Ep. 225 - Outsmarting Deceptive Order Gatherers with Amanda Jedlinsky of SAF

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Fresh Bunch Podcast, Mike, Joel, and Mimi welcome Amanda Jedlinsky, Senior Director of Content and Communications at the Society of American Florists (SAF), for an episode that's equal parts sunshine and storm clouds.We kick things off with the fun stuff—summer gardens, what's thriving in Amanda's growing zone, and some of her favorite flowers to grow. Then we look ahead to SAF's Annual Convention in Amelia Island. With hundreds of floral professionals already registered, the Outstanding Varieties Competition, Educational Experience Zones (come say hi to Mike & Mimi!), and countless opportunities to learn and connect, it's shaping up to be an incredible event.But enough fluff...Let's talk about the ugly side of doing business online.Amanda shares the story behind SAF's investigation into deceptive order gatherers and the powerful article she and the SAF team created after speaking with florists who have been affected. We also hear from Sam Bowles of Allen's Flowers, who weighs in on the growing trend of website accessibility and cookie-related lawsuits impacting businesses across the country.From Google and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) to protecting your brand, your website, and your online reputation, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.If we're going to keep growing this industry together, we have to be willing to talk about the beautiful... and the not-so-beautiful.ResourcesRead SAF's article on Deceptive Order Gatherers in the July/ August Floral Managementwww.safnow.orgLearn more about Deceptive Order Gathering & even report them here: https://safnow.org/deceptive-order-gatherering/