FTD worried about Florists for Change?

[blumen]

Just received and completed an online FTD Florist feed-back survey that was e-mailed to us.

It basically asked how satisfied we are with various aspects of FTD.

Interesting timing of the survey, what with the meeting in Las Vegas next week...

 

[Lizi]

They must sense a change coming. Do they really need a survey to know how their members really feel? I'm sure they have heard many complaints over the past years.

 

[BOSS]

I doubt FTD is too worried...they have not got a clue about what's going on out in the field... and they still believe that the lemmings will continue to follow blindly and that any "movement" will fizzle as in the past.

I think they be wrong this time...

 

[steve]

I had an FTD rep show up here unannouced 2 days ago first time I have seen a rep from them in 3.5 years I point blank asked her if she was told to come see me and she said no but I don't believe it for a min. And to top it off she came back yesterday while I was playing in the mtns and left my plaques for 2009 and 2010 for top 500 I guess they are trying to show they care huh lol

 

[BOSS]

Dang Steve... you were playing in the mountains and they dropped off your targets at the store... I hate it when that happens...

 

[bootcampguy]

I doubt FTD is too worried...they have not got a clue about what's going on out in the field... and they still believe that the lemmings will continue to follow blindly and that any "movement" will fizzle as in the past.

I think they be wrong this time...

I don't think they are smart enough to be worried (sorry). Coverage is the "only concern" now. They take orders/money and If I can't DS, who will handle this order. They need beds and many of them. They are coming here next week, "you can't leave"..................It takes years to get customers and seconds to lose them

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

Dang Steve... you were playing in the mountains and they dropped off your targets at the store... I hate it when that happens...

Fodder for a 12 gauge....

 

[steve]

although I have an assortment of guns I am rather fond of my 7mm-08 and I do need to get it zero in for the upcoming season lol

 

[BOSS]

although I have an assortment of guns I am rather fond of my 7mm-08

I've got a British 308 if that helps.... I'm partial to my Winchester model 94 tho...

 

[Hal Conklin]

I dont think it is so much about the WS as much as it is the reps and the income they pose to lose from loyalists that are no more. I have heard from a few florists that have gotten calls "Hey I need to feed my Family". There still are a few out there"reps" who are genuine and ethical it's those I feel sorry for. The comfort zone for them is gone now also and they need to step to plate. Shall see in next 6 months where this journey goes. It is only positive for the Real Retail Florist moving forward.

 

[BOSS]

BOSS's Quote of the day!

It is only positive for the Real Retail Florist moving forward.

Provided they can unite in a common direction and STAY that way...

I too have respect for some of the reps out in the field... there are some good people there, that honestly don't always agree with the "company line" yet they do have families they need to take care of....

 

[secretgarden]

They have already done what most retailers do when times are rough and get rid of reps. That gives the remaining reps more miles to cover, more butts to kiss, and so on. This puts a strain on the reps and stretches them to thin. They can not provide the level of customer services that would keep fillers filling and in turn more will leave. Then more reps cut... the cycle continues. I have never understood why companies do this, there are other ways to save money. Cutting out your "feet on the ground" people is just not wise when they are needed the most. The reps burn out quick and that creates turnover. Turnover brings lost revenue because a new rep may not be able to keep up when they have to hit the ground running. Have seen this done in 3 companies I worked for, all at the regional manager position (that is pretty much what a rep is) and they always loose more then they gain in the long run.

 

[Lizi]

The floral industry has been changing for the last 15 years and not always for the better. I feel for anyone losing their job, it is happening everyday, even to florists. We need to be unified in our efforts, some want to change the WS model, it's really not a big concern for me since I don't use one, but there are other issue that effect us all and I think we can all agree that those issue need to be addressed as well. I can't attend this meeting because of time and finances, but they do have my support.