Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Valentine's Day Flowers
Flowers for Valentine's Day may seem as though little thought went into them, but a stunning bouquet at a good price actually is a labor of love. It takes some effort to find hearty, beautiful Valentine's Day flowers without spending too much. But because there is something about colorful flowers, especially in the drab of winter, that really brings cheer and hope to hearts – it is totally worth it.
So, how do you set out to show your love? Well, you could pick up Valentine's Day flowers just about anywhere – but please do not. Especially not places gas stations. Not only are they are likely to be very poor in quality and appearance, you are paying a high markup for some of the worst flowers you can find. So forget just grabbing something on your way home on February 14th. Getting quality flowers will take some planning and effort.
Of course, you can always simply go to a local florist. Florists will sell you a gorgeous bouquet, professionally arranged, of high quality, perfumed, set in a vase with greens, and they will even deliver them. It can be hard to appreciate the difference between a professional display and displays from other sources unless you see the two arrangements next to each other. I've compared them and the difference can be substantial. However, the price difference can also be substantial. The good news is that there are ways to get flowers that are of good quality and not pay such a high premium.
Ways to save on quality flowers:
(1) Don't get stuck on one flower or color. For example, even though red roses are traditional, there are many less expensive flower options that are just as meaningful, and often more colorful.
(2) If you really feel that the quality and endurance of florist flowers is what you want, save by employing two possible methods: Internet florists like Proflowers.com, Teleflora, FTD.com, 1800Flowers.com; Or talking directly to a local florist that participates with them.
– Internet resellers are heavily competing this time of year, so finding a great daily deal, coupon code, or special offer is easy. I recommend using Retailmenot.com to find a code, and don't forget to activate cash back from a site like Ebates before purchasing online.
– On the other hand, flowers you order online will likely come from your local florist anyway. My suggestion before clicking “purchase” is to call your local florist, let them know the offer you've found, and ask if they'll match it. When fulfilling orders through an internet reseller, florists lose a large percentage of their profit margin anyway, so excellent owners aren't afraid to compete for your business.
(3) Conventional retailers (big box stores and supermarkets) often offer attractive prices, crucial if you are operating from within a smaller budget. They will not be of the highest quality, and may not last as long, but you can get some nice selections at a fraction of florist prices.
– Get the finest quality available. Be there immediately after the bouquets arrive at the store so you have pick of the best. Call a couple retailers beforehand to learn their delivery days and times.
– Watch a few videos online about how to arrange flowers and inexpensive ways to spruce up store-bought bouquets. Be sure to learn how to make flowers last longer with proper cutting and nutrients.
(4) Buy more. If you buy two dozen stems, rather than one dozen, for example, you can often get a larger bouquet for only a few dollars more. This is especially true at conventional stores.
(5) Don't get stuck on February 14. If you can get your flowers either early or a few days after Valentine's Day, you can find some real bargains. One deal we found is THREE dozen red roses, delivered, that you can order online right now from Sam's Club, for just $61.98. Online retailers are offering extra percentages off for orders placed early as well. One example we found: 25% off at 1800Flowers.com.
(6) If you have the ability or know someone, you may be able to get flowers from a greenhouse owner or wholesale florist. Contact local ones to find out if this is even an option. Not every place does this; and not every person qualifies. Restrictions apply. Pricewise, however, it is approximately 1/4 the price of a florist. You read that correctly.
Generalized price comparison (your results, quality, and price will vary):
Dozen red roses: Florist direct: $60 — versus Internet florist: $55 — versus Conventional retailer: $54
Dozen other color roses: Florist direct: $70 — versus Internet florist: $52 — versus Conventional retailer: $44
Large bouquet (about 20 stems): Florist direct: $90 — versus Internet florist: $70 — versus Conventional retailer: $47
