From the Better Business Bureau

Make sure mom's flowers arrive on time & looking beautiful

[May 08, 2013]  PEORIA -- Mother's Day is one of the biggest holidays for gifts, cards, flowers, candy and phone calls. If you're showing your love with flowers this year, make sure they are on time and just right.

In 2012, the Better Business Bureau received more than 3,900 complaints against florists. Many of the complaints were a result of flowers being late, wrong or just never delivered. When looking to find a florist, whether online or in person, make sure you're dealing with a reputable business.

The Better Business Bureau recommends following these tips when purchasing flowers:

• Ask about guarantees. Request a written receipt for the order, and ask about the business's refund policy if the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition.

• Make sure the florist has information on where to reach you. Delivery instructions may need to be confirmed, or a driver may need additional directions. Check to see that the flowers can still be delivered even if the recipient is not home. To avoid damaged or stolen flowers, try to plan the delivery around a time when the recipient will be home.

• Research florists. Check out a florist's BBB Business Review to see any history of complaints and additional details about the company. Ask friends and family which florist they recommend.

• Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the florist or website to be certain you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will be less than for last-minute or overnight shipping. Some florists offer discounts for deliveries a day or two before a major holiday, since that helps them deal with the rush.

• Have a backup plan. Make sure you understand the store's guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It's best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn't come through.

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For 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2012, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for reviews on more than 4 million companies and reports on 11,000 charities, all available free at www.bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 114 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

[Text from file received from the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois]