Mother’s Day gifts are often a hard task to conquer. Make the process less strenuous by shopping wisely. Whether you decide on flowers, custom jewelry or a spa date for the wonderful women in your life, always be sure you purchase that special gift from a trustworthy business.
BBB urges consumers to take extra precaution with placing
floral orders, especially online.
“Not all online florists are the same,” said Gary Almond, president Better Business Bureau serving northeast California.
“While some people are extremely happy with their online floral purchases, others find themselves disappointed when the flowers don’t arrive on time, or don’t arrive at all.”
In 2011, more than 96,000 consumers searched for trustworthy florists on
www.bbb.org. Many major floral delivery services are BBB Accredited Businesses, as are more than 500 local florists across the U.S. and Canada.
When finalizing gifts and shopping online, BBB recommends the following:
Do your homework. Before ordering any gifts for Mother’s Day, check out the company’s BBB Business Review at
www.necal.bbb.org. The business review reveals complaint, advertising and government action history – all important things to know when ordering online.
Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the retailer or website to be certain that you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order.
Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store's guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It is best to use a credit card when ordering online because you can dispute charges if the order is not delivered. Charges made on a debit card have no recourse through your bank if there is a problem.
Make sure the business has your information. When it comes to delivery, there are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Making sure the florist can reach you at a phone number to help make sure your mom receives your gift.
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As a business-supported nonprofit organization, Better Business Bureau's mission is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBB sets standards for ethical business behavior, helps consumers identify reliable businesses through BBB Business Reviews, sets standards for truthful advertising, evaluates and provides reviews of charities, educates consumers, and offers dispute resolution services. More than 87 million consumers rely on BBB for Business Reviews, consumer tips and scam alerts. To learn more, please visit www.necal.bbb.org.
