So you want to order flowers for Valentine’s Day?
Well of course you do…or at least you feel obligated to this one day of the year.
Great! Now where do you start??
“Oh, I think I’ll just search online, find a good price, and take care of it.”
ERRRRRP --- Wrong Answer!
Maybe not 100% wrong…but let me go over some facts with you first.
Problem: How does your sweetie receive these online ordered flowers??? Do they come in a large box dropped at her doorstep that she is now responsible to arrange? Were you guaranteed a delivery on the 14th but really we all know that all depends on how things are going for FedEx or UPS that day? What happens if those flowers are broken or moldy?
Solution: Your local florist does the arrangement, does the delivery…and guess what…if something is wrong with your order, there is an actual location and a local phone line that will connect you to a real person…quite often even the owner.
We like to keep our customers satisfied. That’s just how local businesses work.
Problem: On V-day prices can be outrageous so you want the best deal! Just know what you are buying when you shop online. Yes that picture of a dozen roses looks amazing online, but how often does the burger you order in the drive through look like the picture on the board? Sort of the same idea.
Solution: Your local florist can work with any budget. We can find something to suit your needs and make sure it looks perfect. The arrangements that go out our doors are our best advertisement so you can be sure they’ll be beautiful.
One other issue to be wary of: Here’s how it works with some online flower sites: you send your order online to an office most likely located outside the US. Then they use a flower wiring service to send that order to your local florist. At this point I know most of us are smarter consumers than that… how do you save money? Cut out the middleman! CALL US DIRECTLY!! Most websites and wiring services are taking a nice portion of your payment and less money goes to your local florist towards your actual flowers.
Now I’ll get off my soapbox and let you know that not all online flower shopping is bad. Ordering through a trusted site like FTD or Teleflora will usually get you good results and still benefit your local florist.
And the best part of all…shopping local. I know you’ve heard it a million times but every time I hear this little tidbit it still amazing me. A dollar spent at a locally owned store is usually spent 6 to 15 times before it leaves the community. From $1.00, you create $5.00 to $14.00 in value within that community. Spend $1.00 at a national chain store, and 80% of it leaves town immediately.
If you want more info on this topic this site is great and has much more detail!
~Sarah
