CHICAGO,
IL - January 31, 2012 - Valentine’s Day means big bucks for florists. It is a bigger
holiday than Mothers Day, Easter, and Christmas; making it their busiest day of
the year. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB)
cautions those looking to send flowers for their special someone to be careful
when selecting a florist.
Complaints
about Florists increased 47 percent in 2011 compared to 2010. Last year 588
individuals filed complaints; in 2010 that number was 398 according to the
Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern
Illinois.
“When
buying flowers consumers should be especially careful when making the purchase
online or over the phone,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the
Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern
Illinois. “Consumers
need to review the description of the floral arrangement or any other gift purchased
online or in conversation with the florist or sales person.”
Pay careful attention to the options offered such
as size of arrangement, color of flowers, color of vase, delivery in a box or
vase, and inclusion of an enclosure or gift card. Note that all the options
mentioned may not be available on all sites or may involve additional charges. While
you think you're ordering from a local florist, you may actually be on the
phone with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away.
“Another
important point is to make sure that your order is clear and detailed. Review
the guarantee on the site or with the salesperson. This will help alleviate
your concerns about quality or delivery,” states Bernas.
The BBB
offers the following advice for safe and successful shopping for Valentine’s
Day:
- Do
your homework. Before ordering flowers, chocolates or any
other gifts for Valentine’s Day check out the company’s Business Review at
www.bbb.org in order to help prevent
disappointment with the product or customer service.
- Allow time for shipping.
Check with the retailer or check the web site to make sure that you have
allowed enough time for delivery by your specified date. Make sure that
this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order.
- Be wary of any email received from an unknown sender.
Do not open any unsolicited email and do not click on any links provided.
Fake e-cards coming from scammers/hackers may send you an infected card or
send you to a link where you are could compromise your computer’s safety.
For more information on shopping with companies you
can trust, visit www.bbb.org
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As a
private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is
to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by
means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising
claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop
and issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage
people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.