General Messages (GEN Message)

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The General message allows you to use Mercury Direct to communicate with other Members or with FTD Headquarters.

General messages are not relayed through the order relay center. If the receiving Member’s component program is not working, the program rejects the General message.

Note: The transmission charge depends on the transmission priority you select (see “Transmission Priorities” on page 46). There is no transmission charge for sending a General message to Mercury Direct Headquarters (using the 90-5034AA code).

1. From the Mercury Direct main menu, click General Message. OR From the menu bar, click Message, then click General Message (GEN).
2. In the Florist Code field, type the florist code of the filling florist (the florist to whom you are sending the message). Or, click the magnifying glass to perform a Florist Search. When you locate the florist through a Florist Search, highlight the florist and then click Select. The florist's information will fill in for you.
3. If you have multiple shops, select your sending shop code in the Your Code field.
4. In the Priority field, click the down arrow to select a priority level for this message (see “Transmission Priorities” below for descriptions of the transmission priorities).
5. In the Text or Reason field, type your message text.
6. In the Operator field, type your name.
7. Click Submit to send the message during the next Mercury Direct Communications session. If you would like to send the message immediately, click Submit, then click the Transmit Now button in the main menu.

Transmission Priorities
The transmission priority of the General Message determines the processing time of the message. Once the Host Computer receives the message, it is sent to the filling florist(s) based on the priority selected by the sending florist. You can set the transmission priority in the Priority field when completing your General Message. Following are the transmission priorities that you may choose from when sending a General Message. The pricing for each transmission priority is different, please call Member Services for the current pricing:

X - Express    The message will be processed immediately.
N - Normal     The message will be processed within 90 minutes. This time period may be extended during major floral holidays.
E - Economy    The message will be processed by 8:00 a.m. the following business day.