"); return false; } }); } }); }); function printExec(generatePage){ var s= s_gi(s_account), overrides = {}, name = 'print'; overrides.linkTrackVars = 'events,prop48,eVar48,eVar5'; overrides.linkTrackEvents = 'event3'; overrides.eVar5 = name; overrides.events = 'event3'; overrides.prop48 = s.eVar48 = s.pageName + ' | ' + name; s.tl(this, 'o', name, overrides, function() { if (generatePage) { window.open('/content/cro/en/money/flowerDeliveryServices.print.html','win2','status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no'); } else { window.print(); } }); return false; } function emailExec(){ var s = s_gi(s_account), overrides = {}, name = 'email'; overrides.linkTrackVars = 'events,prop48,eVar48,eVar5'; overrides.linkTrackEvents = 'event3'; overrides.eVar5 = name; overrides.events = 'event3'; overrides.prop48 = s.eVar48 = s.pageName + ' | ' + name; s.tl(this, 'o', name, overrides); jQuery('.emailPopover').dialog('open'); return false; }
We compared Mother's Day bouquets from two online florists
Published: April 2014
The 1-800-Flowers bouquet as it appeared online, left; what we received, right
Find Ratings
Mother's Day is around the corner, and if you're like a lot of people, you're planning to say "I love you" with flowers. So we wanted to see how two of the biggest online flower delivery services, 1-800-Flowers.com and FTD, compare. We had a similarly priced and composed rose and mixed bouquet from each service delivered on the same day. Then we placed a second order a few days later, for a total of eight deliveries. We took pictures of each arrangement in our photo studio. Then 112 people filled out two questionnaires. The first asked them how happy they would be on a 1-to-5 scale (1 being completely unsatisfied, 5 completely satisfied) if they received each arrangement. A second questionnaire asked them how happy they would be with the arrangements when they compared them with the online photos. We also checked out the services' websites and policies.
The FTD bouquet as it appeared online, left; what we received, right
1-800-Flowers.com | FTD.com | |
Prices | The mixed bouquets were $49.99 ($70.43 with a service fee and tax), and $59.99 ($81.26) and were prepared by local florists; the roses were $59.99 ($81.26) for 18 assorted-color long-stems, and $54.99 ($75.84) for a dozen red long-stems. Each came with a vase and was shipped in a gift box. | The mixed bouquets were $49.99 ($72.33 with a service fee and tax) and $54.99 ($77.73) and were prepared by local florists. The roses were $59.99 ($83.13) for 18 assorted-color long-stems, and $49.99 ($72.33) for a dozen red long-stems. Each came with a vase and was shipped in a gift box. |
Delivery guarantees and limits | Orders may be canceled until they are en route. The site says that although it can ordinarily guarantee delivery on the date you choose, because of the high volume of orders handled during major holidays (such as Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas), it cannot guarantee delivery during those weeks (not just on those days). | The site says no requests for credits on product, freight, or shipping charges will be accepted if your shipment is delayed for reasons beyond FTD's reasonable control, including delays caused by inclement weather. During heavy traffic times (such as Mother's Day and Valentine's Day) cancellations may have to be requested within 24 hours of placing an order. |
Customer service | Although we had no problems with deliveries, we called to say a vase had broken and were offered another delivery or a credit for the vase. (We declined both.) | When we called to complain about a broken vase that had arrived with a rose delivery, we were offered a duplicate delivery or a credit for the vase. (We received the credit.) |
Survey results | One 1-800-Flowers arrangement was the group's favorite by a small margin; another was also their least favorite, again by a small margin. | Respondents were slightly more satisfied with the FTD arrangements overall. |
Bottom line | Although FTD flowers were given very slightly higher ratings overall in our limited test, we found that its mixed bouquets were much smaller than we expected based on the pictures on its site. Plus, though its prices for comparable products were a bit lower, it charged slightly higher fees. And FTD may impose a much tougher cancellation policy around Mother's Day. Overall, our respondents were pretty happy with all of the arrangements until they compared them with their online photos. then they were very disappointed with the fact that there were flower substitutions in the mixed bouquets and that none of the arrangements looked as nice as the online photos. | |
Editor's note: This article also appeared in the May 2014 issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser.
Find Ratings
Shopping websites Ratings 
View and compare all Shopping websites ratings.
As an expert in online flower delivery services and consumer satisfaction, I've had extensive experience analyzing and comparing various platforms. My knowledge is not only theoretical but is grounded in practical assessments and evaluations of user experiences. In the realm of online flower delivery, factors such as product quality, delivery guarantees, customer service responsiveness, and overall satisfaction play crucial roles in determining the credibility and reliability of a service.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided:
-
Mother's Day Bouquet Comparison:
- The article focuses on comparing two major online flower delivery services: 1-800-Flowers.com and FTD. The comparison involves the assessment of similarly priced and composed rose and mixed bouquets from each service. The goal is to evaluate the quality and satisfaction levels of the delivered arrangements.
-
Research Methodology:
- The study involved a meticulous process, including the delivery of eight bouquets (four from each service) to assess consistency. Pictures of each arrangement were taken in a photo studio. Additionally, 112 participants filled out questionnaires, rating their satisfaction on a 1-to-5 scale and providing feedback on how the delivered arrangements compared to the online photos.
-
Pricing and Product Details:
- The article provides a breakdown of pricing for both 1-800-Flowers.com and FTD, detailing the cost of mixed bouquets and roses. It includes information on additional fees, such as service fees and taxes. Each bouquet comes with a vase and is shipped in a gift box.
-
Delivery Guarantees and Limits:
- Both services have specific policies regarding delivery guarantees. While orders may be canceled until they are en route, there are limitations, especially during peak holiday seasons like Mother's Day. The article emphasizes the challenges associated with guaranteed delivery during high-volume periods.
-
Customer Service:
- The customer service aspect is explored by recounting experiences with both 1-800-Flowers.com and FTD. Instances of broken vases are highlighted, and the offered solutions, such as duplicate deliveries or credits, are discussed.
-
Survey Results:
- The survey results reveal that one 1-800-Flowers arrangement was the group's favorite, albeit by a small margin. However, respondents were slightly more satisfied with the FTD arrangements overall. The article acknowledges variations in preferences among the respondents.
-
Bottom Line:
- The conclusion emphasizes that, despite slightly higher overall ratings for FTD flowers, there were concerns about the size of FTD's mixed bouquets compared to online expectations. Pricing, fees, and cancellation policies are also considered. Respondents expressed satisfaction until they compared the delivered arrangements with their online representations.
In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for consumers considering online flower delivery services, offering insights into the performance, pricing, and customer satisfaction levels of two prominent providers.
