FTD Fees

Status
Not open for further replies.
BloomingFlorida

BloomingFlorida

New Member
Apr 12, 2009
288
164
0
Gulfport
State / Prov
Florida
So, I am thinking about dropping "other service fees" listed on FTD's statement. It is all about advertising, S additional listing, special listing, monthly directory, floral sel GD monthly fee, green fee.....should I keep any of these?
The other thing is "FTD University". Can I just drop this too?

I probably get 20-30 orders a months from FTD, these charges seem unnecessary.
Any suggestions?
Thank you.
 
Some of the fees are required, some aren't. I've been FTD for 34 plus years, the reason I keep it is that we send out 10 times the orders that we receive, YEAH!!I called about the green fee--it's because I choose to get my statement in the mail instead of online.
I have the free listing only, no ads, no extra towns, not my toll free ##. just cut down to the bare bones. My rebate more than pays for my regular monthly dues & fees, so I'm happy!
Look your statement over to see what can be deleted, then make your decision based on your shop's business.
 
  • Like
Reactions: boots12313, Sher, bloomz and 1 other person
Thank you.

I don't have any free listings. These listings come to just over $100 a month. Where do these ads appear anyway? In their book or online?
The rep from FTD said that these listings are important, but to whom?
Of course I still want other florists to find me on FTD so which one would be the best to keep?
I have:
S additional listing
Monthly directory subscription
Directory List Ad
Floral Sel GD Monthly fee
and the green fee

These listings were inherited from the previous owner.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
 
BloomingFlorida said:
Of course I still want other florists to find me on FTD so which one would be the best to keep?
I have:
S additional listing
Monthly directory subscription
Directory List Ad
Floral Sel GD Monthly fee
and the green fee
Click to expand...

I think that, with your volume (only 20-30 wire-ins a month), you should drop any service you can drop.

S additional listing and directory list ad, should go. No one looks at the thick directory anymore.

I don't know what 'green fee' means. We aren't paying it, so it probably isn't necessary.

I'm not sure you can drop Monthly directory subscription and Floral Sel GD Monthly fee.
 
goldfish said:
S additional listing and directory list ad, should go. No one looks at the thick directory anymore.
Click to expand...

I bet 90% of the orders come from shops that never take the shrink wrap off that dumb doorstop book.

Hence, advertising in it is a total sucker ploy. You're just burning hundred dollar bills.
 
bloomz said:
I bet 90% of the orders come from shops that never take the shrink wrap off that dumb doorstop book.
Click to expand...
80% of the orders DO come from the top 10% of florists...

Be interesting to know what the percentage break is where florists make money and don"t (really) with the WS's... since we know the bottom xx% funds the top xx% of rebates and perks...
 
BloomingFlorida said:
So, I am thinking about dropping "other service fees" listed on FTD's statement. It is all about advertising, S additional listing, special listing, monthly directory, floral sel GD monthly fee, green fee.....should I keep any of these?
The other thing is "FTD University". Can I just drop this too?

I probably get 20-30 orders a months from FTD, these charges seem unnecessary.
Any suggestions?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
I'm guessing that your extra listing is in St. Pete? There are so many resident florists there as well as also served by listings, that it's a crapshoot that anyone finds you there. I would also delete the listing ad and special listing, and just keep your free basic ad in Gulfport if you are the only game in town there.

The directory fee is a fee they charge you monthly or quarterly to pay for the big, paper, tree-killing directory that few florists even use. The floral selection guide fee is a monthly charge for the counter guide they send out every three years or so. Both of these are considered "mandatory", but I have heard some florists have gotten the selection guide fee waived.

The green fee is yet another new fee dreamed up by them. If you get your statement on line and don't need the paper one mailed to you, they will waive that.

Do you get low send fees or reciprocity fees? Those are the worst and are easy to get waived. Let me know if you need details...
 
  • Like
Reactions: CHR
Does anyone else see the irony of charging a 'green fee' to receive a print statement while still insisting florists pay for a behemoth doorstop print directory?

I continue to maintain that the only reason directories are still printed by WSs is to preserve the 3-4 months cycle to quit (plus preserving the income from ads).

Did ya'll read where AT&T has petitioned the state of Missiouri to stop printing the White Pages?
The company is pulling back its distribution of directories across the country as both a cost-cutting move and an acknowledgment that electronic media is taking over for its printed counterpart. Four other states have already granted waivers for AT&T, including Oklahoma, Illinois, Ohio and Alabama.


AT&T said it held trials last year in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, delivering only the business listings and giving customers the option of requesting a printed copy of the residential listings. It says less than 1 percent of Atlanta customers requested a copy, while the demand in Austin was less than 2 percent.


The company said fewer people rely on paper directories because of a combination of more people relying solely on cell phones, whose numbers typically aren't included in the listings; more phone listings available online; caller-ID features capturing phone numbers; and the ability of phones to store a large number of frequently called numbers.


"For years, the residential white page directory was likely one of the most utilized books, and it served its purpose well," AT&T wrote in its PSC filing. "However, times have changed."
Click to expand...
Emphasis mine. A little OT yet related to the way WS costs/fees are structured.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joe Mioux, jduncan, Tracy D'Amico and 2 others
Dior said:
The green fee is yet another new fee dreamed up by them. If you get your statement on line and don't need the paper one mailed to you, they will waive that.

QUOTE]

You then get your bill online, and you have then printi it out for your records. So does it make sense for them to charge this fee. NO!

Most business needs a paper trail for their records and Uncle Sam.
So instead of FTD paying for it, you are through your own printer, your own ink.

That's what i would say!

Here in canada, they can't introduce new fees unless we sign up for it. Business protection rules.

Tell them to cut down the directory if they want to save money!!!!!!!!!!

Oh No, that would be too easy and too much money loss.
I guess they have figure they can put the directory on a disc and send that out.

Luc
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dior
Yes - I see it!

CHR said:
Does anyone else see the irony of charging a 'green fee' to receive a print statement while still insisting florists pay for a behemoth doorstop print directory?
Click to expand...

I had not thought of that! Not only that, but the selection guide?? Does anyone sell out of the selection guide? I asked not to received it - they said I have too... so I dropped FTD as of Sept. 09.. no more $1000 per month going out to them!

For what?? NOTHING! Why isn't everyone dropping them?

We are paying them all these stupid fees just so they can turn around and market against US! The ones who butter their bread! I am sorry - but I am not longer going allow them to laugh at me!

What other industry does this - what are we thinking! Filling the pockets of those who market against us! WE HAVE TO STOP THE INSANITY! :iamwith: I don't want to be with stupid anymore.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chezbloom
This is only me speaking my opinion, I'm not a florist, so if you are all comfortable with the EFT authorization whereby a wire service can both deposit and/or debit your account, so be it.

I would never allow a wire service to debit my account. There are too many statement charges disputed each day, not to mention the possibility that you may resign from them someday, and they will keep "losing" the registered letter you sent, and keep your membership fees going and going, and keep debiting and debiting your account! I would try to work out a "deposit only" agreement.

I'm no fan of Bloomnet, but their EFT policy was that they would deposit into your account, but never debit it. I don't know if that policy has changed in the last year. I believe FTD and TEL have both always credited and debited accounts.

Once again, this is only my opinion, maybe I'm too non-trusting, suspicious, and paranoid of the w/s and their intentions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
Just another note -- about all the fees.. have you ever actually added up the cost of filling all of those incoming orders that you want? I have found that I receive ZERO profit from these orders.

Large shops can do the volume to make profit - but small shops can't make profit on 20-30 incoming per month.

For outgoing most florist will give you the 20% on a Credit card...

Take the following into consideration:

Your receive an incoming FTD order from let's say... FTD.com
They send you $50 total to fill a mix in a vase.
#1 - FTD Charges their customers $13.99 just to take the order! HUH???
#2 - FTD charges YOU (filling florist) $1.50 to receive the order! HUH again???
#3 - FTD carges you 20% because they took the order and gave it to you to make nice for them?? To market against you...

STOP!! FTD has made $25.49 BEFORE they even get started with all the STUPID FEES!!!

Now let's look at your profit! HA HA!

$50 total - minus $1.50 for taking the order, and $10 the 20% you give them..
YOu Are left with $38.50 to fill a $50 value order...
Start with your delivery fee - NORMAL is $10.00 - if the delivery driver takes 30 minutes to deliver... at $8 per hour.. thats $4 gas we will figure $2 (ONe Gallon)
(I am not considering Tires, Insurance, yadda, yadda..)

Now for design labor... 20 minutes ( you must consider, processing, gathering of goods and actual design time) this is for a good designer.. paid $16/ hour
= $5.33.

COG.. Vase $2 flowers? Total bouquet value of 40 - Everyone is different here. I would do $10 worth of wholesale flowers.. for a $40 value.

You are left with $15.17. That is $10 LESS than FTD got and YOU did all the work - took all the risk - had all the inventory. And you still have to pay ALL your fees! AGIAN I say... HUH?
 
makescents said:
Just another note -- about all the fees.. have you ever actually added up the cost of filling all of those incoming orders that you want? I have found that I receive ZERO profit from these orders.

Large shops can do the volume to make profit - but small shops can't make profit on 20-30 incoming per month.

For outgoing most florist will give you the 20% on a Credit card...

Take the following into consideration:

Your receive an incoming FTD order from let's say... FTD.com
They send you $50 total to fill a mix in a vase.
#1 - FTD Charges their customers $13.99 just to take the order! HUH???
#2 - FTD charges YOU (filling florist) $1.50 to receive the order! HUH again???
#3 - FTD carges you 20% because they took the order and gave it to you to make nice for them?? To market against you...

STOP!! FTD has made $25.49 BEFORE they even get started with all the STUPID FEES!!!

Now let's look at your profit! HA HA!

$50 total - minus $1.50 for taking the order, and $10 the 20% you give them..
YOu Are left with $38.50 to fill a $50 value order...
Start with your delivery fee - NORMAL is $10.00 - if the delivery driver takes 30 minutes to deliver... at $8 per hour.. thats $4 gas we will figure $2 (ONe Gallon)
(I am not considering Tires, Insurance, yadda, yadda..)

Now for design labor... 20 minutes ( you must consider, processing, gathering of goods and actual design time) this is for a good designer.. paid $16/ hour
= $5.33.

COG.. Vase $2 flowers? Total bouquet value of 40 - Everyone is different here. I would do $10 worth of wholesale flowers.. for a $40 value.

You are left with $15.17. That is $10 LESS than FTD got and YOU did all the work - took all the risk - had all the inventory. And you still have to pay ALL your fees! AGIAN I say... HUH?
Click to expand...
Yes, then add up your fixed fees you incur each month from the w/s, divide that by the number of orders you rec'd, and subtract that amount from the 15.17 you had left.

Lovely, huh?
 
  • Like
Reactions: makescents
Dior said:
Yes, then add up your fixed fees you incur each month from the w/s, divide that by the number of orders you rec'd, and subtract that amount from the 15.17 you had left.

Lovely, huh?
Click to expand...

Yes then I would have Negitive $3.49... That means I am losing my BLEEP! BUT NOT ANY more! :O)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chezbloom and Dior
Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil!Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil!Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil!Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Especially FTD, Teleflora and 800Flowers.
:rofl:

:spam:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chezbloom, makescents and (deleted member)
BOSS said:
Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil!Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil!Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil!Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Wire services are evil! Especially FTD, Teleflora and 800Flowers.
:rofl:

:spam:
Click to expand...


How do you REALLY feel about them? Cmon, lets clear this up!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom
Back