In the legitimate floral industry, there is much discussion and frustration about 'order gatherers'. You've seen them...You Google "Florist Detroit" because your great aunt Gertrude is in the hospital there. Up pops a florist. You call them and they say, sure they can deliver today. What you don't know is they are 'order gatherers'. Some have local sounding names...not even 1-800 whatever...
There is one in Houston that is notorious and goes under several aliases. I was aware of them and they called me today to fill an order going to an employee of one of my favorite venues! I thought, oh no you don't. I accepted the order so I could (a) make sure this young lady got the birthday flowers her parents ordered from out of town and (b) have evidence to prove what a scam the order gatherer is. Sure enough, I jumped through hoops, filled the order (and gave quite a bit more value than what was ordered, knowing they skim off the top of the orders) and delivered the arrangement. (The order gatherer took the customer's credit card information and charged them. They turn around and give the florist THEIR (the order gatherer's) credit card number. As suspected, when I entered the credit card information provided by this order gatherer, guess what....declined! Now I have the proof I need to also lodge my complaint with the FTC.
Here's an informative site on these unscrupulous scheisters:
http://www.floristdetective.com
The name of this particular order gatherer even has its own tab on the left of this website...impressive. Unfortunately they go by more aliases even than those listed...one even has my last name in it!!!!! Is nothing sacred?? ;)
Please please spread the word. The floral industry is trying to combat these activities. It makes us look bad when customers don't get what they paid for!!!! Sometimes the intended recipient doesn't receive the order at all because the true local florist gets wise and refuses to fill the order, but the customer has already been charged by the scheister.
Check out www.flowershopnetwork.com for listings of local florists. But check them out before you place your order! Do your research!
I'm climbing down off my soapbox now. Good night.
Brenda
Brenda Abbott Flower Studio
A TRUE LOCAL FLORIST SERVING AUSTIN, BASTROP AND SMITHVILLE TEXAS
www.brendaabbott.net
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