For the most part, many people see call centers such as Just Flowers, 1-800-Flowers, Pro Flowers etc., as an easy way to order an arrangement. You don't have to research florists in the area you're sending to; you can look online at arrangements to choose from, and just like that, you're done. Easy as pie, right? WRONG! Any business that can take an order for you but is not a facility housing designers, a cooler, and flowers is a CALL CENTER.
Let us provide a scenario for you.... You dial the number you've seen on commercials or on a website. The person on the other end takes your information. You want to send a birthday surprise to your mom in Franklin, TN. A gorgeous pink and white arrangement you saw on their website for only $19.95. Beautiful. You place your order, pay with a credit card and go on your merry way. Mom will love them!
Here's what really happened: You called; your order was taken; you paid $19.95. The person you spoke with finds a REAL florist in Franklin, TN (i.e. someone like us), and gives us a call. Now, because we don't accept orders from call centers, we refuse the order. They continue calling other florists in the area. If they cannot find one who will accept, they call YOU back, tell you they cannot deliver to that area and you have to start at square one with usually only a tiny window of time to start over. OR, they find a florist who accepts. But they only give the florist $11.95 to make the arrangement. They've taken out their cut. So now your arrangement is going to be tinier than you anticipated.
The easiest way to order flowers is to contact your local florist even if you are sending something out of their delivery area. There will be a charge for wiring an order out but it is miniscual and does not come out of your arrangment price. Your florist will have detailed files as to good flower shops in the area you want to send to and will make a good selection for you. Also, should there be problems with your order, you can be sure your florist will take it out of your hands and compensate in some way.
Be smart! What seems like an easy way out is not always the way to go!
You may not really know what you're looking at here, but this is one step closer to the glittery goodness we've all come to enjoy each year at our Open House. The picture doesn't even come close to what it looks like in person and it's not even finished yet! And this is just one of the many little holiday nooks and crannies you'll find on October 9. The time is growing short and slowly but surely we're molding it all into a Christmas haven. Stay tuned for more! Photo By: Meredith Morris
