1800flowers.com: A reasonable substitute for calling your local Florist directly
Written: Jul 03 '02 (Updated Jul 04 '02)
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| Full Review |
I first found 1-800-FLOWERS, http://www.1800flowers.com, through an online discount offer several years ago. I have used 1-800-FLOWERS several times to order flowers on special occasions for my husband who loves flowers. I go to 1-800-FLOWERS through my MyPoints account to get points for buying from them.
The Website
The 1-800-FLOWERS website is well organized and easy to use. The home page has their flowers and gifts organized by category, In Season, Everyday Celebrations, Sentiments and By Price, and displays specials. 1-800-FLOWERS offers a wide variety of products, including flowers, plants, food and gifts, but I have only ordered flowers from them.
The item I'm usually looking for, a dozen roses, is linked right from the home page. The top of the product page has the Product Code, a description, an enlargeable photograph of the bouquet, and links to rose care instructions and alternative arrangements. The bottom of the product page facilitates ordering.
To order the roses, I check availability then add them to the shopping basket. First, I choose the color, pink, peach, read, white or yellow, I want. If the first choice is not available, red is assumed to be the second choice. With the current special of $10 off this arrangement, any color bouquet is $49.99. Next, enter the recipient’s state and zip code. Then, choose a delivery date. Normal delivery hours are 9 AM to 7 PM. Before 2 PM Monday through Friday, same-day delivery is available. Saturday delivery is available before 12:30 PM and Sunday delivery is available before 11:30 AM. Florist-fulfilled orders carry a delivery charge of $8.99. When I’m ready to order, I click “add to basket.” I am prompted with the opportunity to add extra gifts, but I choose “no thanks, continue.” The shopping basket displays my product, the quantity and subtotal, and let’s me know that they can deliver the product.
At the shipping screen, you can use your account information or Microsoft Passport for express purchase if you prefer. You enter complete information for delivery and a card message up to 150 characters. At the Billing screen, your billing information will be filled for you if you have logged in to your account. You also have the opportunity to enter your source code and redeem gift certificates and promotional offers. On the Review & Payment screen, your entire order is summarized and you enter your credit card, then “complete checkout.” Taxes are charged on my orders with 1-800-FLOWERS. The Receipt screen gives you an online order confirmation number.
Online order tracking is available from your account. However, I’ve been told by customer support that unless the order is shipped by Fed Ex, no tracking number will be displayed. Your order may also still indicate pending until it has been completed. You are better off calling customer service for updates on your floral orders.
Customer Service
1-800-FLOWERS guarantees that your flowers will stay fresh for 7 days and offers a 100% Satisfaction guarantee on floral and gift items. Three forms of customer service are available, chat, email and toll-free phone support at 800-468-1141. There is no shipping charge for returned items. Merchandise can be returned to a retail store.
I’ve never had any problem with the delivery of an item. The flowers have always arrived on time and beautiful and received plenty of jealous comments from my husband’s co-workers. However, I originally signed up under my maiden name and the order-tracking screen still lists it, even though my account screen accurately shows my married name. I tried to use chat to contact customer service, but it didn’t function from work, probably because I’m behind a firewall. On the bright side, when I called instead, a live operator answered my call on the first ring and I was able to report the issue.
Bottom Line
I recommend 1-800-FLOWERS because I’ve always had good experiences ordering from them. However, their floral service is only as good as your local franchise or contractor can deliver. If you live in an area where it is difficult to get fresh flowers, you may be better off purchasing flowers directly from a local florist. Also, you are better off calling customer support for up-to-date information on your floral orders than relying on the online tracking.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: Janine White
Location: Chandler, AZ
Reviews written: 195
Trusted by: 142 members
About Me: Criminologist turned Software Engineer
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