Delivery charges
When I joined the company as a full time staff member in 1969 we didn’t have a delivery charge. We expensed all costs related to delivery along with all other corporate expenses. Therefore, each and every customer whether taking a product out the front door or having us deliver it across town would contribute to the payment of those expenses.
Over the years as wages, fuel, floral products, insurance, taxes, vehicles, maintenance etc. have increased to such an extent that we felt the costs could not be shared by all customers so we decided to direct the delivery expenses to those using the service.
I am amazed at the acceptance of the fees charged by the package
delivery industry.
Consumers willing pay delivery fees in excess to our delivery charge for an item to be delivered within 3 days.
We’ve experienced resistance to our standard delivery to deliver a product within an 8 hour time frame.
Recipient Phone Number
Here at Gillespie Florists we try to secure a phone number for the recipient from our client. If there is no answer at a residence, it is our policy to us a company cell phone to contact the recipient. Many times the recipient is at a location in the house or apartment that they cannot hear the knock at the door and/or the doorbell but hear the phone that is nearby. If there would be no one at home, generally there is an answering machine or voice mail available to leave a message for the recipient. In addition, we leave a Call Tag at the door advising of the delivery attempt. The tag may not be seen because many people enter through their attached garage using a garage door opener.
The Doorstep Problem
Another delivery related issue. The package industry leaves items at the doorstep.
In my opinion that is unacceptable in our industry. Our products are perishable, weather conditions and animals could destroy our product. People could see and remove the product from its location. The recipient might never see our product because they do not use that particular entrance or they could be out of town for days leaving the product in an inappropriate environment.
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