Why Ordering Flowers from Local Florists in Chattanooga and Beyond is the Best Choice

When it comes to ordering flowers, many customers are unaware of the hidden costs and economic implications of using wire services and websites that claim to be local florists. These services often lead to customers paying more while local florists receive less. At Chattanooga Florist Inc., we believe in transparency and delivering true value to our customers. Here’s a closer look at why ordering directly from your local florist is the best choice.

Many local florists' are afraid to "poke the bear" when talking about the structural challenges facing the floral industry - but at Chattanooga Florist, we believe it is everyone's right to know about the inside secrets' of our industry that must be stopped to avoid customers being ripped off.

In a nutshell - you, as a customer, paying your hard earned money - risks losing between 40%-60% of the value of the order based on what you pay and what the actual florist receives [30-60 days later] when your order is placed. Key message: ALWAYS ORDER DIRECTLY FROM YOUR LOCAL FLORIST

The Economics of Wire Services

Wire services like FTD and Teleflora charge local florists significant fees, which can drastically reduce the amount the florist actually receives from your order. Here’s how it breaks down:

• FTD: The local florist keeps 73% of the order value minus $7.75. For example, if you place an order worth $100, the florist receives:

  100×0.73−7.75=65.25

• Teleflora: The local florist keeps 73% of the order value minus $2.99. For a $100 order, the florist receives:

  100×0.73−2.99=70.01

These deductions mean that a significant portion of your payment goes to the wire service rather than the florist who is actually creating and delivering your arrangement.

Hidden Costs and Reduced Value

Wire services often do not send the full gross order value (before sales tax [often times these websites aren't even in compliance with sales tax authorities and don't even charge sales tax when they are legally required to do so]) to the florist. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for florists to “fill the order to value,” leading to potential discrepancies in the quality and size of the arrangement you receive. Additionally, many website providers fail to send the full order amount plus delivery fees, resulting in back-and-forth communications and delays. This practice is in violation of the wire services’ own order curtailment standards, which they often fail to enforce.

The Real Culprits Behind the Scenes

Many of the issues customers face when ordering flowers stem from certain types of website senders. These websites often present themselves as local florists but are actually intermediaries that pass orders through wire services. This can include a variety of well-known online flower delivery services. These intermediaries are the real culprits behind the hidden costs and reduced value, as they take a significant cut of the order value before passing it on to the local florist. This practice not only reduces the amount the florist receives but also complicates the process, leading to potential delays and quality issues.

Quality and Freshness Compromised

When orders are passed through wire services, they often go through multiple intermediaries before reaching the florist. This can lead to miscommunications, delays, and ultimately, a compromise in the quality and freshness of your flowers. Local florists source their flowers directly and ensure that each arrangement is crafted with care and delivered promptly.

Personalized Service and Expertise

Local florists take pride in their work and have a deep understanding of their community’s preferences and needs. At Chattanooga Florist Inc., we offer personalized service and expert advice to help you choose the perfect arrangement for any occasion. We know our customers by name and strive to build lasting relationships based on trust and satisfaction.

Supporting Your Community

By choosing to order directly from a local florist, you are supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy. Your patronage helps sustain jobs and keeps the community vibrant. At Chattanooga Florist Inc., we are proud to be a part of the Chattanooga community and are committed to giving back in meaningful ways.

The True Value of Local Florists

When you order from Chattanooga Florist Inc., you can be confident that you are receiving the highest quality flowers and exceptional service. We handle every aspect of your order, from selection to delivery, ensuring that your experience is seamless and enjoyable. Our commitment to excellence means that you get the best value for your money, every time.

The Future of the Floral Industry

The floral industry has the potential to thrive if all stakeholders, including wire services like Teleflora, FTD, and BloomNet (1800 Flowers), work together to create a more transparent and fair system. These services do offer convenience for consumers, making it easy to order flowers from anywhere. However, the current self-regulating regime isn’t working because these companies are not taking the necessary actions to benefit the industry as a whole.

For the economics to make sense, wire services need to ensure that local florists receive a fair share of the order value. This means reducing excessive fees and ensuring that the full order amount, including delivery fees, is remitted to the florist. By doing so, florists can provide higher quality arrangements and better service to customers. Additionally, enforcing order curtailment standards and maintaining transparency in transactions will help build trust and improve the overall customer experience.

Conclusion

Next time you need to order flowers, consider the benefits of choosing a local florist. Avoid the hidden costs and potential disappointments of wire services and non-local websites. Experience the difference that personalized service, quality, and community support can make. At Chattanooga Florist Inc., we are here to make your floral experience truly special.

We don't care if you order from us - just order from your local florist who you verified is real. You will know who they are when looking on the paid ads in google. 

Additional Note

If you have experienced issues with wire services or website providers failing to remit the full amount of your order value, we want to hear from you. Please contact me, West Budreau, at 512-961-0243 or shop@chattanoogaflorist.com. Additionally, if you are a fellow florist owner facing similar issues, please reach out to me. 

Together, we can work towards a fairer and more transparent floral industry.