OK - question about Wire Services

[lori042499]

I agree that we should be hashing in marketing threads but these darn WS threads seem to get a life of their own verses the marketing threads that die a quick death. Why is that? Do we just like to bicker or is it that the WS has weaved themselves into the daily operation of a floral shop that we have to include them?

On that note I am going to start reading some marketing threads and give this a rest for a day or two..........but I will be back. oke:

Problem is that the marketing threads are very one sided...you either do well and kind of know what you are doing or you don't...The ideas are thrown out there and you either try them or you don't...nothing to hash and rehash...WS because of its complexity and nature is a hash and rehash thing...there are way too many possibilities to be so cut and dry, either yay or nay...for some it becomes very evident that they do not work for them for others they make plenty because they use everything they have purchased, for still others there is a fine line that it may be working and it may not be working, I think this is where many florists lie, there are so many things that work and then there are so many things that just don't..

I think most of us agree that if you choose to stay and use the wire services, it is ok for the occasional rant when they really piss you off, but to complain ad nauseum and still be with them is quite useless...lets face it it is a personal decision for each biz...not one of us can tell another what works for their biz, we aren't privy to the books to tell any of this...

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

Herb -

How do you feel about FTD adding drop-ship tulips to you shop's home page?

Wouldn't you rather deliver these locally yourself or wire them to another B&M shop?

I know you've worked hard to promote your site (since I get your fine email campaigns) and these items seem contrary to the promotions you've been running.

Cathy

It's not supposed to be there. None TRUST ME, when I say that I am on the phone with FOL right now - talking to a 'Calvin' about this. Then, talking to my Regional VP.

I will keep you posted - pun intended...

- H.

 

[BOSS]

It's not supposed to be there.

- H.

For JB, since he's coffee challenged this morning...

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

Just got off the phone with Dan from Web Gifts. Aparently, when they re-organized the product codes, some codes were changed, but the SAME products used. So, this Tulip drop ship junk had actually been taken out of my catalog, but added back IN with the NEW product code.

Web Gifts is currently going thru my catalog and removing ANY product that is cut flowers shipped with a vase, or ANY cut flower arrangement that is dropped shipped.

- H.

(and, NO, not in the greatest of moods today, so this just torqued me off even more...)

 

[BOSS]

Aparently, when they re-organized the product codes, some codes were changed, but the SAME products used. So, this Tulip drop ship junk had actually been taken out of my catalog, but added back IN with the NEW product code.

Bad Bobby excuse number 673....

I imagine they did a "global update" resulting in this happening to every FOL site out there, and that 90% of the florists won't even notice...

 

[strippinrose]

This is why i think its the florists themselves that are ruining our industry...too much pissin and moaning and not enough working, marketing, etc..

I totally agree!, but what is wrong with us that we have so much trouble in changing???? and giving up wire services????count me as a scaredy cat

 

[CHR]

Web Gifts is currently going thru my catalog and removing ANY product that is cut flowers shipped with a vase, or ANY cut flower arrangement that is dropped shipped.

Good to hear. If it really is a product code 'mistake', the items should disappear from the home pages of all other florists' sites as well.

I imagine they did a "global update" resulting in this happening to every FOL site out there, and that 90% of the florists won't even notice...

And this is why we discuss WSs a lot.

I know we old timers get less and less stunned (outraged) by the shennanigans, but that doesn't mean they're any less damaging in the near or long term. Squelching (and mocking) discussion just gives tacit permission for more abuse.

 

[PhillyPhlorist]

Good to hear. If it really is a product code 'mistake', the items should disappear from the home pages of all other florists' sites as well.
And this is why we discuss WSs a lot.

I know we old timers get less and less stunned (outraged) by the shennanigans, but that doesn't mean they're any less damaging in the near or long term. Squelching (and mocking) discussion just gives tacit permission for more abuse.

And... I am TOTALLY OK with W/S chat IF it is about stuff like this - where something totally stupid was done by a w/s and it should be brought to the attention of florists here on FC. Just like you did with me!
Your comment (finding) allowed me to get the issue fixed, and even though I look at my site 10x a week, this one slipped through...

This whole Thread Monster was about "demands", "bashing" and the sorts...not real, substantive issues.

- H.

 

[bloomz]

OK I'll try it without the sarcasm...

Something eluding some of you is, since those tulips are on my front page and I'm not caring enough to remove them - IF I get an order for them - I don't have to send it to webgifts - I can choose to deliver it myself, send it to webgifts code, or another florist as a wire out.

It's not like they automatically go to webgifts or anything - the order still has to be scrubbed and wire out or delivery chosen.

But again - as owner of an FOL site - I do not consider this "abuse" in any way. It's an easy matter for me to monitor and change it myself.

I am *guessing* the majority of FOL site owners also don't know and don't care and are probably glad they got changed to Easter for them. If they did care they would monitor and change it themself or call FOL and have them do it for them.

The guy I talked to yesterday said I was the first one he had spoken to that asked that question. (different guy than Herb obviously)

I am not giving them tacit permission to do anything - I just don't see it as any major issue and see the benefits of automatic seasonal changes for florists that need that service done for them.

I do find it interesting tho that non-FOL operators see this as a travesty, when I don't.

 

[BOSS]

I do find it interesting tho that non-FOL operators see this as a travesty, when I don't.

::BS flag on the play...

You mean kind of like the travesty you saw FTD as when you were not a member?
:rofl:

:yourock:

 

[bloomz]

damm straight!

I'm sure people rolled their eyes at me back then, too.

Could someone convince me that since I'm supposed to somehow be a victim, that I actually am?

 

[Dazeal]

Herb I like you, and agree with you. Reading posts about complaints here over and over gets old (I just skip em). I also agree with Chez.. new people need to vent, just like you have in the past about one thing and I think that little chicken is sexy, who doesn't?

Reading posts complaining about complaints is the irony here, anyone else catch it? I decided to quit after a few replies and take my own advice.... skip it.



p.s. JB is an FTD hoebag, but I love him! :headbang: