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One of my friends moved to a new place and I'd like to send a bouquet of flowers. I just about fainted when I saw the prices, even using coupon codes!

One of the on-line ordering places don't even include a vase! The vase is extra and one one other site--iit's $9.99 and on another site (that charges more for the same flowers on the no-vase site), it's just 99¢ !!! The two I'm talking about are ProFlowers and 1-800 flowers.

Then, there's the delivery fee & tax, which I expect, but add to that, the arrangement fee, the *specialty* fee (they include a rationale for that), and/or anything else they can think of to bump up the cost!

Years ago, I ordered from ProFlowers and they guarantee the flowers will stay fresh for 7 days. That didn't happen--after 3 days, they started to wilt and in addition, the bouquet was nothing like how it was pictured. The recipient had herself worked in a florist's shop. We had to call ProFlowers to make it right. They should have done it right the first time!

Does anyone have a good reliable source?

Have you considered a local florist? Their selection is not always as extensive as major retailers but they’re usually much cheaper and better quality

How about Bouqs?

They are having a flash sale for Valentine’s Day.

I did look into local florists--their online info showed fancy-schmancy stuff, exotic flowers and extremely artistic "weaving" as part of the greenery background, and fairly high prices! I'll have to go back and investigate more local shops.

Thanks for the suggestion about Bouqs! I'll check it out!

Update: I checked out Bouqs and a number of other local florists.

I'm totally unhappy with all the upsells!

It seems that while the delivery fee for local places might be as little as $2.99, they also tack on a *mandatory* service fee. I asked what do I get for the service fee, and was told that if the recipient was unhappy with the flowers, they'd send out new flowers. Really? So, instead of the florist making things right, the customer gets to pay for another order! I decided to go a different way and get them a gift card to a restaurant. Thanks for trying to help!

[This message edited by Hope2B at 7:51 PM, February 4th (Monday)]

I used 1-800 flowers a few times and had really good outcomes. Most of these sub contract w/a local shop, and the local shop assembles the one you pick. Depending on the local shop and what they have in stock is part of why you don't always get what you order.

I also used FTD, do they still exist? They did a nice job for me the last time I used them about 2 years ago. My mom raved how long they lasted. It's good to pick a bouquet that uses flowers that last and not roses or other flowers that don't last as long.

Chiming in to recommend Bouqs. I have ordered from them several times and had great experiences. One time I received flowers that were damaged and they quickly replaced them for me. They have good customer service.

I typically find a local florist online via yelp or something like that, then I will give them a call.

I let them know what I'd like and my price point and they're usually happy to help and put something indie together.

Also, it ends up being something more in-season and unique than the "standard" kind of things you find on the sites. But yes, sending flowers is expensive.

Believe it or not- amazon.

H sends me Roses and Peruvian Lilies at work from them and they always come in beautiful and last for ages! They have a variety of options.

He's sent me flowers from the different popular flower places before and the amazon ones have looked the nicest and lasted the longest and i believe were the best priced too! They do have options with or without vases I think.

My family owned a florist and she always recommended ordering directly versus through a service.

Ultimately, that service might contract her BUT you got less for your dollar because they took out their cut for being the pass-thru agent.

So I order with a local place (if possible) give them my budget and they adjust the type of arrangement accordingly.

There is a lot of options since you can get the same size bouquet with lesser expensive flowers, more greens, etc. I found they are usually very accommodating.

I've had very good luck with Costco.

I’ve sent flowers to my 95 year old aunt many times via Amazon. Always delivered on time with great flowers.