FTD delivers quality?

[BOSS]

First, I'm one of those unprofessionals that Bloomz was referring to...I think this thing stinks...and here's another example...

A left coast florist sends an order at 1:30pm for todays delivery, and by the time (anywhere from a half to an hour or more) the antiquated technology FTD uses passes the order to a florist anywhere east of Chicago, they will most likely be closed or closing. So the order sits overnight and the fine kicks in...

There are probably 50 more scenarios that will result in the TAX being levied.

I agree with Jon, an ASK should stop the clock. I also agree that the TAX should work both ways, with wrong addresses, no phone #, etc...

According to United Online, they want to increase awareness of local florists...sorry, but I don't believe that one either...they also stated they want to increase direct to consumer sales.

 

[Erlene]

A left coast florist sends an order at 1:30pm for todays delivery, and by the time (anywhere from a half to an hour or more) the antiquated technology FTD uses passes the order to a florist anywhere east of Chicago, they will most likely be closed or closing. So the order sits overnight and the fine kicks in...

The time stamp is on the time zone of the receiving florist rather than the sending florist. If it arrives after 5 you have til 10 the next day to reject the order.

 

[BOSS]

The time stamp is on the time zone of the receiving florist rather than the sending florist. If it arrives after 5 you have til 10 the next day to reject the order.

Thanks for clearing that up in my mind...

I was talking to Bloomz yesterday...I guess some of it rubbed off on me...

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

First, I'm one of those unprofessionals that Bloomz was referring to...I think this thing stinks...and here's another example...

A left coast florist sends an order at 1:30pm for todays delivery, and by the time (anywhere from a half to an hour or more) the antiquated technology FTD uses passes the order to a florist anywhere east of Chicago, they will most likely be closed or closing. So the order sits overnight and the fine kicks in...

There are probably 50 more scenarios that will result in the TAX being levied.

I agree with Jon, an ASK should stop the clock. I also agree that the TAX should work both ways, with wrong addresses, no phone #, etc...

According to United Online, they want to increase awareness of local florists...sorry, but I don't believe that one either...they also stated they want to increase direct to consumer sales.

Way too many times, an order arrives at our shop at 4 or 5 in the morning for delivery that day...we are usually in by 8:15 A, and 8 out f 10 times, we gotta reject those silly .COM orders, and ALREADY, they are eligible to be "fined"...regardless of the "rulebook"...I think NOT!!
REMEMBER...it's FTD that "wrote" the rule book, it's FTD that's "broke" the rule book, and it's FTD that's about to break "records" for lost membership, and coverage!!

 

[Erlene]

I was talking to Bloomz yesterday...I guess some of it rubbed off on me...

That'll do it every time

 

[prestonway]

Way too many times, an order arrives at our shop at 4 or 5 in the morning for delivery that day...we are usually in by 8:15 A, and 8 out f 10 times, we gotta reject those silly .COM orders, and ALREADY, they are eligible to be "fined"...regardless of the "rulebook"...I think NOT!!
REMEMBER...it's FTD that "wrote" the rule book, it's FTD that's "broke" the rule book, and it's FTD that's about to break "records" for lost membership, and coverage!!

The sky is falling...more panic abounds!!!

As per the FTD documentation, "failure to reject an order by 10 am local time if the order is received after 5:00 pm of the previous day (Monday through Friday)."

...so if it comes in at 4 or 5 in the morning, you have until 10 am to reject, Mikey...

 

[LJVF]

While all this discussion can help us vent, bad mouth FTD, praise FTD, or just help sort things out, in my mind nothing will tell the truth more than when it actually happens. After June 1, 2008 we will have more clarity. There are 2 possible outcomes: the program will succeed or fail. Then we move on and adapt.

 

[Erlene]

While all this discussion can help us vent, bad mouth FTD, praise FTD, or just help sort things out, in my mind nothing will tell the truth more than when it actually happens. After June 1, 2008 we will have more clarity. There are 2 possible outcomes: the program will succeed or fail. Then we move on and adapt.

Exactly. To be honest, I'm looking forward to the program. My first impression was positive regarding the program.

I've listened to the arguments for and against and remain convinced this is a good thing for the industry and for my business.

 

[sfox]

Exactly. To be honest, I'm looking forward to the program. My first impression was positive regarding the program.

I've listened to the arguments for and against and remain convinced this is a good thing for the industry and for my business.

Here's my questions to you.

Why were these florists allowed to belong in the first place?

What is the "quality" money being used for?

What's postive about a company that uses a "Brand" that is recognized for flowers, and markets more direct-shipped non floral merchandise to a consumer who began looking for flowers?

 

[Erlene]

Here's my questions to you.

Why were these florists allowed to belong in the first place?

Good question, one I cannot answer. Ask FTD.

What is the "quality" money being used for?

This question is really unrelated to the delayed response program. The delayed response program is from an order transmission standpoint rather than a product quality question.

The "quality" money, as you call it, is relating to quality of the product fulfilling the order.

What's postive about a company that uses a "Brand" that is recognized for flowers, and markets more direct-shipped non floral merchandise to a consumer who began looking for flowers?

That question is unrelated to the delayed response program.

 

[sfox]

Good question, one I cannot answer. Ask FTD.



This question is really unrelated to the delayed response program. The delayed response program is from an order transmission standpoint rather than a product quality question.

The "quality" money, as you call it, is relating to quality of the product fulfilling the order.



That question is unrelated to the delayed response program.

Wow Erlene, you aren't a politician are you? You answered all my questions with out saying anything.

 

[Erlene]

Wow Erlene, you aren't a politician are you? You answered all my questions with out saying anything.

I guess I've had a lot of influence from all the political drama unfolding in our country

Your questions were really not related to the delayed response program.

I honestly feel that while there are things to be worked out with the program, the pros far outweigh the cons.

 

[SiberiaAIFD]

i don't see the advantage of this program other than lining someone's (FTD.com's) pockets. IMHO. An ask SHOULD stop the clock. Since it doesnt' I will automatically reject all orders that I cannot fill due to money, etc, where normally I would take the time to call the sending florist and explain my needs. I always take care of my orders in a timely manner, but I just think this is a little much.

Maybe when FTD has no filling florists left they will realize the error of their ways. Other "actual " flower shops have always been courteous with our orders, the only ones we have problems with are OG.

I'm cancelling my FTD membership. Shop has been a member since '52. Very sad but about @@@@ time.

FTD used to stand for something....

 

[BOSS]

I'm cancelling my FTD membership. Shop has been a member since '52. Very sad but about @@@@ time.

Thats the spirit!!! :>

1948 here and I'm right behind ya...

 

[Erlene]

Other "actual " flower shops have always been courteous with our orders, the only ones we have problems with are OG.

Unfortunately that has not been our experience. We don't deal with OG's as we don't fill their orders. Our problems relating to issues is always with a real florist.

The delayed response penalty will now make sure they suffer the financial burden rather than us.

 

[Kristine]

Our problems relating to issues is always with a real florist.

The delayed response penalty will now make sure they suffer the financial burden rather than us.

yes, one of FTD's top 100 had always been our thorn. Incorrect address, NEVER a phone number, sending $5 for delivery and never back to you in a timely matter when you send an ask....

With no repercussions for us $$$ - glad I'm no longer ftd.

Oh and yes, brick and mortar shop

 

[Erlene]

yes, one of FTD's top 100 had always been our thorn. Incorrect address, NEVER a phone number, sending $5 for delivery and never back to you in a timely matter when you send an ask....

With no repercussions for us $$$ - glad I'm no longer ftd.

Oh and yes, brick and mortar shop

We're new FTD members, had previously only been Teleflora. The majority of the problems happened during our time with Teleflora, only one issue with FTD and the shop was very gracious about it.

Unfortunately it happens with all the wire services. I'm sure it is only a matter of time for delayed response to hit the other services. It will just be repackaged and given a different name is all, and perhaps a tweak or two.


They virtually always all follow suit with each other.

 

[bloomz]

I'm sure it is only a matter of time for delayed response to hit the other services. It will just be repackaged and given a different name is all, and perhaps a tweak or two.


They virtually always all follow suit with each other.

Especially when it's a good idea, as this one is. :>

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

:ssmoke



:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Naa, none of that stuff since college...

Herb, I wish I could believe that but I see what they have done in the past and they are mostly all talk, lots of money and no results.

Let's see what happens...read on....

Herb - they focus on sending because that's what FTD.com does. It sounds like you really believe (hope) that this leads to something good.

I hope you're right--but I don't see it.

I do believe. Got to.

Herb...you KNOW we love you RIGHT???...loyalty is earned.....FTD has lost the "right" to "ask" you for your loyalty...it has to EARN IT!!
They are starting out on a great foot...don't you think??

Mikey - they have earned my loyalty, and have granted my business (and me personally) good things over the years. They have worked with programs to make them work for MY biz. I want to see what the new ownership does. Again, not a FTD cheerleader here, but I am willing to give them a fair chance.

FTD since 1928 means little to many of you out there. But it means a lot to me. It means we have stuck with FTD through a lot...when Mercury first came out (some thought THAT would be the end of the industry), the Mother's Day when the Merc network shut down, the Sale, Bob (nuff said there), the arrival of .COM...

I sincerely hope that Mike S. is to go shortly after the sale is complete. I believe he does not have the REAL florist in mind for FTD, nor does he value our businesses. Much of what HE has done (yea, HE as he is at the top) is to blame for what many of you are so angry about. Yes, Angry. Those that are angry will use the Delayed Response program as a reason to drop FTD. To get even angrier. To blast FTD for whatever other reason that is brewing in your mind.

Not me. I see the value this w/s brings currently to my biz. I don't pay for ANY-THING that is wasteful. To me, if you don't use what a w/s has to offer, you're wasting your money and yes, you should drop it. Case in point for us: Bloomlink.

- Herb

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

i don't see the advantage of this program other than lining someone's (FTD.com's) pockets. IMHO. An ask SHOULD stop the clock. Since it doesnt' I will automatically reject all orders that I cannot fill due to money, etc, where normally I would take the time to call the sending florist and explain my needs. I always take care of my orders in a timely manner, but I just think this is a little much.

Maybe when FTD has no filling florists left they will realize the error of their ways. Other "actual " flower shops have always been courteous with our orders, the only ones we have problems with are OG.

I'm cancelling my FTD membership. Shop has been a member since '52. Very sad but about @@@@ time.

FTD used to stand for something....

Sooo...you're going to drop FTD due to a program, in which if you simply do what you're supposed to do, nothing will happen to you. AND, if wrongdoing is done to you, you get the fine.

Where am I missing something???

Sounds like to me you had made up your mind about FTD a long time ago.

Instead of REJ a florist's order, how about FORwarding it? That's what I do... REJ the .com's... But, then again you don't fill OG orders, so that doesn't apply to you. Just FORward an order if is a problem...

- Herb

BTW, I do agree that an ASK should freeze the clock, but it won't happen. Reason: because it still causes the order to sit too long at any one shop. FTD wants the orders to move quickly if a shop cannot fill it, not sit around for 2 or 3 hours. By then, it may be too late for that day's delivery...