Having worked in a flower shop for a few years, I will try to impart some wisdom.Don’t go through Teleflora or FTD or order through a 3rd party.these services cost florists a ton of money, and usually they will need to cut corners to recoup some cost.Sometimes, the flowers may not even be in stock- you will rarely get what the advertiser offers.Some flowers, like roses will be marked up for holidays like Mothers Day or Valentine’s Day due to the sheer demand, so don’t act surprised.Next, flowers are expensive. You are talking about making a profit on something that has a short shelf life and is very perishable. I’m sorry but $25 is probably to absolute minimum you request for a vase arrangement if at all. Flower shops are crazy to me because you have a massive overhead hinging on one of the most perishable goods possible. It’s insane.So what can you do to ensure it all goes well?Let’s say you live in Phoenix, but your loved one is in Seattle.Instead of 3rd party, research florists in their area and look at reviews. Call them directly, earlier the better, and ask them these three things:Do they deliver to your recipients area, and what is the delivery fee?Explain sort of what it is you’d like, basket arrangement, vase, bouquet, size and fill, and the price range they’d offer for such an arrangement. It can troublesome to say, “I need a bouquet as big as a house but I have $20.” Be mindful of their budgets and limitations and keep an open mind.Ask what kind of flowers are in stock and for recommendations. If you have floral preferences, let them know. I remember one lady who would get mad if there was baby’s breath in her bouquets.Taking the time to call a florist directly and doing a little homework will save you in the long run ultimately and there’s better chance you’ll end up with a better product.Florists tend to be independent businesses (granted not always) and to help eliminate the corporate middle man helps them out.Having 3rd parties offer these “amaze-balls” options is like asking an already skilled artist to make prints recreating a Picasso. Florists are artists and let them do their thing.Good luck and I hope this helps some of you out! via /r/Gifts https://www.reddit.com/r/Gifts/comments/apwvdb/valentines_day_is_in_a_few_days_heres_what_you/?utm_source=ifttt
