the ftd statement came in..we are also weighted the highest in every zip.

what about months where money is tight....you can now take their money....deposit it into your account and use it, rather than laying out all the cash and waiting weeks and weeks for a check...



You are providing a service....if you want to work for free...so be it...you're taking your customer and sending them somewhere else...

Yup and then at the end of the month you can write your wire service a nice big fat check for the money you collected AND you fee for belonging.Today we gave a lady names to 5 different florists to call. She was thrilled to learn that it will save her money. Bought $200 of things to deliver in our town also that she had not planned on sending. I made money..the other florists made money....AND I made a new customer!
you gotta do what ever works for you....

 

[bloomz]

I love writing wire services checks.

The fatter the better.