How do you determine an OG?

[rich]

There has been so much information regarding OG, and my question is how do you go about finding out who is and who isn't aside from the previous postings and the lists given.
As I said in an earlier post we have just dropped our TF membership and are going direct and would like to be as informed and up to date on how to check this out when receiving orders.
Rich

 

[Luc]

RIch

THere is a thread about this subject on this board. If you do a search for order gatherer, the thread dshould come up and read it. There is a multitude of explanations on how we define order gatherer by different members. Also there is a list on here also of order gatherer.
Basically for me, I control what comes into my shop and if I know it is from one,,They do not get my service.
For me order gatherer is people taking direct orders from me through the web, or yellow page advertising. People who is not using a real florist or florist that have web sites that says they are in my town, and they are not even close by.

I can go on and on on this subject, but my boiling point would burst.

Luc

 

[Rhonda]

I have broadband internet on my laptop at work. If I question a shop's intent sending to me, I run a check for my town name and florist or flowers and see who pops up. If someone advertises on the 'net that they are "located" in my town or "services" my town, I consider them an advertiser. If the web site states they are a member of a wire service and can "wire" your order for you to my town, I sometimes disregard as most legit sites will offer this to their customers. Those that blatantly show "comments from customers, or our professional designers will... " are deceptive and therefore a gatherer.
But remember even on the web, usually their actual shop name is not shown. That is where the OrderGatherer Registry thread here under Wire Services does come in handy. Some of them are named there. Good luck.

 

[bloomz]

If you're dropping the wire services and going direct you won't hyave to worry much about that any more as you won't be getting their orders. Or many other incoming orders for that matter, (which is a good thing in the big picture)

There are only 2 I know of, maybe 3 that send without the wire services.

 

[Jerry]

Ah Bloomz, you are way wrong on that last statement. There are more direct F2F then you will know. I know because, we TALK to the receiving florist on the old fashion "telli". An unbelievable amount of florists have cut or are on the way to cut their ties from the boat anchor.

Bloomz is right, Rich, the gatherers or large senders will not send to you, there is no monitary value for them to do this. I will say it gets fun to answer the phone and listen to their speel, every once in a while, and then the begging starts. I do hate panhandlers.

 

[Griff]

Rich, don't be mis-lead.

The first rule about sending direct is: DON'T ask for discounts when sending an order and DON'T give discounts on ANY incoming orders. Not even when they SAY they are a florist. Always treat any order out and in as if done through a NEW WS that does not charge you for any services.

OG's are NOT interested in dealing with DIRECT FLORISTS unless they can make money on those orders and the sending fee they collect is not enough to pay all their bills. You may be contacted, however, as a last resort. They will even announce they have a FTD or TF for you, but as they know you are no longer a member, they will put the order on a CC. Do not be fooled. It will never be an open order. THEY will always attempt to discribe an arrangement from their website or give you a number designation. Most likely the order will always be called to you after 3:30 or 4:00 your local time for delivery THAT day. Afterall, you are THEIR last chance! Oh, and one more thing. The value of the order is always very low. A dozen roses arranged for $49.95 delivery included or a vase of mixed flowers with 3 yellow roses for $34.99 including delivery.

Welcome to the new world, Rich and congratulations on your choice. If you have questions concerning going direct, please feel free to ask the ones who know what it is all about. It is obvious that others on this board will openly and willfully mis-lead you.