by Denzel Shull
http://www.floristbuddy.com/
When you picture the golden Mercury Man, what company comes
to mind? The business FTD is just as recognizable by its
logo as by its name. For almost 100 years, FTD has been
delivering fresh flower arrangements to people's doorsteps.
First known as "Florists' Telegraph Delivery", FTD began in
1910 by using a unique system to deliver floral arrangements
to customers. Fifteen American retail florists devised a
system to swap orders and get these deliveries to as many
out of town customers as possible. Now known as "Florists
Transworld Delivery", FTD delivers to just about anywhere in
the United States and throughout many other countries.
The Mercury Network is an electronic network used by FTD
that wires orders and messages across the floriculture
industry in America. Over 15 million orders and messages
are completed annually, making FTD the top florist in the
U.S. Actually, FTD is the top floral company in the world.
While around 20,000 North American retail florists
participate in the Mercury Network, around 50,000 FTD
florists in 154 countries are also tied into the
international floral delivery network. As a result, one of
the most recognized logos in the world is the golden
"Mercury Man".
FTD Corporation (FTDI) is the parent company of FTD and is
based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Over 400 floral
arrangements and more than 800 gift items can be ordered
through one of FTD's call centers, which are based in
Illinois, Oregon and Connecticut. A subsidiary of FTDI, FTD
Group runs FTD's main customer service operations: FTD.com
and 1-800-SEND-FTD. Many international headquarters are
scattered throughout the world such as in Brazil and
Germany. Since June 2002, FTDI has steady increased its
revenue. As of June 2004, FTDI's revenue reached over
$397.1 million.
To become a member or affiliate, an operation simply fills
out a form. The shop is then able to collect income or
commission through FTD.com~s partnership with LinkShare
Corporation, a leading e-commerce technology organization.
By linking to FTD on the member's website, orders are
automatically registered with FTD and LinkShare. Orders
that exceed $25 send a commission to affiliates. Affiliates
receive this commission by logging into LinkShare.
What attracts so many customers to FTD? FTD's system
guarantees fresh flower arrangement and special gifts are
delivered inside the U.S. and Canada on the same day. FTD
also offers a wide assortment of fresh flower arrangements
and gifts for nearly every special and everyday occasion.
If picking out floral arrangements and gifts throws you for
a loop, FTD's Gift Advisor can suggest the best fitting
solution for nearly any situation.
Today, if you see the Mercury Man or woman at your doorstep,
you can still bank on getting the highest quality service in
the floral industry and some of the best arrangements and
gifts in the market.
