:damien I am new to the industry. I purchased a shop in mid June and did a transfer of ownership with former owner and Teleflora. I survived the "credit" check and was approved. All is well until last week. I start getting credit holds, then extensions of credit randomly. (as supported by my Dove transmissions from TF) 28 days AFTER the fact, I get a call from credit manager saying I need a co-signer or pay for my POS system. I am NOT doing either. You don't extend credit and tell someone weeks later to find a cosigner....not a normal business practice. I consulted an attorney, she says they have no rights (within their own contract) to retroactively expect me to produce a cosigner or force me to pay for the system up front. I relayed this information politely tot he credit manager and he said "I don't know why you are fighting this, YOU will NEVER win!" HUH?????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have escalated the call to the next level and expect to hear something tomorrow. Has anyone else EVER heard of this situation? Help...
I need help or advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter Scubakitty
- Start date
Hope you can tell them to take their stuff and shove it! You do not need telefloral or their credit card processing or POS. There are so many better and cheaper options without any contracts. Glad you have an attorney.
Thanks...I am really disappointed in them...and their rotten attitude or a least ONE person anyway. I am looking into dropping them tomorrow.
steve
Well-Known Member
anytimeflowers
Linda
Corinne. I suggest you immediately find yourself a new credit card processing company first ~ very first thing. Then we work on the rest of it.
They are right, you will never win as long as they are controlling your money. They can play games for years regardless of your having an attorney. Get in touch with your TF rep AFTER you sign with a cc processing company. Make sure that there are no other outstanding debts from the previous owner, something is fishy.
They are right, you will never win as long as they are controlling your money. They can play games for years regardless of your having an attorney. Get in touch with your TF rep AFTER you sign with a cc processing company. Make sure that there are no other outstanding debts from the previous owner, something is fishy.
There are no outstanding debts except the POS system which I agreed to. And of course their fabulous fees...cost of doing business with them. My issue is the denial of credit weeks after the fact...
I am with FlowerShop Network too (came with the sale)...so I am looking into that as well. My bank is very happy to assist with the CC processing.
I am with FlowerShop Network too (came with the sale)...so I am looking into that as well. My bank is very happy to assist with the CC processing.
anytimeflowers
Linda
I get what your issue is, Corinne. Does not matter what is legal or not with them, the game playing is just ridiculous and boggles the mind. This comes as absolutely no surprise to us, it's part of the package. FSN will give you no issues, btw. You will be stuck with the POS, that's why I suggested getting control of your money first. Then, let the attorneys battle it out as long as you keep paying for the POS. If you quit, I believe they have the legal right to demand full payment. You can always keep your membership and just pay the monthly dues without sending or filling. I am not TF so I can't say what those fees would be.
What kind of balance was left on the pos? It still might be better to walk away now if at all possible.
Balance is 5800. only two payments were made. I like the idea of keeping the system and paying the fee for it. Lagally they cant take it if I pay for it monthly...I would send a check by registered mail monthly.
Let them take it back. You can buy a couple of computers and use independent POS software, such as FloristWare or MAS, and come out way ahead.
I agree, with the others. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE DO NOT BUY THEIR POS!!! YOU WILL BE STUCK FOR YEARS TO COME. GET OUT AND AWAY FROM THEM ASAP. If, in the future, you think you want to join them you can then. Do not do it now. They will lock you in and it is hard to get out. I will repeat, If you can get out from under them now, do it. An independent POS is the best way to go. Visual Ticket is another very good POS.
anytimeflowers
Linda
What they said. If they are saying you need a co-sign on it after the fact, then the contract you signed should be null and void. With only two payments on it, they can just have it back. You can seriously get a system for a fraction of that cost with no special equipment. The other thing you should know is that if you keep the system and quit, you will get charged HUGE amounts to keep their support.
When bootcamp guy comes on tomorrow he'll give you the lowdown on that.
When bootcamp guy comes on tomorrow he'll give you the lowdown on that.
HydrangeaBleu
Active Member
Ditto to everything said above. The less dependent you are on the wire services, the better off you will be. Create your own website = create your own brand - promote your shop instead of the wire services brand & product. Use your bank to processing credit cards (the deposits will probably post quicker). You are not Teleflora's employee and you get to decide what's best for you & your business. Best wishes for much success. Anne
You will be tied to Teleflora for as long as you have their POS. The $5800 that you owe them for the POS is just a drop in the bucket compared to what you will end up paying them over the life of that system. FYI, in the United States you cannot be held accountable for someone else's contracts unless you agree to. You should take some time and list all the baggage that came from the old store owner then go back and see what you agreed to take on (in writing). Of course, bill collectors have no obligation to tell you this. I have a standing fight with AT&T about the old owner's long distance contract. I would have your lawyer send TF a letter. My guess is they will stop with the harassing phone calls. First though, go to your bank and set up a new CC processing account.
Also, since you are a new shop owner, you should realize that TF sales reps earn money by commission, and they will do whatever it takes to get a payday. Have your lawyer send Teleflora, web services, Stems & Bunches (especially these pricks), and TF marketplace a letter stating that ONLY YOU are authorized to make account decisions. They have caused me so much grief by hanging up with me and calling back to lie to my sales person and get THEM to authorize a sale. Then there is a three month fight while they "try to find" the voice recording. In the mean time, they keep taking the money because they have control of it.
Also, read all the threads here about wire services, especially the recent one about being fair for incoming wire orders. If you'd like, you can email me (or one of the numbers guys) a PDF of your June TF statement and I can tell you exactly how much each order costs you.
Also, since you are a new shop owner, you should realize that TF sales reps earn money by commission, and they will do whatever it takes to get a payday. Have your lawyer send Teleflora, web services, Stems & Bunches (especially these pricks), and TF marketplace a letter stating that ONLY YOU are authorized to make account decisions. They have caused me so much grief by hanging up with me and calling back to lie to my sales person and get THEM to authorize a sale. Then there is a three month fight while they "try to find" the voice recording. In the mean time, they keep taking the money because they have control of it.
Also, read all the threads here about wire services, especially the recent one about being fair for incoming wire orders. If you'd like, you can email me (or one of the numbers guys) a PDF of your June TF statement and I can tell you exactly how much each order costs you.
bootcampguy
Well-Known Member
Welcome from the other coast. Your gonna learn how this industry works real fast, it's not about you at all. PLEASE go back and read some previous posts on the WS.........the knowledge you gain will be very valuable to you. I'm gald you found us early on. They will attempt to double your fess for being non-compliant if you cancel, but YOU CAN'T BE TIED to them. Get out with only the clothes on your back if you have to.
lori042499
Well-Known Member
- May 3, 2006
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Ok, first off, you have to be a member in order to use the system that you are paying for, you are essecially paying for the equipment and you are free to keep that once you leave, but you are only paying to use the software while you are a member..Once you leave you lose support and rights to use their software(lots of people have no idea of this) I had paid for my systems and then found this out which added about 9 months to my term with Tf while I researched new software, it sucked...if you do cancel they will demand the full balace, they will keep your 200 dollar deposit because you are behind and the will charge you 400.00 for the lawyer to call you and demand this payment if you disagree on their first call immediatly, then the lawyer/collection agency will call you and let you know that you can pay it now or they will file a law suit against you and that will cost you further money. If you plan on giving back the equipment, I would have a talk with someone in pos land and see what your options for that is and print out a customer list before you have them get the equipment...your lawyer would probably be able to negotiate this better than yourself because they will muscle right through you unless they know you are willing to spend money on a lawyer..I know what I am talking about here because I have been tf free since may yet I am still making payments to them...this month is my last one and I am really finally free...good luck, I hope you get the answers and solutions you need to make a decision that is right for your new company...they will regularly hold your cc if you do not pay the balance and if that balance does not get paid in eneough time they will suspend your outgoing and only send you orders to fill...nice how they protect their investment..
Teleflora nor FTD want the equipment back, it was low end Dell systems to begin with and very old now. They want their money no matter what and will use strong armed tactics to force you to pay. However, as soon as you put your credit card processing with an independent processor ( NOT! your bank, credit union or Costco etc.) you will be amazed at how much money will be back in your till. Traditionally WS credit card programs end up being one of the HIGHEST processing rates of the ENTIRE credit card industry. No matter how it was initially sold to sound like it's one heck of a deal, trust me, it never is once unraveled. This step alone might help you pay off that balance sooner.
It always amazes me why new owners inherit old bills from the previous owner and don't take steps to negotiate those costs out of the sale of the business. Teleflora alone has one whole floor in their building to house their numerous lawyers which should give you a clue as to how ligitious Mr. Resnick likes to be, or rather has become given today's economy and wire service games.
Take back control of your business and bank account and you too could be paying yourself a salary VS. giving it to the wire services. Good luck !!
It always amazes me why new owners inherit old bills from the previous owner and don't take steps to negotiate those costs out of the sale of the business. Teleflora alone has one whole floor in their building to house their numerous lawyers which should give you a clue as to how ligitious Mr. Resnick likes to be, or rather has become given today's economy and wire service games.
Take back control of your business and bank account and you too could be paying yourself a salary VS. giving it to the wire services. Good luck !!
conchandler
Well-Known Member
FSN can get you a website up and running real fast. The previous owner did you a disservice by putting TF and their POS in the sales contract. That's just wrong. You obviously didn't know what you were getting into.