VANCOUVER: Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days of the year to send flowers. Most people don't even think twice about where they buy their flowers. That is why the Better Business Bureau would like to remind consumers before you start smelling the roses, make sure you know whose roses you are smelling!
Each year the BBB receives numerous reports from consumers that show a pattern of complaints alleging non-delivery or late delivery of flowers and extra charges on credit cards.
"Before you hand over your credit card information to just any florist, make sure you know with whom you are dealing," says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO for the BBB serving Mainland BC.
Start with the BBB. Call and speak to the company - see how they treat you and find out their physical address.
Kathy Hanson, manager of Adele-Rae Florist Ltd., a local Burnaby florist and 25-year BBB Accredited Business, suggests some smart shopping tips this Valentine's Day:
- Stay local. Avoid delivery complications by ordering flowers from a store that is in your city or is in the city in which you want to deliver the flowers to.
- Variety is the spice of life. Roses are traditional, but can be pricey. Flowers that have bright garden-like colours in combination with roses are also popular with young ladies.
- Presentation is the key. Think about hand-delivering the flowers for that personal touch.
Happy Valentine's Day, and may all your purchases be rosy!