Ten Reasons to using a Real Florist

Many phone directories and websites route shoppers to fictitious flower shops. Often times, customers are connected to a telemarketer who takes the order, subtracting service fees and commissions. Then they pass the order along to a local flower shop at reduced value to the florist and the customer. Be sure to always verify the address of a "local" florist; your money will go much further and you will be dealing with the actual local florist who will be delivering your floral gift.

Top Ten Reasons to Order from a "Real" Florist

1. Ensure Maximum Value

* Save on extra service fees by cutting out the middleman.

2. Speak Directly To a Real Florist

* Find out what flowers and plants are in season, what looks particularly good, or whether any blooming plants may be planted outdoors later.
* Have a custom design created to your specifications.

3. Communicate Special Requests

* Does the recipient have any favorite flowers? Any dislikes?
* Should the recipient be called prior to delivery?
* Is the recipient hard of hearing, or slow answering the door?
* Is one entrance better than another?

4. Select Additional Gift Items

* Many flower shops also carry unique gift lines, such as candy, potpourri, figurines, plush animals or candles, which can be added to your order or sent independently.

5. Get Same-Day Delivery - If Possible

* Call early to get same day delivery without incurring additional delivery charges.

6. Pay Accurate and Appropriate Delivery Charges - No More, No Less

* Pay the right local delivery fee without having it deducted from the value of your order.
* Some locations, such as gated communities or certain businesses may require an additional charge.

7. Familiarity With Local Delivery Regulations

* Hospitals, funeral homes, schools and businesses may have delivery cut-off times or size limitations.
* Hospitals in particular often limit the size, quantity, or types of balloons that can be delivered.

8. Familiarity With Local Funeral Customs

* In some areas a standing spray of flowers is customary, while in others a basket of flowers is most appropriate.
* In smaller towns, a local florist may know what has already been ordered or sent to the funeral, and can then help you choose something different.

9. Establish A Relationship With The Flower Shop For Future Orders

* Many shops offer a reminder service for sending flowers at special occasions. Your local florist will be able to help you with a floral gift in another part of the country through their affiliation with a reliable wire service usually offered at no additional cost to you, one of the services they offer so that you'll use them for other floral gift giving.

Only nine reasons, you ask? The tenth is simple and universal:

10. Everyone Loves To Receive Flowers!

Research conducted by Rutgers University and the Society of American Florists indicates that flowers have an immediate impact on the happiness of the recipient, have a long-term positive effect on people's moods, and increase the connections among family and friends. Not only that, but a study by researchers at Texas A & M University shows that flowers and plants improve productivity, innovation, and creativity in the workplace.
Source: Flowershopnetwork.com