Computer-ordering method helps newcomer blossom: PC Flowers grafts florist business on electronic shopping service

Article Abstract:

PC Flowers is a fast growing member of the Florists Transworld Delivery Association (FTD) that relies entirely on orders generated via the Prodigy videotex service. PC Flowers was founded by William Tobin and Peter MacMurray in early 1990, and it has already become on of the 10 biggest generators of business in the FTD delivery network. The company reaches the nearly 800,000 subscribers to Prodigy with a menu that allows customers to choose from two dozen floral arrangements. The orders from Prodigy are then transferred to PC Flowers' computer system where a credit check is performed. PC Flowers' computer then searches for the FTD member closest to the destination of the flowers and the order is sent. PC Flowers receives a commission of 20 percent for generating the order, which accounted for $170,000 in revenue for 1990.

Information retrieval services, Florists, Membership, Technology application, Online shopping, Videotex systems, Retailing, Marketing Strategy, Videotex, Prodigy (Videotex system), Florists' Transworld Delivery Association, PC Flowers Inc.

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Prodigy electronic network faces controversy over censorship issue

Article Abstract:

Prodigy Services Co censors some messages that come over its electronic mail system, angering some of its customers. Prodigy is a joint venture between Sears Roebuck and Co and IBM and has recently banned seven people from its network who were posting electronic protests about the charges. Prodigy's ban on users posting complaints raises issues on whether the electronic mail service should act as a publisher and monitor and control its network, or whether anyone should be allowed to say what they want. The seven persons banned from Prodigy got 19,000 Prodigy users to agree that charges are too high. Prodigy has around 620,000 users.

Computer related services, not elsewhere classified, Social aspects, Electronic mail systems, Email, Information services, Customer service, Social conditions, Censorship, E-Mail, Social Issue, Prodigy Services Co.

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