 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:
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.
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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] |
