Wire Service Reps... and the spin continues...
- Thread starter BOSS
- Start date
Doug Munro
Well-Known Member
Interesting that the PRO-wire service folks come out to defend someone they have never met. Someone I know personally, someone that has been in my store on many many occasions.
I thought I was pretty much to the point, naming the individual in question, and was not using a roller but an air brush to fine tune the direction of the criticism.
I concur, there are some very good reps in the wire game, never said there were not, nor did I ever say that "all" are evil, as you would have everyone believe that I did.
As has been the case for the last decade, 20% of florists make a profit on wire services, and 80% lose or at best break even (generally)... I guess it's another case of the haves not wanting the have not's to know whats really up.
Whatever... I'll shut up now.
I thought I was pretty much to the point, naming the individual in question, and was not using a roller but an air brush to fine tune the direction of the criticism.
I concur, there are some very good reps in the wire game, never said there were not, nor did I ever say that "all" are evil, as you would have everyone believe that I did.
As has been the case for the last decade, 20% of florists make a profit on wire services, and 80% lose or at best break even (generally)... I guess it's another case of the haves not wanting the have not's to know whats really up.
Whatever... I'll shut up now.
Mark,
you and I can Agree that Michigan had one of the best wire service reps EVER: Kathy Petz.
We wouldn't tar her with any brush and we never held anything against her when she moved from FTD to TF.
NO matter where she worked, she always returned your calls, was there when you needed, always lent a helping hand and a shoulder if you needed one. She was honest and forthright in all her dealings and NEVER said a bad word about anyone. IF you needed help in dealing with an issue, she kept her word and did what she said she would.
She was top notch no matter who her employer happened to be.
However, this thread was about someone else and that someone has totally different work ethics.
nuf said. carry on
Agree'd... she's still a good friend.
It all boils down to ethics, some have them, some never will.
Doug Munro
Well-Known Member
It's interesting that this discussion now enters the domain of the haves and the have nots.....lol
Are you feeling a little repressed or maybe you sense a conspiracy afloat?
The reality in business is that no one has given anything to those that you refer to as the "haves", what they have they have earned. As for those that you refer to as the "have nots" no one has taken anything from them that they were entitled to, there are no entitlements. Business in general is always in a state of flux, trying the best it can to keep up with changing tecnologies and consumer demand. Those that react the fastest tend to finish the race. We should all only be so lucky as to fall into this group you refer to as the "haves". After all isn't that the very reason everyone tends to start a business, to become a "have".
As for defending anyone, in my previous comments I simply stated I felt it is unfair to name an individual and then take pot shots at him on this board.
That's true. Some have done it ethically, and some have not. Pretty simple really. And Doug, you know I am not talking about you.
And they were not "pot shots", they were direct, pointed on target missiles. It's unfair that he is allowed to continue in a capacity that "might" convey ethical behavior.
Personally?? I do take my business personally, maybe they should take their jobs personally and the wire companies wouldn't be in the predicament they are in. That"s they problem nowadays people don"t have integrity, loyalty and care about their jobs.
I don't know that the wire services are in any predicaments.
When you find your local rep has gotten his/her territory increased about 2X or more then you might think the WS could be feeling a pinch.
Otherwise, it's probably still business as usual for them.
I'd say most florists are going right on with WS filling orders as usual, not paying attention to the real lack of contribution from WS to their business.
Probably won't know it even when they have to liquidate their business.
Blind faith and dedication to what? Their rep and the "we're for you" expressions from the WS.
Laughingly TF even has a website "savetheflorists" what a hoot.
When you find your local rep has gotten his/her territory increased about 2X or more then you might think the WS could be feeling a pinch.
Otherwise, it's probably still business as usual for them.
I'd say most florists are going right on with WS filling orders as usual, not paying attention to the real lack of contribution from WS to their business.
Probably won't know it even when they have to liquidate their business.
Blind faith and dedication to what? Their rep and the "we're for you" expressions from the WS.
Laughingly TF even has a website "savetheflorists" what a hoot.
bootcampguy
Well-Known Member
I think the "floral revolution" has begun. Florists are finaly starting to get educated on the numbers, my CPA who does nothing but florist says you have to be 14% or under of w/s business to be profitable. You then have to take the "lead" and do whatever you can so that w/s order doesn't come back to you through them, but direct form the customer. The main reason of 14% is 2 fold, one a designer or your current staff can absorb a 14% bump in business, but anything higher than that you would have to dedicate an employee to their orders (doesn't matter size of store) and you have know idea what volume on any given day to expect. I "cheery pick" orders and they all are getting ready to address this issue, one even considering a "fine". 2nd, you have to get that customer to you through the recipient. It's very easy to due. The month of October we start sending out packages (direct mail) and do this. The w/s all have their pole in the same pond, we're quietly stocking ours, so when we all get to the understanding that "without us" nothing gets filled!!!! Unless you want flowers in a box and even that group is "rapidly" declining...........................we are leading in the lead lap of this journey
Members of this forums are aware of WS profitability for the most part. Being around florists from other parts of the country they are not necessarily connected to value of incoming WS orders.
WS monthly statements are world class "snow jobs". The WS thing is sad, because there are so few things people can count on nowadays. Then getting hammered by the WS after years of good relations.. that doesn't go down easy.
Start your own WS. Go to internet, Google search engine and type in "flowers" or "florist" then type the zipcode or name of city you want to send flowers. A local business box will appear at top of search results. Scroll through the local listing of florists and choose a florist. You can check their website to see the type of work they do first, as you like. Pick up the phone and call your choice of florist. Tell them about yourself and you would like to have them make a local fill order for you. Give them your recipient information and your credit card information, usually you can deduct 20% from the amount you pay the local florist (agreed of course). You will make a new friend, deliver a better quality arrangement for the money and the transaction will be complete for both you and the local florist with immediate credit card payment. Voila! you can go onto new and better things, instead of waiting weeks to get your money from WS.
The internet is a facilitator "Par Excellence" and you will no longer need WS for getting your send orders filled. Also, as florists begin to transact business like this it will de-fragment the industry over time. This works... try it, before you say it won't.
WS monthly statements are world class "snow jobs". The WS thing is sad, because there are so few things people can count on nowadays. Then getting hammered by the WS after years of good relations.. that doesn't go down easy.
Start your own WS. Go to internet, Google search engine and type in "flowers" or "florist" then type the zipcode or name of city you want to send flowers. A local business box will appear at top of search results. Scroll through the local listing of florists and choose a florist. You can check their website to see the type of work they do first, as you like. Pick up the phone and call your choice of florist. Tell them about yourself and you would like to have them make a local fill order for you. Give them your recipient information and your credit card information, usually you can deduct 20% from the amount you pay the local florist (agreed of course). You will make a new friend, deliver a better quality arrangement for the money and the transaction will be complete for both you and the local florist with immediate credit card payment. Voila! you can go onto new and better things, instead of waiting weeks to get your money from WS.
The internet is a facilitator "Par Excellence" and you will no longer need WS for getting your send orders filled. Also, as florists begin to transact business like this it will de-fragment the industry over time. This works... try it, before you say it won't.
