I ordered flowers online called "Spring Basket" accompanied by a color picture, described as "a garden of pretty pink flowers accented with lavender hues featuring lilies, gerber daisies, spray roses and more." The price of $54.99 seemed comparable to what I would get from a local florist, plus delivery charge. The flowers were delivered when promised, but in a cheap glass vase. The vase contained small yellow daisies, one red Gerber Daisy, and baby's breath. I have used florists' services many times over the years, so I knew the flowers were a very cheap substitution. I am now in the process of disputing my Visa bill charge for these flowers. I only made one call to the company representative (background noise tells me it was a person at a phone bank) who was very polite sounding but gave me a runaround, putting me on "hold" several lengthy times, changing her story about how she was goind to help me, and finally telling me that it wasn't her company that filled the order. During the course of the conversation she stated that nothing could be done because two months had elapsed since I called in the order. After I told her I still had time to dispute the charge on my Visa bill, she chose that time to deny her company filled my order.

I should have known better than to order online from a company that I did not know. Since that time, I have searched the Web to find there are many, many florist scams out there. What they do is process your order and skim money before forwarding the order to someone else who skims more money, and finally to a florist. I would suggest that folks only deal through a reputable, known florist in your community when you need something wired/sent to another community or state. Also, ask the recipient to take a picture of the arrangement if you discover he didn't receive what you ordered. In my Visa telephone inquiry I was told that a picture of what is received is your best weapon against such disputes. Florists often change the type of flowers to a degree, depending on their supply on hand. Reputable florists always make sure the substitution is of equal value.