Sending Florist Only

[rokay]

I have had a bunch of customers today asking me how to identify an order gatherer and a sending florist only. I have sent them to Floristdetective.com and even reprinted the list of known OG from that site for them. But, is there an easier way for a retail shop to identify these people via their TF of FTD code or some other way? Specificallhy TF but any ifnormation on either would be great.

Thanks

 

[CHR]

Identifying Order Gatherers

Rokay,

At present, there is no way to easily identify order gatherers via code numbers from Teleflora. I believe FTD SFO's have a ZA suffix on their code number although brick & mortar shops with OG divisions are generally lumped into the single main store number so filling shops can't tell if orders are sold by the actual store or www.we-delivery-cheap-everywhere-for-free.com.

Currently, one code number may be used to transmit the orders sold over numerous websites and under many different company names.

I've always felt that it's grossly unfair that any store opening a second location is required to pay additional dues, buy a new selection guide, directory, etc... while order gatherers can simply launch a new website - daily if they want to - under a new name and pay no additional fees.

I know of at least one OG that operates more than 5000 websites under a single code number.

By allowing this practice, the WS make it harder for local florists to catch the skimmers and scammers. On numerous occasions, once caught curtailing, gatherers simply claim 'the order was sold on a different site that has different prices.'

I believe all WS are cloaking OG orders under their own main code numbers as well.

 

[flowerknife+us]

Rokay,

" I believe FTD SFO's have a ZA suffix on their code number "


While that statement is true keep in mind that all shops that have a second location also have a ZA suffix. We had a ZA suffix for each of our branch stores. We had all incoming orders for each location go only to main location so that the orders were centralized. I only mention this because I have seen this stated before a few times as a means to determining SFO's but it lumps good florist in that "do not fill for" category. I am out of FTD so I don't have to worry about my orders being rejected because the code ends in ZA but other legit shops do.

Knife's Wife

 

[Luc]

My Reply would be this....

If the customer checks the "About us link" on Web pages and if the address given is not in that town, then they are considered order gatherers in my book.
Also get them to check that address, if they are not giving address or it is vagues , most likely they are order gatherer.
Luc

 

[Dazeal]

I believe all WS are cloaking OG orders under their own main code numbers as well.

I'm sure of that.

If I don't have time to find a florist for my customer I send them to flowerpowernetwork.com. They have already done the hard part of filtering for us.

 

[BOSS]

I believe all WS are cloaking OG orders under their own main code numbers as well.

Sad but true... the WS's are protecting the OG's when in reality they were designed to protect the Real Florists....

 

[HERO]

You have been out of FTD to long ...

Rokay,

" I believe FTD SFO's have a ZA suffix on their code number "


While that statement is true keep in mind that all shops that have a second location also have a ZA suffix. We had a ZA suffix for each of our branch stores. We had all incoming orders for each location go only to main location so that the orders were centralized. I only mention this because I have seen this stated before a few times as a means to determining SFO's but it lumps good florist in that "do not fill for" category. I am out of FTD so I don't have to worry about my orders being rejected because the code ends in ZA but other legit shops do.

Knife's Wife

Maybe before rebates???

ZA was buried when florist came to realize that you would get a better cash flo rebate if you sent all out of one store. They were also buried when you realized you only need one shop membership when you got a POS that could send all your orders out of one shop.

The ZA's were brought back, to FTD'a applause and Technical limibilities, so that you couldn't send to these florist. However it is the ONE true was to reconize a SFO in FTD.

In Teleflora I know it is MUCH MUCH Harder. HQ orders, other florist ... etc. etc. sure you can write em' all down, but with the ZA even your employees know not to fill.

You were right once but Now ZA's or SFO's only.

HERO

p.s. FTD is trying to do some good, a little fluffy, but looks good.

 

[BOSS]

p.s. FTD is trying to do some good, a little fluffy, but looks good.

IMHO... it's simply more SMOKE AND MIRRORS.... and them working to gather the OG's into the company. I say this judging their recent purchases for millions of dollars of various URL's, using the argument "we're keeping these orders in OUR system FOR our florists"... BULL SH*T!

They are working to send as many discounted orders as possible thru their membership, and by buying out their competition trying to pay off their 200MM in debt that Green saddled the company with during the recent IPO.

They could care less how many shops they put out of biz....and their attempt to look like the "good guys" is a smoke screen... if they were truely trying to help, they would can them all and in short order...but they never will, it is only being done because of pressure being brought to bear by Real Florists in public... the behind the doors stuff is still happening.

That said, can;t fault them too much since they are a for profit company these days, but that does not mean we have to help them kill us!

 

[flowerknife+us]

Hero, Are you 100% sure that stores that have branch locations no longer have to pay membership for each location... I know OG don't but the last I knew FTD was still going to make us us pay membership for each location.

I wasn't disputing whether ZA was a sending only, ZA has always been sendinging only. When we were members we had 5 locations, each location had to pay membership. We elected to have all incoming go to one location for better production and delivery purposes, hence making the other 4 locations Sending Florist Only. My point was unless they have definitely done away with real florist having to pay more than one membership, you may be turning real florist orders away by using the ZA (sending florist only) rule.


Knife's wife

 

[HERO]

The new title is Member but Inactive branch.

Hero, Are you 100% sure that stores that have branch locations no longer have to pay membership for each location... I know OG don't but the last I knew FTD was still going to make us us pay membership for each location.

I wasn't disputing whether ZA was a sending only, ZA has always been sendinging only. When we were members we had 5 locations, each location had to pay membership. We elected to have all incoming go to one location for better production and delivery purposes, hence making the other 4 locations Sending Florist Only. My point was unless they have definitely done away with real florist having to pay more than one membership, you may be turning real florist orders away by using the ZA (sending florist only) rule.


Knife's wife

And what they will also do ( Most florist that is ) is pick the smallest city they are in and list that location as the member. Therefore no incoming. ZA is for SFO's only. You get your own # now or become inactive. They don't offer it, however they will discount or let you drop all the rest.

Do I have your interest peaked?? Go where the $$$ is better, not what is says on the Logo.

HERO

p.s. You could also be a ZA if you would like.