Quality control $$$

[ibritz flowers florida]

I dislike looking at my TF statement because it sends me into a tirade every month. One of the charges that kills me is the $20.00 per month "quality control" fee. Honestly, What is this money used for?. I keep thinking about that big directory and ALL the florists pitching in their $20.00 for monthly quality control. I think TF should be accountable and show us what our money buys
Does anyone here know?:GP
Anne

 

[ctherose]

It goes to cover the cost of them randomly ordering bouquets from florists each month so that they can be evaluated on quality, how much it looks like what was ordered, etc., so that they can ensure every florist is following their code of conduct. Upon completion of the evaluation, a florist was supposed to get some sort of certificate they could proudly display saying they were a quality florist or some other BS like that. And, if you failed the test, you were given info. on how you could improve. After so many strikes, I believe, you were supposed to be kicked out. That's just my take on it. I am no longer TF, but I was for a few years after they implimented the program. I was NEVER tested. NEVER. It was supposed to offset the cost of implimenting such a program. Hello! Shouldn't that only cost about $75/year (the cost of ordering one bouquet from you and writing down how the recipient liked it)?! I believe someone in a post from long ago stated that it was really to cover a budget shortfall but disguised as something that would make florists feel like TF was truly concerned with only allowing quality florist to be members.

Can you tell I'm still infuriated by it? No wonder I'm not longer with them...

 

[ibritz flowers florida]

That sure is a lot of money for "quality control"! Jenny, did you quit all the WS or just TF? We have been up and down over the pros and cons for a couple of years and I think it's just the fear factor over having no WS but it really isn't necessary thanks to credit cards and the internet. We were AFS when we opened because we're from Oklahoma and AFS was Oklahoma City based. We never wanted to be TF or FTD because of the cookie cutter container /design syndrome and we flet hijacked when the "merger "took place. I admit we have been telemarketed into trying their featured product last Val day and Mother's day but when the final paperwork was completed we couldn't see the advantage.
The more I read the more I wonder
Anne

 

[ctherose]

Wire Service free here! Didn't need it. This issue has been hashed and re-hashed many times here on FC. Do a search for other threads if you like. My main advice is: Don't feel like you can't exist without a wire service. You will still be seen as a legitimate florist. That was my biggest fear. But now, it doesn't matter. Not one bit.

 

[Dee Dee]

Anne,

I am with you on the furious part! Hang in there

 

[Chezbloom]

Hang in where? Hang yourself with the WS? Or is it more like they're choking the life out of florists by nickle and diming them into extinction? Quality control fee is a bad sad joke.