Truth and Accuracy in the Advertising of Floral Products

[Knife's Wife]

I think I'm a big sender, maybe not! Anyways, I voted yes when the poll first open.

Knife's wife

 

[A's Garden]

Yes - we need to start somewhere

great letter Cathy - I would certainly sign our name to it!

I just had it out with our TF rep regarding all of these issues - got lame excuses about the OG's and their .com site - tf HAD to do it to stay competitive in the marketplace. Did not get AT ALL that they are hurting local BM shops with this effort and did not seem to care. He stayed remarkably "on message" the entire phone call and kept trying to re-direct the conversation to all of the good things that TF does for us little florists...:wallhead:

I do agree though that it should be signed by current members of WS - we haven't quit just yet - but it's coming soon...and with my own letter:soapbox:

THANK YOU!!! for putting so much time & effort into this, it's most appreciated!
~Amy

 

[MANORVILLE]

First and foremost, Kudos Cathy !

Second : Hey BigTed, ya have a BIG GREEN DOT coming from us, and it's well deserved !
I may not totally agree with the reasoning but respect your knowledge and opinions greatly.

We'll sign, we'll try to organize and we'll fight, right along with any WS or non WS members, cause IMHO, there is no difference any longer when it comes to the future of our industry.
We are all professional florists first, regardless of affiliation.

 

[CHR]

Flower shops are closing at an alarming rate... and it's not just the 'bad' ones. Unfortunately, some of them are propped up by OGs who siphon off orders intended to go direct to local florists by the flower buyers.

It's one thing to go under because you didn't produce good products, it's another when volume is controlled through the artificial duping of consumers and redirecting of consumer dollars.

Someone earlier mentioned that we should approach the BBB.

I think he/she is right. Right now, OGs are classified as 'Florist-Retail'. We need to request the BBB to reclassify them as 'Flowers - Affiliate Marketers' (or some other appropriate name) to distance ourselves as far as possible from SFOs.

'Florist-Retail' is in the Top 100 business categories for complaints, and the vast majority are OGs. Right now, the dOGs give us all a black eye.

How many FCers are members of the BBB? Read the BBB guidelines for advertising and tell me the usual suspects aren't all in violations.

I also spotted this little rule which may apply to all the drop-shippers, too:

1. 1. Unassembled Merchandise
      When advertised merchandise requires partial or complete assembly by the purchaser, the advertising should disclose that fact, e.g., "unassembled," "partial assembly required."

How many FC members belong to the BBB?

 

[BOSS]

BOSS's Quote of the day!!

It's one thing to go under because you didn't produce good products, it's another when volume is controlled through the artificial duping of consumers and redirecting of consumer dollars.

Well said...

Too bad the large volume shops are blind to what they are doing to the industry, by continuing to assist the Gorilla's to prosper at Real Florists expense!

 

[Connie]

Yes, I'd surely sign that letter. You do a great job, Cathy, and thank you for all that you do.

 

[LJVF]

Flower shops are closing at an alarming rate... and it's not just the 'bad' ones. Unfortunately, some of them are propped up by OGs who siphon off orders intended to go direct to local florists by the flower buyers.

It's one thing to go under because you didn't produce good products, it's another when volume is controlled through the artificial duping of consumers and redirecting of consumer dollars.

Someone earlier mentioned that we should approach the BBB.

I think he/she is right. Right now, OGs are classified as 'Florist-Retail'. We need to request the BBB to reclassify them as 'Flowers - Affiliate Marketers' (or some other appropriate name) to distance ourselves as far as possible from SFOs.

'Florist-Retail' is in the Top 100 business categories for complaints, and the vast majority are OGs. Right now, the dOGs give us all a black eye.

How many FCers are members of the BBB? Read the BBB guidelines for advertising and tell me the usual suspects aren't all in violations.

I also spotted this little rule which may apply to all the drop-shippers, too:
[/LIST]How many FC members belong to the BBB?

I am a BBB member.

Interesting rule regarding assembly that you stumbled upon. It maybe be a good idea to point out the difference between drop shipped boxed roses and presentation boxed roses. I can see the drop shippers pulling that rabbit out of their hat.

 

[Bigted]

I'm a member

 

[avenuegardensflorist]

yes/thanks/and great job

florists have to start unifying instead of fighting against each other
while/before the big dictators take all our $$$$


www.petiton.com or some other method?

 

[VJD]

.

Thank you Cathy for your dedication! .

IMO, wire services are fully aware of each of the points that Cathy has outlined; this letter will not spur them to do anything. But, if sent via registered mail, it would at least serve the purpose of being a documented notice of complaint.

I will sign, and also get other signatures, but with Cathy's permission, I would like to see this letter used as a complaint, and filed with NAD.

Does anyone else think this might be the way to persue this?

Within the Better Business Bureau (BBB), there is the National Advertising Division (NAD).

This division handles disputes and resolutions regarding advertising (the FTC CHOOSES what cases to investigate, and although they are aware of the deceptive issues in our industry, we are not high up on their list).

Simply put, NAD is like the "Small Claims Court" of the advertising world. Companies who use NAD, or sit in on panel meetings include: Kellogg, Dell, Wrigley, Wal-Mart, VistaPrints, SC Johnson, Nestle-Purina.

You may only file a complaint or challenge against one company at a time. The filing fee is $6,000, or $2,500 for a BBB member. "The President of the National Advertising Review Council (NARC) shall have the discretion to waive the fee for any challenger who can demonstrate economic hardship."

* Note * In May, I spoke with a Senior Attorney at the National Advertising Review Council. He said it sounds like our complaint has merit or teeth to it.

I explained that financially, there is no national organization to help us - that the order-gatherers are some of the biggest contributors to our largest industry association (SAF)

He said there is a possibility of getting some, or all of the fee waved.

He said, regardless of the filing fee; put an initial letter in writing, naming the largest offender, and send it attention to his secretary. I shared this in a private message with a few Flower Chatters, then I dropped the ball - it is so over-whelming.

Here is a link to the complaint procedure. I would love for others to examine the compliant proceedure, and see what we need to submit to comply with the initial compaint rules.

http://www.nadreview.org/07_Procedures.pdf

NAD provides a low-cost alternative to litigation
National advertisers who use the NAD process find it to be significantly less expensive than litigation. By utilizing NAD, cost-conscious companies save hundreds of thousands of dollars typically spent seeking reparation through the courts.

NAD settles disputes fairly and effectively. NAD uses a unique form of alternative dispute resolution, working closely with in-house counsel, marketing executives, research and development departments and outside consultants to decide whether claims have been substantiated. Each party to the dispute has ample opportunity to explain its position and provide supporting data.

NAD attorneys are experts in advertising review
The advertising review specialists at NAD are experienced attorneys with expertise in claims substantiation, advertising and trade regulation, litigation and arbitration.

NAD helps to ensure a level playing field

NAD Purview
As we enter the Information Age, it becomes more and more difficult to monitor the message content of advertisements. Businesses are encouraged to use the NAD to voice their concerns about potentially misleading national advertising claims.

NAD reviews only national advertisements -- those ads disseminated on a nationwide or broadly regional basis.


Valerie

 

[steve]

That is a good suggestion Valarie and when this letter is ready to go I will not only sign it but I will forward copies to our two senators (Leahy and Sanders as well as Rep Peter Welch)

 

[Rhonda]

I voted when the poll first came out but didn't say so....
So Cathy, you can add my name if you need it.

 

[lizzie ann]

fabulous letter Cathy....I am not, nor have I ever been a wire service member for all the reasons that are discused here on FC. Send the letter to everyone!!!! and then send them again until someone takes notice.
perhaps congrssio9nal days would be a good way to hand deliver letters to our senators and representatives.

 

[Carrington]

Given our magazine and websites are read around the world, would it help to publicise what you're thinking/do an interview with Cathy.
Carrie

 

[Joe Mioux]

Cathy,

Is the letter in its finished form?

are there any modifications?

and is the letter being sent anywhere other than your original post?

thanks
joe

 

[BOSS]

Given our magazine and websites are read around the world, would it help to publicise what you're thinking/do an interview with Cathy.
Carrie

Simple answer....yes....

 

[cherrie]

This is great Cathy.
I'll sign and do anything you might need help with.
I think that it is a great idea for all of us to send to our local senators.

 

[CHR]

Guys, I'm reworking a bit of this and have been trying to balance a whole lot of other urgent 'to-do's'. I'd rather give this our very best shot than just get it done.

Thanks for your patience.

 

[Eric S]

I would just like to say that I had no idea that Teleflora was "once again" using our name for the purpose of getting orders.

There is no reason for them to be listing us on Teleflora.com and it now explains why I have seen an increase in "so called" headquarter orders.

 

[bloomz]

Where did you find that Eric - I searched for Tustin and didn't find a listing (on findaflorist anyway)?