When Shopping Across the Border, a Phone Call Makes It Easier!

Affordable-Flowers

I was sending a friend flowers and while doing a search for a local florist with the same name (minus the hyphen), I came across Affordable-Flowers. When I discovered their prices I decided to go with them.

Despite an ordering hassle, it turned out to be an okay experience.

The Site

As the name implies, Affordable-Flowers sells affordable flowers. All types of fresh cut flowers from traditional roses to tropical.

The Affordable-Flowers site has a Mom and Pop feel to it.

The navigation is simple. Just click on a category and browse the selections.

Links clearly posted on the side of site for everything including shipping costs and “who Joe is.”

Joe, as it turns out, owns the shop click on that link and you’ll see photos of him and his employees.

The choices are eye catching and the photos, which are of actual bouquets look great. Although Joe claims bouquets are three times the size of regular retail, I’m not so sure of that. They were big though.

All prices are in both Canadian and American dollars as you browse, which made me realize the site is out of Canada.

The Shopping

Once you choose the bouquet you want, you go to a page that asks for specific info like the colors you prefer, the date you want the bouquet to arrive and what you want on the card.

The Sale

Like other shopping sites after you make your selection you fill out name, address and the recipient’s info. You chose whether to pay by Visa, MasterCard or PayPal.

At this point, you submit your request. Then, unlike other sites where this would be the last step, Affordable-Flowers sends you an email with the exact cost with shipping. Once you confirm that you do want the bouquet you chose for the price given, you will be charged and the bouquet will be sent.

This confused me, so I called and was greeted by the friendliest person who helped me through every step and took payment over the phone.

I did not go through the submission process and get the email and all that. Too much like work for me.

They only deliver Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays at an extra high shipping cost so, if you want something on a Sunday or Monday, look elsewhere.

Your order will arrive as promised and you should be satisfied. I was.

The Story

I really liked the flowers on at Affordable-Flowers and thought the prices were good. I was in a bit of a hurry to send the flowers so although I went through the whole process, I decided to call the order in to be sure they would arrive on time.

Customer service is wonderful. I was walked through the ordering process, given all the info I needed and assured my delivery would exceed my expectations. I paid by credit card and was charged the quoted price.

The flowers were really beautiful. I have to admit that, even though ordering is a bit crazy and going to a Canadian florist is even crazier since I have florists down the street from me, I was very pleased with the size of the bouquet. It was fresh and arrived on time.

I wouldn’t use Affordable-Flowers on a regular basis, but when I have a few days leeway and I want a colorful, large bouquet that isn’t going to break me, I will go back.

–P. Therre