Sending flowers - Page 2

sunnyflorida · 05-09-2008, 08:50 AM

I stopped using 1-800 and teleflora etc and started googling local florists in the town where I wanted the flowers delivered. You get to talk to someone in-house. You can pay with a CC just like using a nationbal service, and you get more for your money as there are no middleman fees or shipping fees. For $75, as has been quoted above, you get way more calling directly to a local florist, and you can discuss exactly what you are getting for your $75. Then, if there are problems, you are calling and dealing with them directly. I have never had a problem doing this. While I may use a local florist that on their site advertises that they participate in FTD etc, I call them directly.

jym626 · 05-09-2008, 10:34 AM

sunnyflorida-
I've done both-- called a local florist in the area and used an online service. I really haven't seen much price difference, as the local florists do usually add on a delivery fee. But, the personal touch is nice. They usually ask you what you want to spend and make suggestions. The online places have a little box that you usually have to check that says the local florist can make some substitutions if necessary, with flowers of equal value. So, you never really know if the flowers that are sent look like the ones in the picture.

ebeeeee · 05-09-2008, 10:57 AM

I always use the call a local florist trick. You can suggest what you want or ask what they just got in that is particularly nice. That way it doesn't look like a canned arrangement.

somemom · 05-09-2008, 11:53 AM

I, too, look online to find a local florist, explain the colours & flowers the recipient likes, and ask them what they have, what is fresh, what is in, what they can give me good "bang for my buck" on.....who knows what the local flower market provided that week- the local florist.

orchestramom · 05-09-2008, 01:55 PM

I always use my favorite local florist (where I live) and they connect with a local florist in the target location. Has always worked like a charm for me, whether across the state or even sending to another country. I think many florists have networks (formal or informal) and collegial arrangements with other florists who share their tastes and aesthetic sensibilities.

pesto · 05-09-2008, 02:59 PM

Someone sent me flowers through ProFlowers and they were not only stunning, they lasted for ages.

OaksMom · 05-09-2008, 03:03 PM

Pro-flowers def. They last a very long time. The best.

worrywart · 05-14-2008, 06:51 AM

I went through USAA and the flowers weren't delivered until two days after the special event. Sure that's not a universal problem but rather a reflection on the local florist who filled the order.

jym626 · 05-14-2008, 06:55 AM

worrywart-
You should contact FTD and inform them of this 9aka complain). You should get a credit for that error. That is unacceptable.

JEM · 05-14-2008, 08:10 AM

After being disappointed with another online florist, I tried ProFlowers on the recommendation of a neighbor, and have been delighted. My mom lives in NYC, and I used to use a local florist, but in this case ProFlowers is much less expensive and as another poster has said, the flowers do seem to last a long time. My mom has raved about them each time.

They often have some nice specials if you order well in advance of popular holidays. You will save some on shipping if you have the flowers delivered a bit before the holiday rather on that day (works for me since the flowers last).

Booklady · 05-14-2008, 08:23 AM

An update: I used ProFlowers and the recipient was thrilled. They were delivered on time and she says they are "gorgeous". So thanks, everyone!

Hunt · 05-14-2008, 08:35 AM

I recently had a problem with flowers from 1-800-flowers not arriving, but they did give a refund with no problem, and they sent me a coupon for $31 off my next order. I don't think there will be a next order, though, at least not for a major event (like my mother's 80th birthday, which was the one with the non-delivery).

dmd77 · 05-14-2008, 09:12 AM

I use google maps to search for local businesses and then call them directly. You save the FTD fee, talk to the same florist directly, and often there's a bonus. (The last time I called, the owner said "oh, your sister was just in here yesterday and said she loved one of our orchids." He gave me a small discount and my sister said "how did you know?!")

Booklady · 05-14-2008, 09:51 AM

The local florist idea is a good one...if you know what to ask the florist for. I'm hopeless at that sort of thing, and really appreciate the pictures on the websites.