I received an e-mail from a customer who was wondering if we carried the FTD Lucky Shamrock Plant, item #P279. When I went to FTD.COM to see what it was, I was shocked (well, not really) to see the large number of products FTD lists on their site, that are ONLY available for delivery via FedEx or UPS. And look at the delivery policy! :boggles: That's enough to turn the average buyer away. And try leaving the flowers at the door up in the land of ice and snow. I thought FTD was trying to help retail florists combat this "trend", but on the contrary, they are promoting it. I will be dropping one of the big two after Mother's Day, and seeing crap like this helps make the decision easier. As far as I can tell, Teleflora doesn't do this "direct ship" thing, at least not from Teleflora.com.
FTD.COM bypasses real florists
- Thread starter Greg
- Start date
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Where ya been Greg? The Tundra of northern Canada or something? (That's a joke, not an insult)
They have about 60% of the product on that whole site has nothing to do with us. And it has been that way for years now. But we pay and pay for it, in more ways than one.
They have about 60% of the product on that whole site has nothing to do with us. And it has been that way for years now. But we pay and pay for it, in more ways than one.
"Where have I been?" is right. I guess it wasn't as obvious to me as it is now, with the little clocks under the items that are sent to florists. It is the items without the clocks that surprises me. :wide:
Audra
New Member
bloomz said:
Hey now!! Some of us resemble that remark.
bloomz said:
*nods* I'd get upset about it but having seen some of the drop ship product, I think they're cutting their own throats - someone said it elsewhere, FedEx leaving product on a doorstep is not a 'good thing' when on days like today it's -11C.:boggles: Uuuuuugly.
Audra
bloomz said:
I agree bloomz!! That's why all those shops that keep on plugging the FTD logo on all their store sinage, cards and business cards should re-think this process. You are exposing them to competition. And it's a company that has a 60% chance of not having you involved in the sale in anyway!!
BOSS
FlowerChat Administrator
ROBSWF said:
Yep and Bloomz thoughts too...tis the reason to DO IT DIFFERENT... organize your business, so as NOT TO NEED THEM anymore!!!
We will continue to take it back...and build OUR better mouse trap!
flowerknife+us
New Member
Nothing about FTD
Supprises me any more.
I have no doubt that FTD is concentrating as much of it's orders to as few florists as possible. Sending a large volume of orders in this manor allows the filling shop to maximize the profit posibilities. Insuring FTD, that they have a sourse to send to as well.
In reality, it is ultimately of no consern to FTD who or what is filled by or with. With a 100% guarentee financed by the filler. What does FTD have to lose?
It could well be best to force the concentration of these orders to willing places. letting the ecomonics of it run its course.
There comes a point where the cost of membership becomes irelevent when compaired to the number of orders. However, the margin of return for the whole company shrinks as the volume increases in relation to the "normal" volume the store generates on it's own.
Almost without exception, mass produced floral products have lost something in the translation of what it was supposed to look like. Unless produced by "designers" or "arrangers" Proficent in the style being produced. It is a type product that a generally unskilled and temporary work force cannot do.
I need only look at those marketers who have their product produced and distributed in that fashion to know that what I say is true.
Making all the Doughnuts look alike at 100% was chalanging enough. Let alone doing it at a discount upwards of 30%.
Making a labor intensive product and distributing it at a profit at "70 cents" on the dollar ultimately requires cutting corners. Better purchasing has its own threashold. leaving payrole the only venue for cutting costs of production. Throw in the fact that the cost of distribution will only go up. One will find themselfs hard pressed to compete locally.
A shop with a 30% better margin is in a better position to provide Better quality and more product.
The sad part in all this. After hearing of a shop who is doing all this type work. Was how much harder they were working to make their living than a supermarket FTD shop right next door to them. Granted, the shop is reputedly doing well financially. But comparing the work between the two shows a remarkable difference in return for the effort.
Two like Items for Valentines Day. Both sold a dz. "long" stem red roses for "49.98$"
Both items "massed produced"
The super collected their 49.98$ and out the door they walked.Some deliverys at a straight fee paid to a staff member willing to take them. Instant payment in all cases.
The shop. Well, they were wacked for the % of whoever sent the order keeps. Had to run a truck arround hells half acre to service the peace. Log and keep track of ALL the Items, Deal with all the troubles we all experience in the act of distribution. then waits some 30-45 for their credits to materilize.
Is it possible to work on these peoples mind set to stop working so hard for a living. When there is a better return for them by changing their ways???
How long does it take before the "look" looks no different than their largest competitor?
Supprises me any more.
I have no doubt that FTD is concentrating as much of it's orders to as few florists as possible. Sending a large volume of orders in this manor allows the filling shop to maximize the profit posibilities. Insuring FTD, that they have a sourse to send to as well.
In reality, it is ultimately of no consern to FTD who or what is filled by or with. With a 100% guarentee financed by the filler. What does FTD have to lose?
It could well be best to force the concentration of these orders to willing places. letting the ecomonics of it run its course.
There comes a point where the cost of membership becomes irelevent when compaired to the number of orders. However, the margin of return for the whole company shrinks as the volume increases in relation to the "normal" volume the store generates on it's own.
Almost without exception, mass produced floral products have lost something in the translation of what it was supposed to look like. Unless produced by "designers" or "arrangers" Proficent in the style being produced. It is a type product that a generally unskilled and temporary work force cannot do.
I need only look at those marketers who have their product produced and distributed in that fashion to know that what I say is true.
Making all the Doughnuts look alike at 100% was chalanging enough. Let alone doing it at a discount upwards of 30%.
Making a labor intensive product and distributing it at a profit at "70 cents" on the dollar ultimately requires cutting corners. Better purchasing has its own threashold. leaving payrole the only venue for cutting costs of production. Throw in the fact that the cost of distribution will only go up. One will find themselfs hard pressed to compete locally.
A shop with a 30% better margin is in a better position to provide Better quality and more product.
The sad part in all this. After hearing of a shop who is doing all this type work. Was how much harder they were working to make their living than a supermarket FTD shop right next door to them. Granted, the shop is reputedly doing well financially. But comparing the work between the two shows a remarkable difference in return for the effort.
Two like Items for Valentines Day. Both sold a dz. "long" stem red roses for "49.98$"
Both items "massed produced"
The super collected their 49.98$ and out the door they walked.Some deliverys at a straight fee paid to a staff member willing to take them. Instant payment in all cases.
The shop. Well, they were wacked for the % of whoever sent the order keeps. Had to run a truck arround hells half acre to service the peace. Log and keep track of ALL the Items, Deal with all the troubles we all experience in the act of distribution. then waits some 30-45 for their credits to materilize.
Is it possible to work on these peoples mind set to stop working so hard for a living. When there is a better return for them by changing their ways???
How long does it take before the "look" looks no different than their largest competitor?
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