With
hundreds, even thousands, of internet choices, how do you find the best florist-
and the best flowers- online?
We have been ordering
on the internet for several years now, and have experimented with a variety of different floral
shops. So which
are the best ones we have found? Read on! First of all, many
of the sites actually use
only one or both of the two giants in the field- FTD and Teleflora. Our experience has been generally positive with both, with one exception. The
top online shop is only as good as the local florists they use. We have been extremely pleased with the locals contacted for us.
Flowers have always arrived fresh and have been artistically arranged. Shops can't have every flower type and color on hand at all times, and occasionally need to substitute flowers. Keeping that in mind, the flowers delivered to our door, or to the homes of loved ones, often were not exact replicas of the photos of the
bouquets we ordered. However they were similar to the photos, in
tip-top shape, fresh, and lovely, and we were extremely pleased. Our latest experience this Valentine's Day, however,
was a disappointment: FTD uses local florists, but also ships
orders overnight. When they used a local
shop for us, things were fine. But during the high demand of Valentine season, although we were promised delivery from a local
shop, in fact the flowers were boxed and shipped to us by air overnight.
Our blooms arrived bruised, broken, and wilted. Shipped flowers can be damaged and dehydrated during transit. A very disappointing experience on the most romantic day of the year! Customer service was reasonable, however. It took a week for them to get back to us, but we were given a full refund.
All flowers are delicate- they need water, and
they just don't always travel very well.
Yes, sometimes they arrive fresh and beautiful- we once got some boxed
tulips that were gorgeous- but then, sometimes they don't. And who wants to
take a gamble, especially on important occasions like Valentine's, Mother's Day, or
birthdays?
Tip: Some, like roses and
tulips, travel better than daisies and lilies that are more likely to
arrive a bit shriveled.
Bottom line: look for an online florist that offers
same day hand delivery
from a local shop.
Or one that keeps your flowers fresh in
water as they travel.
Here are a few of the best we've found:
 Teleflora- |
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| ALL Teleflora flowers are
arranged and delivered by local florists, for the freshest
bouquets. Combine that with extremely appealing
arrangements in a wide variety of categories, and same day
delivery, and Teleflora is the best way to go. |
| 1-800-Flowers
offers an
excellent Same Day Delivery Collection with a wide variety of
flowers designed and hand-delivered by a local florist.
(Tabs are on top and side of the site's homepage.)
Other flowers are shipped overnight and arrive boxed
for the recipient to arrange. To assure freshness, they
may arrive as buds. If no one is home, they will
be left at the door. (Not good unless you know for sure
that someone
will be home at the time of delivery.) Method of delivery
is clearly marked in the description of each arrangement.
Be sure to check! Features:
very popular flower birthday cake in both pastel and bright
colors, fun balloon bouquets, lovely plant gifts, great gift
baskets, beautiful and exclusive floral designs by Martha
Stewart,
gift cards, easy to navigate site, articles on funeral
flowers and etiquette, delivery throughout the US
and international delivery to 47 countries, plus many gift
products- stuffed animals, gift baskets, food, wine, &
chocolates. And look for great deals with
coupons!
Forbes Magazine Best of the Web pick.
Internet Retailer's Best of the Web Top 50 Retail Sites list. |
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Whether you forgot to send a gift earlier or it's an impromptu gift, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM offers same day delivery! |
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KaBloom is the only florist that
delivers fresh flowers via FedEx-
balloon-sealed in water- anywhere in America- so blooms stay
hydrated and arrive fresh. (They also will last longer.)
They use a patented device, the Moses Miracle. The
recipient will need to arrange the flowers, however, and they
may arrive in bud, ready to unfurl soon.
Same Day
Teleflora Delivery
is also available. (Click on the "Same Day Delivery"
clock at the top of their web site for KaBloom Today) A great
alternative for those who preferred a designed arrangement from
a local shop.
Features: One of the best features (at least to this
romantic gal) is the wide variety of rose and daisy colors, and lots
of orchids. If you want a specific rose color- peach,
coral, yellow, lavender, white, mixed, as well as plenty of reds
and pinks- you will find it here. Or- if you are looking for orchids
in various shades- this could be your
place.
You can choose from a selection of vases (for a fee.) Many
selections come paired with bath & body gifts and candles.
You can add a personalized message. FREE DELIVERY specials
for some selections. Bouquets start at $19.99. For an
extra fee, you can even choose the time of day for an earlier
FedEx delivery. USA deliveries only. |
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"Moses Miracle" method of
delivery: |
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Send Fresh Cut Flowers to that Special Someone from KaBloom.com. |
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Flora2000-
If the bouquets you see on the
internet seem to all look alike to you after awhile, chances are you are right.
If you want something different- unique designer floral
arrangements- check this one out.
Features: Unique.
Designer. Luxury. You'll find orchids, calla lilies,
anthuriums, and gorgeous roses here (not to mention Godiva
chocolates and Waterford vases!) Delivers to 170+
countries. Next day FedEx delivery available for many- not
all- arrangements. Offers gift baskets and plants.
Site is not quite as easy to navigate as some of the others (no
search feature), but it's a lot of fun to just "tiptoe through
the tulips." Lots of Wow Factor here! |
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Flora2000 |
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More Tips for the Best Web Experience:
1.Order early during peak flower holidays like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. The best
sites refuse to take more orders than they can handle.
2.Order arranged bouquets, not boxed flowers,
unless you are sending them to a creative someone who really loves
flower arranging. Most women prefer to have their flowers arranged for them.
3.Stay open to substitutions
for the freshest flowers
(or sweetest teddy bears!) available.
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