Which online Florist?

[gallahadesquire]

Since I live in the Provinces of Massachusetts (Greater Worcester Area ... I can't bring myself to call it "Worcesterland"), certain Things are difficult to find.

 

Among them is florists.

 

There is one down the street that's been there forever, but I haven't seen their products.

There's one that tended to do things like "Log with a fungus": Artsy but questionable.

 

Then, coming to my Question, are the two (2) big Online Florists: 1800flowers.com and ftdflorists.com

 

My experience has been that ftd dose a much better service: fresher; arrangement; vases.

Too many of 800flowers have been just flowersin a box, and not generally attractive.

 

I've decided to start to have fresh-cut flowers in my house on a routine basis. Other than local florists, with whom I really should make a relationship: Which "national" or "online" florist would you suggest?

 

For Mother's day, it's not really important. I can leave a martini next to Mom's urn. That seems to satisfy her.

[+ RyanDean]

I've been mostly happy with 1800flowers. But I mostly just look to buy bunches of flowers, not arrangements.

Really good specials, hassle-free deliveries (albeit in a box) and, if you spring for the "Celebrations Rewards" program (which more than pays for itself if you order flowers regularly), delivery is zippy & "free"...

[BabyBoomer]

"Gennifer" sold me on 1-800-Flowers back in the 90's.

 

~ Boomer ~

[rvwnsd]

...I've decided to start to have fresh-cut flowers in my house on a routine basis. Other than local florists, with whom I really should make a relationship: Which "national" or "online" florist would you suggest?...

 

Recognizing my experiences are different than yours, given the cities in which I have bought flowers (LA, San Diego, and Chicago), I buy very nice flowers at the supermarket all the time.

[+ WmClarke]

Don't the online florists just sub-contract local ones?

 

Do the online method once and see who actually delivers the flowers. Then cut out the middleman. It will probably be cheaper and the local business will make more money.

 

An FTD florist usually has a decal on the door or counter saying they're an FTD florist. Or at least they used to.

[wayout]

My understanding is that FTD does sub-contract through its network of florists. Just like rvwnsd, I tend to just use the local supermarket and have had good success (quality, longevity and price), and it is very convenient. I've been happy with the variety and selection available.

 

If I am sending flowers to someone out of town, I have only used FTD and never had a problem and was generally satisfied. I've heard mixed results about 1-800-Flowers, specifically that the flowers sometimes don't seem to hold up as long as expected (that is only second hand info though, no direct experience here).

 

Did a quick search on line and here is an interesting link that made a specific comparison of various vendors, for what it may be worth: http://www.consumerwarningnetwork.com/2010/02/11/ordering-flowers-how-the-different-services-compare/

[edjames]

I stopped using online florists like FTD and 1-800 last year. During a confinement at home they delivered sub-par arrangements that usually drooped and died with 1-2 days. I called and demanded a full refund. They both have a 100% guarantee. The fees associated with both retailers are exorbitant. An advertised "on sale" $30 arrangement winds up costing more than double once they tack on S&H, tax, and other processing fees.

Honestly, I like fresh flowers in my home, so I have been purchasing flowers from Whole Foods and Trader Joes. At least you get to check on what your purchasing and and make some determination about freshness. Check your local supermarket. Ask the staff when the flowers are usually delivered to the store so you can judge how long they have been sitting.

You should also be on the lookout for a local florist in your area.

[marylander1940]

Don't the online florists just sub-contract local ones?

 

Do the online method once and see who actually delivers the flowers. Then cut out the middleman. It will probably be cheaper and the local business will make more money....

 

+1

[+ RyanDean]

FTD does subcontract with local florists. Delivered by local florist. For better and worse.

1800 is more like buying from the grocery store. Delivered directly via ups. For better and worse.

 

In terms of drooping/dying deliveries, my experience with 1800 has been really good, with bundles typically looking good for at least 10 days, give or take. (at least two of my 1800 orders lasted almost 3weeks, which impressed my giftee so much that she mentions it nearly every time we speak.)

 

but edjames is right about the sneaky fees, which is why I recommend doing the rewards program. between the point bonuses, extra specials and free shipping it can be an astonishingly good deal. (it even contributes points to my frequent flyer program.)

[RadioRob]

Most all of the big online ones sub contract. (I've personally used telefora when sending flowers to friends/family not local and had great results.) If you're in a small area, chances are they might be using that local shop down the street from you. So the first thing I would do is check out that local shop.

[craigville beach]

Have you tired the grocery stores? Wegman's in Northboro has a good flower shop at the back of the store. I've not had good experience at BJ's Wholesale or Stop and Shop. Also Roche Brothers/Sudbury Farms and Whole Foods have good florist departments

[mike carey]

At the risk of chiming in with irrelevant foreign information, my local supermarket has a good range of flowers. Of course these are bunches of cut flowers not 'arrangements'. On the roadside on my drive home in Canberra there is a van selling flowers, also cheap. Finally, when I worked in Sydney there was a huge flower stand at the entry to a city arcade (Centrepoint for those who know it). It was still there the last time I was wandering around the CBD. There is more to this type of retail than national on-line merchants.

[+ FreshFluff]

FTD lets you search and order from specific local florists

http://www.ftdflorists.com/states/massachusetts/boston

 

You may want to check out the Yelp reviews and photos for the ones in your area. Otherwise, you might try looking for a good, relatively local florist and asking if they take credit card charges.

[Rudynate]

I don't like the genericness of what's available from the large online florists. If I want to send flowers to somebody far away, I look up a florist local to the destination and call them. Florists really seem to go the extra mile when somebody calls them from 3000 miles away and spends 10 minutes on the phone with them.

[+ sf westcoaster]

I look for reviews of local florists and then call one of them.

[Rudynate]

I look for reviews of local florists and then call one of them.

 

Even better.

[BigK]

1800, FTD, Teleflora and other order gatherers contract with local florists and the local florists get 73% of the product total and delivery total (not to be confused by other service charges).

 

The middle man takes a huge cut, often more than 27% when the various service and processing fees are counted.

 

Search for florists in the delivery zip code, check reviews & then order directly with the local florist. BTW, sales taxes go to the state the flowers are order in, not the state where the flowers are delivered.