Online floral services proved costly

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Flowers are the perfect Valentine's Day gift for many people.  But you may be wasting money if you're shopping for them online. 

Dozens of online flower merchants promise the best deal on that perfect bouquet of flowers.  But experts say convenience may cost you. 

By Thursday, cupid will soon be making an entrance with flowers, for some.  Blake Thiede plans to get his valentine, “probably scratch tickets,” quipped the Holyoke resident in downtown Northampton. 

But if you are one of the millions who have their heart set on getting that special someone flowers. You may want to log off before buying.  While ordering online may be convenient, shop owners say going into the store not only gives you a better variety, but you also get your money's worth.

“Through the wire services they take a certain percentage out.  So if you were to say spend $50, by the time the florist gets the order you get 20% off of that.  So you really are not getting full value for your money,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald, who’s owned Forget Me Not Florist for three years.

Fitzgerald says Valentine's Day is the second busiest day after Mother's Day. She says when ordering online you can also run the risk of getting the wrong flowers.

“You actually don't see what you'll get, on the small print says it can be substituted. If you come into a local florist you can pick your flowers out and you know exactly what you are getting and what you are paying for,” said Fitzgerald inside her Roundhouse Plaza shop.

Another benefit of buying from a shop is escaping rush delivery fees. On average, the National Retail Federation says cupids around the country are expected to spend $130 on cards, chocolate and flowers this year.