Optimal Delivery Time

We struggle with what is the "best" time for our delivery trucks to depart for their deliveries...Of course part of the decision is based on the length of the route (longer routes must leave earlier) but what do you think? Is it better to get your delivery earlier in the day or is it better to be able to call in to the wholesale house a little later in the morning and still get what you need on the truck that day knowing that the delivery will get to you later than if it left early? Would really love to get some feedback. Thanks!

NEVER FORGET!

May we all never forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001. May God bless the United States of America and all those who lost their lives and lost loved ones.

National Teacher Day

Isn't it time all the great teachers that positively influenced us, our children or some other special person in our life were recognized? I don't know about you but I think that most teachers are under paid and under appreciated. They deserve a "holiday" that celebrates the important job they do. Nothing says "Thank you" or "You Are Special" like flowers. Did you know that a special day is already established for just such a celebration? In the USA it is the Tuesday of the first full week of May. Our industry must find a way to educate the public about this day and to promote flowers as the perfect gift to express their gratitude.

GROWER SHOWS ARE BACK!

We are getting ready for 2 events that are always a big hit with customers and suppliers. GROWER SHOWS are planned for August 18th in Parma, Ohio and August 19th in Columbus, Ohio. Many of the world's premier flower producers will be displaying new varieties and industry favorites for you to see, touch, smell and ask those questions you have been afraid to ask directly to our growers and sales staff. There will be great show special pricing and show deals available ONLY at the show so don't miss out on a fun and profitable day.We will also offer discounts and deals on floral supplies! for more information contact CPF Parma at 216-898-3500 or CPF Columbus at 614-478-9905.

Summer Hours

As we continue to look for ways to cut expenses while not sacrificing customer service, we have decided to try "Summer Hours" at a few of our locations. We are finding that afternoon's and specifically Tuesday afternoon's are a very quiet time. Our 2ND round of deliveries departs at 11:00 AM, customer calls have been made and with almost no customers or customer calls coming in we need to manage wages. 

Our plan is to close one hour earlier (2:00 PM) everyday except Tuesday when we will close at 12:00 PM. Of course all customers will be informed of this change and we make sure customers have  our mobile phone numbers in case of an emergency or to place a last minute order for the next days early delivery. We plan to do this from June 15 - September 30. Will let you know how it turns out. If you have ideas or comments please share them with me.

Happy Mother's Day!

This post will be short and sweet. 

Mother's Day is this Sunday and our pre-orders are strong. On top of that, those customers that decided not to pre-book are now hitting us with good size orders. I guess they could not bear the risk of an early commitment this year with the "economic crisis" but we are happy to handle the late comers too.

Our big shots of inventory started arriving over the weekend and the quality looks great! We are looking forward to a terrific holiday and wish you the same. 

Credit and Collections

Accounts Receivable: Money which is owed to a company by a customer for products and services provided on credit.

I spend part of most days in the office focusing on our Accounts Receivable. Seems like a larger part lately. I chalk that up to the times. Business is tough out there and just about everyone is feeling the pinch. Still, if I plan to keep my business in business and as far as I know, my family, employees and vendors are counting on that, I have a responsibility to collect what is owed to us. 

Over the years I learned much of what I do in this area from my Dad. He told me many times that there is nothing more important in business than collecting your Accounts Receivable. Makes sense. If you don't you go out of business. I guess the good thing about our Accounts Receivable is that the majority of it is collected within our terms (or very close) through our normal monthly statement process. God bless those customers that handle their debts this way! 

Unfortunately, not all customers fall into this category and that is where the real work begins. Over the years we have developed steps to take at different points in the collection process depending on how the customer is handling paying off the debt. They range from friendly reminders to using a collection agency / attorney. Of course we do everything reasonably possible to avoid that last option but sometimes nothing else works. The most important thing is to treat the customer with respect throughout the process but remain firm regarding the intent and efforts to collect the debt.

Please feel free to share ideas, comments and suggestions.