Time to Exit.......thanks to many

[prestonway]

Those we're the words of the person running the convention. Either way, which insult is worse. Paid, then not show or non-pay, not show up. In SC they we're a no show or "pull out" as they called it at the last minute (day before). Nothing was shipped, so they had no intention on going (IMO). When you're afraid to face the people (IMO) that's not good PR......

No offence...but a couple of "IMO's" too many for my liking...LOL

 

[Rhonda]

They have been no shows at the last three of our shows. Paid for booths twice and ads 3X. We don't depend on them.... don't even ask them for Educational Specialists anymore (designers/commentators). We have successfully done shows without any of them for well over 4 years. We invite them to take part in our Trade Fair, an ad in our booklet but if they don't, so be it. Many others would take their first or last page inside cover

 

[theRKF]

I saw a big hole in the corner, so I ask who pulled out on them. It was the black and gold people and that really put a hurting on the convention financially and did so only a few days in advance. They depend on the revenue from them (I know they shouldn't) but most do, so them not showing really frosted my pants. The mere fact that these people weren't good enough to be paid a visit because they only had 91 people. All of the booklets printed, so they got all the exposure with no commitment.

Not trying to defend anyone...but do you know for a fact or is it presumption that they pulled out because there was only 91 people attending?

That "these people weren't good enough to be paid a visit"?

Or is there another reason entirely as to why they were forced to pull out, which you may not know about?

That was the sentiment felt by most if not all attending.

No offence...but a couple of "IMO's" too many for my liking...LOL

I've checked with a few contacts at FTD, and the truth of the matter is that the rep who was scheduled to attend, and had every intention of attending, had a last-minute very personal issue come up that required their attendance elsewhere.

I have said this before, and I'll keep saying it: FTD and TF give us enough valid reasons to gripe without us adding speculation to the mix. When we start getting worked up over innuendo and rumour it just reinforces to the WS people that they shouldn't take us seriously as professionals. I do hope that the Vegas meeting will be more about fact and less about assumptions.

 

[RWK]

While I was not able to attend, as SC ( South Carolina ) State Convention this year, due to being in Texas at the present time, It still does not surprise me if 'the Black and gold people ' as you so eloquently put it, if they did not show up at the convention. From my experience with past conventions, they have been the most unreliable sponsors. In fact, it would not surprise me if they were a no-show at the next AIFD National.

 

[jamie]

I've checked with a few contacts at FTD, and the truth of the matter is that the rep who was scheduled to attend, and had every intention of attending, had a last-minute very personal issue come up that required their attendance elsewhere.

I have said this before, and I'll keep saying it: FTD and TF give us enough valid reasons to gripe without us adding speculation to the mix. When we start getting worked up over innuendo and rumour it just reinforces to the WS people that they shouldn't take us seriously as professionals. I do hope that the Vegas meeting will be more about fact and less about assumptions.

I agree with what you say Ryan, but I also would think that a multimillion dollar corporation such as FTD would have a back up plan in case one of their representatives could not live up to his obligations. It kind of bothers me even more to know that they didn't make the decision not to go, rather they just don't care to prepare for emergencies.

Does anyone know if those 92 florists are able to use the Delayed Response Program and charge FTD due to non-delivery?

 

[prestonway]

I agree with what you say Ryan, but I also would think that a multimillion dollar corporation such as FTD would have a back up plan in case one of their representatives could not live up to his obligations. It kind of bothers me even more to know that they didn't make the decision not to go, rather they just don't care to prepare for emergencies.

Does anyone know if those 92 florists are able to use the Delayed Response Program and charge FTD due to non-delivery?

Yup...there are six of them waiting for just such a contingency...all being paid "on call" time...just in case they get the call...LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

 

[bootcampguy]

Sorry, I will have to dis-agree. I have never "bashed" the services, because I believe in that model. But, at some point and time you have to call the cards as you and others see them. Ryan, I think Michigan they we're a no show (remember empty booth next Womar), La State, So. Carolina, Southern Retail (last year), Mid-Atlantic. Boy that rep. has had a bad year or so, many personal issues......................I think not, his/their personal issue was...........................no need to say, they don't give a "flute" about florists and the perception florists now have about them. When I called my rep, he ask, "why, you're a top 250 shop" we love you" how about free technology for a year. No thanks. Every company at some point and time gets complacent and they began to lose big. The only reason they go to the big shows (AIFD) etc. to many "rear-ends" to kiss.........But florists in La. To much cajun food for butt kissing.

Loyalty has no expiration date

But loyalty has to reviewed from time to time, it's been reviewed and points redeemed................

 

[Dior]

Back in my day with black and gold, the fact that the rep had a personal emergency would have NO bearing on pulling out of the show. They sent an adjacent territory rep to cover the show, their regional VP, or someone from HQ. Life goes on and does not revolve around one person's personal problems to mess everyone else up.

 

[theRKF]

Ryan, I think Michigan they we're a no show (remember empty booth next Womar)

Nope ... FTD had 2-3 guys on hand at Michigan ... in the booth next to ours. They had a single, TF had a double or triple across the aisle.

When I worked as an installer (for FTD & TF), sometimes stuff came up ... and sometimes people weren't able to cover same-day. And that was with a whole team of installers.

Field reps are spread thin already, and the nearest rep may have been tied up with other appointments.

This thread started with unfounded accusations and speculation, and now that those have been deflated it's turned to defending the anger stirred up by the speculation.

 

[BOSS]

When I worked as an installer (for FTD & TF), sometimes stuff came up ... and sometimes people weren't able to cover same-day. And that was with a whole team of installers.

Heh... when I worked for FTD as an installer... sometimes the CPU didn't show up either

 

[bootcampguy]

This thread started with unfounded accusations and speculation, and now that those have been deflated it's turned to defending the anger stirred up by the speculation.

You guys are totally missing the point I was trying to make. A pattern has begun to show.............and I was the last to admit it or see it. It's not a money issue, but a relationship issue (vendor to vendor).......

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

Rick,

Did they just not send people, or did they cancel payment as well?

In my experience, these things have to be paid months in advance ... though it wouldn't be the first time a WS stiffed a florist conference (OFC 2003 comes to mind, right Mikey?).

I hate looking like a nut, hanging from a tree, though it sure feels like it sometimes.........and it WAS a GREAT conference anyways......

 

[Doug Munro]

I've checked with a few contacts at FTD, and the truth of the matter is that the rep who was scheduled to attend, and had every intention of attending, had a last-minute very personal issue come up that required their attendance elsewhere.

I have said this before, and I'll keep saying it: FTD and TF give us enough valid reasons to gripe without us adding speculation to the mix. When we start getting worked up over innuendo and rumour it just reinforces to the WS people that they shouldn't take us seriously as professionals. I do hope that the Vegas meeting will be more about fact and less about assumptions.

I hope so too, I have read the posts regarding "Florists For Change" and based on some of the comments there is definitely a group of individuals that would show carrying pitchforks and torches.

If this meeting intends to accomplish anything the animosity and rhetoric must be left at home by the attendees. Open minds and a serious desire to improve things for all parties involved must be the mission. Otherwise the us against them mentality will rule and nothing will change.

 

[theRKF]

If this meeting intends to accomplish anything the animosity and rhetoric must be left at home by the attendees. Open minds and a serious desire to improve things for all parties involved must be the mission. Otherwise the us against them mentality will rule and nothing will change.

For that to happen, we need as many open yet rational minds as possible to be in attendance ... <nudge>

I, for one, am leaving my pitchfork at home.

 

[Doug Munro]

This thread started with unfounded accusations and speculation, and now that those have been deflated it's turned to defending the anger stirred up by the speculation.

You guys are totally missing the point I was trying to make. A pattern has begun to show.............and I was the last to admit it or see it. It's not a money issue, but a relationship issue (vendor to vendor).......

Trust me I see your point and agree with you on the fact that the relationship has and continues to deteriorate. However the problem is it takes two to tango. From what I can tell so far every individual going to Vegas is doing so with one motivation..... Get a far better deal for the florist.

Don't get me wrong, I believe it is an admirable goal, after all we have 40 florist shops and I would like nothing better than to see their revenue increase on incoming orders.

Unfortunately very little if any consideration has been voiced on how to ensure that the WS's are left with a working business model. Without solving this dilemma there is not much chance they will be eager or even willing to make changes.

I suspect that this attitude by both sides towards the other may be just one reason why the relationship is not ideal.

 

[steve]

I agree that everyone needs to check their guns at the door!

 

[BOSS]

BOSS's Quote of the day!

If this meeting intends to accomplish anything the animosity and rhetoric must be left at home by the attendees. Open minds and a serious desire to improve things for all parties involved must be the mission. Otherwise the us against them mentality will rule and nothing will change.

Amen~!~! Well said Doug....

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

Trust me I see your point and agree with you on the fact that the relationship has and continues to deteriorate. However the problem is it takes two to tango. From what I can tell so far every individual going to Vegas is doing so with one motivation..... Get a far better deal for the florist.

Don't get me wrong, I believe it is an admirable goal, after all we have 40 florist shops and I would like nothing better than to see their revenue increase on incoming orders.

Unfortunately very little if any consideration has been voiced on how to ensure that the WS's are left with a working business model. Without solving this dilemma there is not much chance they will be eager or even willing to make changes.

I suspect that this attitude by both sides towards the other may be just one reason why the relationship is not ideal.

it took a long time for the "old" model" to be broken, it will take some time to build a new one, EMPHASIS BUILD!!
Rebates HAVE to go, the commission structures COULD be left alone OR tweaked, BUT, straight-line sales to the consumer WITHOUT the "repercussions" of being responsible for the orders is quickly killing our industry!!
Relationships are hard work, how come it "seems" that WE doo the "hard" part!!