Sending flowers is always a good idea. Flowers make great gifts. Flowers create positive feelings and make a great impression.  But, is it a good idea to send flowers using a company online?  Until I read “Stop! Smell the online flower fraud” on the Agassiz-Harrison Observer by Michelle Vandepol, I hadn’t given it much thought.

When I send flowers online, I use Flower Shop Network.  Since I work for the company, I know that every florist in our directory is a professional florist located in the city to which I am sending or at least one in very close proximity.  But, how does the average Joe know if they are dealing with a reputable company online?

As Michelle explains in her article, from a cost value perspective, dealing with the local florist in the recipient’s area will give you the best deal.  She details the pitfalls of using an order gatherer or websites that claim to be the local florist in her article.  If you get a chance, read it.

Michelle also outlines a few ways you can ensure the online florist is the real deal.   Look for the following things: the name of the flower shop, the physical address of the shop, the local telephone number.

I would like to add a few extra tips that I use when go to a new vendor website.  These tips are a good idea for any website search you do.

1. Look at the “about us” page.  You will usually find local information or personal information about the company on this page.  I find this very helpful.

2. Make sure the contact page includes a local address and telephone number.  Reputable shops will always have a way for you to contact them locally.  This information should be consistent with the local information found else where on the site.

3.  Check for written or mapped directions to their physical store.  Sometimes I call to make sure the person on the phone gives me the same directions.

These are just a few tips I use when searching the world wide web.

I guess I have to say sending flowers online is a good idea.  Just make sure you know who is behind that website.