Frequently Asked Questions Florists
Questions asked by florists when considering Petals Network
Q. Who is Petals Network
See our About Page
Q. What are Petals' Goals
Service: We are a service industry and as such we clearly understand that our success depends on how well we provide a service to our customers; our Member florists. We are completely committed to fast, friendly and professional service.
Simplicity: We want a no-fuss, no-hidden costs and a fair allocation system. Towards this goal we give 100% of the flower value to florist; no turnover fees are withheld as with the other relay services. We charge a flat rate for every order covered entirely by the handling fees paid by the customer.
Consultation: On matters of policy and of service, we survey the Membership monthly to ensure that all Members have the opportunity to guide the development of Petals and thereby better tailor it to meet the needs of the Membership.
Support: We provide the Membership with Information and services which can help members to increase their profits. Examples include the Contax magazine, a Selection Guide, pricing guidelines and cost benchmarks that you can use to compare your business's performance with others.
Innovation: We are continuously testing new ideas with the Petals Membership with a view to expanding your customer-base and reducing your costs. For example, Petals was one of the first relay services to have e-commerce capabilities on the Web for the benefit of both our consumers and our florist-Members.
Flexibility: We have built our relay service from the ground up to incorporate flexible alternatives for our Members. You have a choice of trading plans, payment plans and banking systems. We let you pick and choose the ideal relay service for your business.
Q. Why use a Relay Service?
Petals is a florists' relay service. Essentially our role is to;
- Quality control the work of florists,
- Ensure payment for work undertaken,
- Connect a selling florist with a supplying florist,
- Arrange for you to receive back orders from other florists and to,
- Arbitrate on disputes.
For these reasons, most florists use a relay service.
Q. How is the order value apportioned?
We can provide you more Information of this type after your register with us so we can provide the most appropriate Information.
Q. Why send orders through Petals?
To encourage you to trade with Petals, we have several positive incentives.
First; we offer a net 28% selling commission - the highest in the industry
Generally speaking, the flow of orders is from the bush to the city. We can't do much about that as some 80% of the population of Australia live in the cities so that is where most of the orders will go. Country florists may therefore not get back as many orders as they send. To compensate, we offer a very healthy selling commission so that - even if you don't do too well from out-of-town orders - you can still make a good income from selling orders for delivery elsewhere.
Second, we attempt to match every order you send us with one from the Network. We can't promise this as it will depend on your location but you will have the consolation of knowing that orders are allocated completely fairly - there is no old-boy network to siphon off orders.
Because of this one-for-one arrangement, it’s in your financial best interest to direct orders to Petals to ensure you get as many as possible back again. Those of you who employ staff should make sure they are aware of Petals and the positive advantages of trading with us or you may inadvertently miss out on business.
Third, you can pick and choose how you would like to trade with your fellow Members. You can trade either direct with another florist or through Petals HQ - whichever you find more convenient. You can pay and be paid by cheque, credit card, direct bank debit or credit – as you prefer. Why be forced to do what the relay service finds most convenient for itself. Petals offers you choice.
Q. How do I pay for orders I send?
One of the roles of a florist's relay service is to ensure both florists involved are paid a commission for each transaction.
Unique among the Australian relay services, we offer you two methods of paying for orders that you sell into the system. You can either use a credit card or run an account with Petals.
Q. How am I paid?
As a service to Members, Petals can pay your commissions directly into your bank account. This way your commissions should appear in your account within 24 hours of account settlement date. No more postal delays and "cheque in the mail" stories.
If you choose to have a bond as payment security, you can provide us with permission to deposit and withdraw your monthly commissions from your bank account. This facility allows us to settle your account promptly without mail delays.
Q. What are the costs of Membership?
There are three sets of fees for Petals Members.
First, there is a once-off Joining Fee of $350. For this you receive our New Member Kit which contains all the materials you need to start trading with Petals, a full colour, expandable Selection Guide and an attractive Certificate of Membership for your shop. This fee compares well with the cost to join other relay services which can by over $1000.
Second, there is a monthly Membership Fee. This is set at $20 per month but - in the spirit of our commitment to service - if you have a quiet trading month, your Fee will be automatically reduced to zero for that month. We share hard times with you. This figure is in line with other relay services - except they charge you all at once and don’t allow for hard times.
Third, the Members have voted for a $5.00 per month levy for promotional purposes. We use this to expand the Selection Guide, produce promotional posters etc. Items funded with this levy are provided to you at no extra charge.
There are no "hidden" charges for marketing, telephones or stationary. All those items are provided as part of your monthly Membership Fee.
Unique in the industry, Petals shares the full flower value of an order between the florists. There are no turnover, marketing or advertising commissions taken out by Petals so you are not penalized for sending high value orders. After all the cost to service an order is the same, no matter how large the order.
Q. What is the Petals Money-back Guarantee?
If you wish - for any reason whatsoever - to resign your Membership of the Petals Network within three months of joining, Petals will refund your joining fees in full less any amount outstanding on your account.
Q. How does Petals operate?
When you join Petals you will receive a copy of our Standard Operating Procedures which describe the formalities of dealing with Petals and is the basic rulebook for our operations
Q. How do I get more Information
If we can offer more information on any aspect of Petals Membership, please call us on + 61 2 6774 9200 or register interest with us.