| With so many online florists available how do you | | | | to using nationally recognized companies. If you are in |
| choose the right one? They all appear similar online | | | | doubt as to the authenticity of the company, then it |
| and all have similar selection, pricing and online policies. | | | | is probably wise to deal with your local florist. |
| Reputable companies are the norm but occasionally a | | | | If your intended recipient is overseas, most online |
| disreputable shop appears. To help you negotiate | | | | flower shops offer international shipments. Seasonal |
| through the online maze consider the following. | | | | flower arrangements, plants or balloon bouquets |
| Online florists | | | | arrive with deliveries within as soon as 48 to 72 |
| Virtually anyone can have a website and open an | | | | hours. Of course overseas delivery of online flowers |
| online store. Online selling is popular. Online floral shops | | | | and arrangements require a service charge but if |
| are of three varieties: | | | | your stuck or desperate it is often worth the |
| 1. Actual floral shops. These are 'bricks and mortar' | | | | investment. |
| shops run by independent operators with a web site | | | | Where to Start? |
| to promote online flower purchases. These shops | | | | The web is a great place to start if you are looking |
| have survived because they know about flowers, | | | | for online flowers. There are a multitude of plants |
| arrangements and delivery services. These sites | | | | and arrangements with significant savings if you want |
| design each gift or arrangement and delivered to the | | | | to shop around. The web is an open market and |
| recipient by the local shop. | | | | competition is great to get your purchasing dollar so |
| 2. Floral growers, brokers and shippers. These flower | | | | good deals can be found. |
| shippers specialize in shipping roses and unarranged | | | | A quick review in any online search engine will reveal |
| flowers overnight. Their forte is an economical | | | | a multitude of online flower shops. A recent search |
| alternative to local florists. Their flowers, however, | | | | of "buy online flowers" netted 38 million results. Some |
| are not cut or arranged so once the flowers are | | | | online florists such as have been in operation as a |
| received they have to be unpacked and arranged. | | | | shop since 1945 and have grown to satisfy the |
| This is a great alternative to budget conscious people. | | | | blossoming demand of the internet community. |
| 3. On line florists. The true online florists are general | | | | Narrowing down the search by color, occasion or |
| retailers that fill orders and ship behind the scenes. | | | | type of flower will help identify suitable vendors. |
| They often use middleman strategies and affiliates, | | | | Within a short time you can identify several |
| and catalog companies to perform these tasks. This | | | | professionals who can help select the type of flower |
| additional layer usually involves a 'mark-up' to engage | | | | or arrangement that would be suitable. With all this |
| the supplier. Most perform well and supply great | | | | information you can compare pricing, arrangements |
| products. Some, however, seem to set up overnight | | | | and attributes of the online flower shops and |
| and appear shifty. For this reason it is recommended | | | | determine which shop is for you. |