Sending flowers is a beautiful way to express your love, condolences or appreciation for someone special. However, finding a reputable florist in an unfamiliar area could be a daunting task for anyone. Many people turn to websites that claim to provide such services, only to find that they are actually third-party companies that charge hidden fees and commissions. In this blog post, we will explore the pitfalls of using order gatherers for flower delivery and offer some tips on how to avoid being a victim of this scam.
The first problem with using order gatherers is that they prioritize search engine optimization (SEO) over their clients’ needs. These third-party services tend to buy top advertising spots on search engines, which makes it difficult for genuine florists to appear on the first pages of the search results. That means that when you search for a local flower shop, you are likely to see these order gatherers instead of the actual local florists. This creates confusion and makes it challenging to find reputable florists that can provide quality services.
The second issue with these order gatherers is that they charge hidden fees that can sometimes exceed the cost of the flowers themselves. For instance, when you make an order, they may undervalue the selected bouquet or arrangement, leaving very little for the local florist who will fulfill the order. In some instances, the order gatherer may even charge extra handling and delivery fees that are not explicitly stated when placing the order. So, what may appear to be a great deal may turn out to be quite expensive.
The third problem with using order gatherers for flower delivery is that they tend to provide inaccurate or misleading descriptions of the flowers on offer. In some instances, they display flashy images of bouquets that are not available, or they substitute expensive flowers with cheaper ones to maximize their profits. Most of these order gatherers also do not guarantee freshness or quality, and the worst part is that there is no way of knowing the real florist who will fulfill the order, making it difficult to reach out to them for any issues or complaints.
Finally, using order gatherers for flower delivery robs customers of the opportunity to support local small businesses which are usually family-owned, and may have been around for generations. Supporting local florists helps promote local economies and creates jobs in your area. It also ensures that the flowers are fresh and timely delivered.
In conclusion, using order gatherers for flower delivery may seem like the easiest or fastest way to send flowers, but it is risky, expensive, and harms genuine local florists. If possible, take time to research local florists in the area; read reviews, check their website, call them to inquire about the delivery service and choose one that offers quality, transparent services. Doing so will not only save you from falling victim to the scam, but you can also feel good about supporting local businesses and spreading love and joy through beautiful flower arrangements that are delivered fresh and on time.
More info at https://safnow.org/2019/01/23/stop-order-gatherers/