WFFSA partnering with Direct2florist.com

[kt4ye]

Some Initial Comments

We just signed up and are live, I think!

Here are several comments, not necessarily in order of importance.

1. The standard items are useless. I killed them all. As a point of reference, we NEVER deliver wrapped bouquets. This is because a significant enough percentage of our recipients do not know how to care for them! (possibly because the average US customer buys flowers 1.7 times per year vs about 9 per year for Europeans.)

2. I believe the sales tax is in error. If I understand things OK, D2F processes the customer's CC, deducts the handling charge and passes the balance to the fulfilling florist via the florist's bank account. From a tax standpoint, this is the same as an incoming wire order. No sales tax on our end.

3. Prices apparently include delivery. This is a problem with this site and with all wire order sites. Suppose a customer buys a dz roses, a teddy bear and a ballon bouquet going to the same recipient. The customer will pay 3 delivery cahrges. THAT'S GOUGING! See Amazon (or our main website -- www,flowerhut.com -- for some ideas.)

4. Zip codes. I don't know if this is unique to the US, but we have several large companies that have their own Zip code. These proprietary zip codes are not always published. The system does not seem to deal with this at all.

5. Do not seem to have a place to put order cutoff times. We normally accept same-day orders up to 1 PM. We NEVER accept same day orders on VDay. How can this be handled?

6. Pretty much all stateside floral sites have the ability for the customer to add an accessory -- Teddy bear, Chocolates, Balloons etc. Thsi si needed. I LIKE the "name your own price" to allow the customer to pick an upgrade. Neat idea!

7. Specialty items. Would like more room for details. I tried to put a long description in and the server got all mad at me and sent me an error message. Need to be able to wax poetic AND describe contents AND give dimensions.

8. Is there a minimum order value? I don't want to get an order for just a $15 teddy bear!

9. The site only accepts JPEG (.jpg) images. I had to transform several of my web pix (GIF) to load them. A pain in the b--t! Both formats should be supported.

10. There is no way that I can see to sort the items. Also, if someone is looking for -- say -- funeral flowers, he shouldn't have to wade through roses and baby stuff. We should be able to compartmentalize things into general categories like Baby, Get Well, Funeral, Roses, etc.

11. 20 items is nowhere near enough for anything but serving major holidays.

12. The florist's individual website URL is HUGE. Is there some way to do a "tiny URL" so it doesn't look ridiculous in writing?

So that's the dirty dozen. I suspect I'll find lots more issues, but please bear in mind the following:

I paid money to get into this. I spent substantial time putting stuff on line. I did this because I think the basic idea has a lot of merit.


Bill

 

[Zoe@Florist2Florist]

Hi Kt4ye,

thanks for your post - I will try and answer your questions

(1) standard item products 1-20 are all being replaced by USA style floristry. WF&FSA are sourcing them now and I believe we will receive the 1st batch this week.
(2) The passes product price + tax to the florist. D2F take no value from the flower order or the tax. D2F receives the service fee only
(3) Delivery prices. The site passes all the flower money to the florist and this includes delivery fee. The site allows the florist to choose their own delivery areas and set their own price. So it really is up to the florist to manage this. In terms of customers paying delivery fee on each item - yes technically this will happen. But of course it is at the florists discretion to add extra value. D2f passes flower orders without any discount charges to the florist. - In addition the customer receives a courtesy email once delivery has been made and is invited to "star rate" the florist -

(4) Zip codes. Yes the guys are currently working on delivery areas - Each country is different and for USA they are working on the town names and adding zips. This has been ongoing for last 10 days I believe it is going to be complete this week.

(5) In the new control panel (not yet issued) there is a diary system. It handles holidays, days off ie (mondays) and an order blocker.

(6) glad you like that!

(7) speciality items - yes there are a lot of improvements to the shop page coming- click http://www.direct2florist.com/x/2.jpg all items will have each florists own description, categories of items, more shop pictures, customer reviews and longer shop description.

(8) minimum order value - at the moment yes you could receive an order $15 bear. something to think about. . . .. one for the boys upstairs. thankyou

(9) .jpeg - not sure about this - will pass to technical - they may groan at me!

(10) yes - categories are on the way!

(11) the total number of items you can display is 40

(12) lots of florists put a link on their site to their pages on D2F - so far this has worked really well for lots of florists - many have received 50+ orders already in the short time its been up and running! - your link (is long) this is unavoidable, it is in your florists control panel. But by using html you can display it as anything you like. If you require help with this email [email protected] - they are pretty prompt and will help all the way. Oh - sorry just read you question again - in writing? - not sure about this - probably not poss - but if it is will surely come back to you.

Bill - glad you agree the idea has a lot of merit.

 

[CHR]

We received our first order through Direct2Florist Friday - were notified via email and then logged into the site to retrieve it.

A tick box asks you to acknowledge you have received the order. After the delivery is completed, you tick off another box and are then given payment information. (The site will eventually deposit the funds into your bank account, but for now you're provided with CC payment.)

The info we received with the order included the name & phone number of the purchaser in case we needed to get in contact with her. I see this as a vast improvement over any WS - where valuable time is wasted when delivery info is incorrect - or product is sold out.

I did discuss the sourcing issue for sales tax with Simon and believe they and WF&FSA will get a definitive set of guidelines in place soon. The customer is charged local sales tax (you set it up yourself when you create your account) so full tax is paid, no matter where the purchaser resides.

As far as accounting and order entry goes, here's how we handled the one Friday:
- Created an house account called Direct2Florist
- The value stated on the order did not include the sales tax in the gross amount so I initially set it up as 'no sales tax' (IMO the tax should be included from the get-go so that the order balances throughout the transaction.)
- Enter the order as you would for any customer and bill it to the D2F account.
- after filling the order and retrieving the payment method (which included authorization for the full amount including sales tax), I went back and changed it to CC payment - but once the bank transfers are in place, IMO it would be easier to just bill orders as House Accounts and apply the auto-deposits as payments. No matter what - it should be far easier than reconciling a WS statement!

D2F is supposed to notify the buyer that the flowers were delivered - and then offer them the opportunity to rate us.

I noticed a few other US shops have signed up.

Having listened to florists complain about WSs and OGs for years now, IMO this joint project between Direct2Florist and WF&FSA has the potential to really compete with 'national' companies - but it needs more local florists participating to make it a one-stop-shop!

Think of the potential of opening up your shop to consumers from around the world - since shoppers can see your prices with their own currency - be it British sterling pounds, Hong Kong dollars or any other currency used in English speaking countries. Why pay Interflora a $20 international service charge and not be sure what they'll really get when they can order direct?

I see this as another channel to reach out to consumers and hope all FC members take a good look at the opportunities and potential of working together to help more consumers find real local florists who are selling products we actually have in stock at prices we choose.

 

[clay]

[email protected][/email]

For those that might be interested.....

I found out the hard way, that the "The 12 month membership does not start until the florist receives their first order." only applies if you join up via WFFSA or possibly one of its aurthorized members. I must be a real simple minded guy, because the explanation from Jim Wanko on how the "12 month membership does not start" went over my head.

When David Garcia w/ Pete Garcia asked me what I thought of the program, I told him what I thought....that the "membership does not start" would be something that I would justify joining, but I have real doubts on $200 (plus some pounds to dollar fee) as being a good marketing decision.....but I guess I will see.

I have to be honest to to say that I joined when I was real busy and I have not loaded up images from my site....that is next weeks project.

 

[David]

I think the florist should get behind this. Can you imagine if the Wholesalers get behind this and put the web site link on there trucks. I think d2f should create a default 15-20 images to help florist get started. Many florist still don't have the time or knowledge to update there site. The $200.00 seems small for the potential.

 

[RC in Dayton and Cincinnati]

I think it's a real bad idea.

At best it will fail and you will only lose your $200. At worst it will succeed and you will again be held hostage for orders.

I suspect Cathy's order was a propaganda plant to get someone to talk about the program.

I think you all are looking in the wrong places for customers. NOBODY has your best interest at heart like you do, so stop setting up yourselves to be victimized!


RC

 

[BOSS]

$200.00... how many orders to even break even? Yes it is cheaper than a WS but...

Most of us already have a viable website and I do not see any value added services for the membership dollars myself, but I could be wrong.

I'm much more interested in having 5000 florists buy and upload the new JH everyday catalog so we can standardize a few things and move foward towards independence...

 

[clay]

I'm much more interested in having 5000 florists buy and upload the new JH everyday catalog so we can standardize a few things and move foward towards independence...

Yes, this would be the best idea of the decade. It will be interesting to see if this Everyday book has everyday saleable designs. I was disappointed in the number of designs that said would make up the upcoming JHC Everday Book....that that number includes JHC designs pulled from their Wedding, Prom, and Sympathy Books.

The web user-abiltiy depends a lot of if JHC gives the everyday designs a product name (not W101-10 Bridal Bouquet, W110-10 Bridal Bouquet, etc.) and a product description. Bob releyed to me in the fall that they would write the product descriptions themselves....but I hope that did not end up on the chopping block because of budget.

Hopefully they (and the florists) will have a winner....guess we will see pretty soon!

 

[RWK]

............While SAF links to National OGs from their "About Us" page and AIFD links to OGs from the Home Page (and every other page on the site), I hope this is a strong signal from the wholesale supply chain that they will back Locals.......

Cathy - Does this refer to the SAF homepage or to AIFD homepage? I have yet to find any kind of OG links anywhere on the AIFD website. If there are, we need to bring attention to Eric or Tom at HQ so he can get them taken off the site.

 

[CHR]

I think it's a real bad idea.

At best it will fail and you will only lose your $200. At worst it will succeed and you will again be held hostage for orders.

How so? It's just another form of advertising. Are we held hostage by YPs, Newspapers, TV stations, search engines or our web hosting companies?

I suspect Cathy's order was a propaganda plant to get someone to talk about the program.

Sorry you think I'm easily manipulated.

I think you all are looking in the wrong places for customers. NOBODY has your best interest at heart like you do, so stop setting up yourselves to be victimized!

Better to be 'victimized' by filling WS orders for .65 on the dollar? Frankly, I don't see any 'victims' in this program - which is why I'm interested in it.

I'm pleased to see wholesalers fighting back and helping to organize an effort to drive orders to their local florist customers. Goodness knows, the WSs are cutting into wholesaler territory and they have proven year after year they want consumer orders to flower through them first, too.

You are in a far different position than the majoriity of florists (and probably don't even need WF&FSA members to procure products due to your volume). You have far greater resources to drive your own message alone.

I'm much more interested in having 5000 florists buy and upload the new JH everyday catalog so we can standardize a few things and move foward towards independence...

BUT, we still need to financially supprt the same WSs to exchange those orders. So how is that much different than today except for the product pictures?

The web user-abiltiy depends a lot of if JHC gives the everyday designs a product name (not W101-10 Bridal Bouquet, W110-10 Bridal Bouquet, etc.) and a product description. Bob releyed to me in the fall that they would write the product descriptions themselves....but I hope that did not end up on the chopping block because of budget.

If everybody uses the same product names and descriptions, you'll still likely have most shops hit a Google duplicate content penalty.

I have yet to find any kind of OG links anywhere on the AIFD website.

Home page and most every other page of aifd.org. Scroll down to the section that says

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thank you to our AIFD Symposium Partners[/FONT]​

and mouse over the TF and FTD logos.​

 

[MANORVILLE]

200.00

How so? It's just another form of advertising. Are we held hostage by YPs, Newspapers, TV stations, search engines or our web hosting companies?

Sorry you think I'm easily manipulated.

Better to be 'victimized' by filling WS orders for .65 on the dollar? Frankly, I don't see any 'victims' in this program - which is why I'm interested in it.

I'm pleased to see wholesalers fighting back and helping to organize an effort to drive orders to their local florist customers. Goodness knows, the WSs are cutting into wholesaler territory and they have proven year after year they want consumer orders to flower through them first, too.

You are in a far different position than the majoriity of florists (and probably don't even need WF&FSA members to procure products due to your volume). You have far greater resources to drive your own message alone.

BUT, we still need to financially supprt the same WSs to exchange those orders. So how is that much different than today except for the product pictures?

If everybody uses the same product names and descriptions, you'll still likely have most shops hit a Google duplicate content penalty.

Home page and most every other page of aifd.org. Scroll down to the section that says

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thank you to our AIFD Symposium Partners[/FONT]​

and mouse over the TF and FTD logos.​

Having spent 200.00 plus last night on dinner, which was uneventful at least, the thought of another 200.00 to validate what could be a credible gamble on a move toward the future seems logical.

I have not seen anything else brought to the table that peaked my interest as yet, and quite honestly, Cathy's track record, foresight, dedication and investigative skills may very well influence me to in fact gamble on the 200.00.

I'm certainly not saying that anyones opinions or reluctance are not important, only saying that Cathy, to me, has a sixth sense, and that sixth sense is worth the gamble on this end.

Will look further into this tomorrow.

Kevin

 

[RWK]

Ok, We need to bring this to Eric's attention at HQ.

 

[BOSS]

Yes, this would be the best idea of the decade. It will be interesting to see if this Everyday book has everyday saleable designs. I was disappointed in the number of designs that said would make up the upcoming JHC Everday Book....that that number includes JHC designs pulled from their Wedding, Prom, and Sympathy Books.

Sad to hear... if you Clay, don't like the number of designs, I doubt I will either.

The web user-abiltiy depends a lot of if JHC gives the everyday designs a product name (not W101-10 Bridal Bouquet, W110-10 Bridal Bouquet, etc.) and a product description. Bob releyed to me in the fall that they would write the product descriptions themselves....but I hope that did not end up on the chopping block because of budget.

Hopefully they (and the florists) will have a winner....guess we will see pretty soon!

Yes hopefully...hopefully their biggest customer 800Flowers did not challenge them not to do something good for the florists that have caiired JH since their inception...that would truely ne sad.

 

[CHR]

Rick - they're well aware. The links are displayed for companies that help underwrite symposium programs. I've argued that there should be links to the presenters, too since many of them subsidize AIFD at an equal or greater financial level than the sponsors.

 

[clay]

Quote:
Originally Posted by clay
The web user-abiltiy depends a lot of if JHC gives the everyday designs a product name (not W101-10 Bridal Bouquet, W110-10 Bridal Bouquet, etc.) and a product description. Bob releyed to me in the fall that they would write the product descriptions themselves....but I hope that did not end up on the chopping block because of budget.

Quote:
Orignally Posted by Cathy
If everybody uses the same product names and descriptions, you'll still likely have most shops hit a Google duplicate content penalty.


Good point, but would this not be a SEO problem unless you were trying to get good natural listing for that particular product?

My mention of this is the dificulty/time factor in doing names and content for 200 products when a lot of florists do not have time to work with their website.....if it was available it might have a better chance to be posted on a website. I could be wrong on this......but I know that it was a real time drain for me to do it for the JHC funeral images (still not active on my site because I still have to separate some of the products on the multi-product pictures).

 

[RC in Dayton and Cincinnati]

I have not seen anything else brought to the table that peaked my interest as yet, and quite honestly, Cathy's track record, foresight, dedication and investigative skills may very well influence me to in fact gamble on the 200.00.

I'm certainly not saying that anyones opinions or reluctance are not important, only saying that Cathy, to me, has a sixth sense, and that sixth sense is worth the gamble on this end.

Will look further into this tomorrow.

Kevin

Cathy,

There you have it. It appears because you have endorsed this directory Kevin is signing up.
I hope you don't take your sphere of influence lightly.


RC

 

[MANORVILLE]

Rc

Cathy,

There you have it. It appears because you have endorsed this directory Kevin is signing up.
I hope you don't take your sphere of influence lightly.


RC

RC

Read what you quoted once again please !

Upon your review you may feel differently and feel the need to reword the post.
What is said is clear!
Though qualifying my original statement is unnecessary, I do value Cathy's opinion/s very much, to learn and grow.
I value all of that !
I don't think I'm alone there !
As I'm sure she herself would say, opinions vary, and the final decision rests with each individual.

My post implies that I will investigate further tomorrow, and my decision will be based on my findings.
I have read the entire thread, and am well aware of all opinions thus far.

As most know I'm open to all suggestions and opinions.
I have to be if I am to make rational decisions.
Guess that's why I choose to be here and read,listen, post and learn, good, bad or indifferent !

Thank you sincerely however for your opinions and concern.
Not to worry though, I'm no dummy.

Maybe a few screws loose, but still have a brain cell or three fully functioning.


Kevin:headbang:

 

[RC in Dayton and Cincinnati]

...........Correction Please............

In my post above-

Cathy,

There you have it. It appears because you have endorsed this directory Kevin is signing up.
I hope you don't take your sphere of influence lightly.

should have read-

Cathy,

There you have it. Because of your apparent endorsement of this directory you may very well have influenced Kevin to in fact gamble.
I hope you don't take your sphere of influence lightly.

Please take note.

I think I've done enough damage for now.

Good Night,
RC

 

[prestonway]

I think it's a real bad idea.

At best it will fail and you will only lose your $200. At worst it will succeed and you will again be held hostage for orders.

I suspect Cathy's order was a propaganda plant to get someone to talk about the program.

I think you all are looking in the wrong places for customers. NOBODY has your best interest at heart like you do, so stop setting up yourselves to be victimized!


RC

Never underestimate YOUR sphere of influence as well, Randy.

What I really DON'T understand, is the level of negativism in your post, brought to light with the bold text.

Is it possible to change the tone to a positive, constructive post?

You've made us all very aware what we should not be doing, without outlining in detail what we should be doing.

Please....show all of us neophytes (def. a person newly converted to a belief, as a heathen, heretic, or nonbeliever; proselyte) the way to the promised land...

We are looking to repent our evil ways, if only you will show us the path we should be taking...

 

[MANORVILLE]

...........Correction Please............

In my post above-

Cathy,

There you have it. It appears because you have endorsed this directory Kevin is signing up.
I hope you don't take your sphere of influence lightly.

should have read-

Cathy,

There you have it. Because of your apparent endorsement of this directory you may very well have influenced Kevin to in fact gamble.
I hope you don't take your sphere of influence lightly.

Please take note.

I think I've done enough damage for now.

Good Night,
RC

No damage done !
Still I feel that you haven't quite grasped what I actually did say, but it's OK, as interpretation and opinions are most often one in the same.

Prestonway hit the nail on the head IMHO.

Negativity without a viable suggestion for solution isn't productive, and taking a passive role, meaning not to even explore possibilities available, good, bad or indifferent means simply that we are stalled.

What is the harm in investigating the
pro's and con's of something different ?
Maybe it could produce desired results, then again, maybe not, but finding out for sure, could be a benefit "either way".

The sphere of influence you mentioned also extends to many here, as we all look to the opinions of those that are more knowledgeable to help us make decisions.
Cathy is a trusted voice in my opinion and her contributions here make peoples lives better in the good and bad times.
I'm sure you yourself will unequivocally agree to that.

If no-one takes the initiative to find and research viable alternatives to the current mess then we will still be in the sinking ship for months or years to come.

I, though, opinionated, and known for raising a little hell every now and then, simply want to find answers that could help us all, especially the small shops that have no chance at survival if a unified attempt is not made to take back our share of the pie.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained RC, and that just doesn't cut it in 2008.


Once again, in clearer form, I'll re-state my original thought, which was to personally investigate those pros and cons and make an intelligent decision based upon " my findings ", and mine alone.

I'm kinda surprised at the tone in both posts RC, as it came out of left field with reference to my thoughts.
I think by now that you know that I'm 1,000% pro Real Florist, but still saddled with WS baggage, as are many in the industry.
Finding alternatives to benefit us all has become a compulsion for me since being exposed to and enlightened by FC members, including yourself.

I, like you, care about the future of this industry, and the endless sea of bloodsucking parasites that are destroying us all, but have yet to see the solution to it all, or the planned attempt to regain control.
IMO negativity sets many of us back when clear explanation is not provided, and many struggling shops deserve a lot more than just speculation and pessimism.

If after I make inquiries I find that you are indeed right in your thoughts I'll be right here to post such findings, to benefit us all, but will be clear and careful to expand the explanation so that everyone understands my opinion, and decision.

Please don't take this as an attack to your knowledge, thoughts and dedication. It is far from that RC.

I'd welcome a clearer explanation as to the cons of this association when you have the time as I'm certain many are anticipating the benefit of your wisdom.


Kevin