Baby Boomster
Monday, February 14, 2005
 
A Valentines Disaster - FTD.com!

This is the day to send and receive flowers. Friday, I came home to find a large box sitting on my porch from FTD.com.

I opened the box and found a bunch of tulips (20) and a large vase sent to me by my son in Valentines greetings.

The tulips were pitiful. They were extremely small, almost miniature, flowers opened, petals falling off and stems drooping and bent in a complete "U". Following the care instructions I tried to salvage and revitalization them. The vase was extremely large and was made to accommodate normal size tulips but these 20 were so scrawny that they were lost in the vase. I had another vase on hand that was suitable so I put them in that. However, even in a few hours it was apparent that the flowers were beyond hope, so I called FTD.com since there was a guarantee and a number to call if the delivery was unsatisfactory.

Speaking with a representative, I explained the condition of the flowers, and since they were sent directly from the growers in Florida to my home in New Jersey, the extremely cold weather probably were the cause of their wilted condition. However, the quality of the flower was substandard at best, especially when I looked up the order, (which were for normal size tulips) and found they cost $48.99 + shipping.

The next day, I came home to find a vase with tulips on my porch delivered by a local FTD florist.
The vase was smaller, the blooms larger, fresh, and of much better quality. However, I noticed that there were only 15 stems instead of the 20 ordered.

I again called FTD.com customer service. They determined that the FTD representative only order 15 stems as replacement for the original order. I said this was not acceptable. My son paid for 20 stems and 20 flowers should have been sent.

After a long period on hold, the rep. came back and said they would give 15% credit back to my son for the order, which amounted to $6.90. I explained that the order on the FTD.com website for 20 tulips with vase was $48.99 and that 15 stems with vase was $38.99, a difference of $10.00. The rep. send the credit was already put through and only 15% was approved.

I then asked to speak to a supervisor. Although the supervisor apologized for the matter, admitted it was handled poorly, she still couldn't explain why the replacement order was shorted 15 stems, nor she didn't offer to authorize the full credit of $10.00.

Which leads me to say: FTD.com -- you're OUT! Keep your $3.10. I hope that it compensates for the bad P.R., extremely poor business practices, and the loss of customers for your service. I told my son, who often uses FTD.com and he was very displeased, I will continue to tell everyone I know to stay away from FTD.com. This incident also makes me wonder do people actually get what is ordered? Afterall, how many recipients will question or challenge the quality of the gifts sent to them?

My advice to all is -- Instead of using an on-line service, call up a local florist in the area of the person you are sending flowers. You generally get twice as much for your money, with deliver included, and you have some say in what is being sent.

Be specific when you call. Ask what is fresh and seasonally in stock. Don't settle for the typical arrangements stuck in florist foam. Most of these arrangements use the cheapest filler flowers and are generally made up in advance. Either send a live plant, or a specific type of flower bouquet with vase. Be original. Calla lilies and daffodils make a wonderful Easter arrangement. Parrot tulips also are also nice and a bit different. Get away from mums, mums, mums and carnations, although hearty, these are the least expensive and overly used in the usual arrangements. Put some zip and originality in your gift.

For example, I received the most magnificent arrangement of Sunflowers at Thanksgiving that was just so stunning, it made the "stock" mixed arrangements pale in comparison. The person sending the arrangement made a lasting impression on me since a very special effort was made to send something unique and unforgettable.

Also, if you have the time and are giving flowers in person, don't be afraid to go to your local supermarket. Most have floral departments and you can pick out exactly what you want at very competitive prices.

Well -- Happy Valentines Day and hopefully your flowers were as fresh, colorful and abundant as the thoughts and well wishes of the sender.

Friday, February 11, 2005
 
I'M BACK ....

It's been awhile since I posted, and lots has happened, but too much water under the bridge for details, time to forge ahead, after a very brief recap.

October -- Busy catching up on household chores left undone for too long.

November -- Great Thanksgiving spent with far away family. Very nice.

December -- Quiet Christmas, mild weather - goodbye 2004!

January -- Uneventful beginning of 2005. One of the best television seasons in years. Bless TIVO, TIVO, TIVO for keeping me sane.

February -- Two feet of snow. I hate snow; haven't been able to warm up in three weeks! Had just a few days to thaw out, back to the cold, but at least no more snow.


Back to the Present - Very exciting about a small film called Uncle Nino. Very dissapointed that it isn't playing remotely close to my neck of the woods.

Which reminds me of my 2005 Wish List:

Places/things I wish were located in my area

1) Movie theater featuring independent/art files
2) Trader Joes
3) Super WalMart
4) Natural Foods
5) Indoor Pool Facility

Mood for Valentine's Day -- Once I had a secret love...



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