02/07/2025
The Truth About Online Flower Discounts: What You Need to Know Before You Order
When shopping for flowers online, it's easy to be tempted by the seemingly unbeatable discounts offered by large online retailers like Bloomex. Who wouldn’t want to grab a dozen roses for $59.99 compared to The BloomBox’s price of about $130? But as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Let’s take a closer look at the major differences between ordering from an online order-gatherer (OG) like Bloomex versus a trusted local flower shop like The BloomBox.
1. How to Spot an Order-Gatherer (OG) Website**
Not sure if you’re dealing with a legitimate florist or an OG? Here are some red flags:
- **Heavy Discounts**: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- **Prices Ending in .99 or .95**: These psychological pricing tricks make their deals look appealing, but they don’t tell the full story.
- **Bold Claims Like ‘Same-Day Delivery Anywhere’**: These companies rely on couriers rather than local florists, meaning the delivery experience is often unreliable.
- **Non-Refundable Service Fees**: This is where they truly make their money. Once you pay, getting a refund is nearly impossible.
2. The Product You Receive: A Dozen Roses Isn’t Always the Same**
A dozen roses may sound like a great deal at $59.99, but here’s what’s often left out:
- **No Vase Included**: Most budget-friendly options from online retailers do not include a vase, meaning your loved one will have to assemble their own bouquet. Adding a vase costs extra.
- **No Greens**: Many online floral companies cut costs by excluding greenery, which serves two key purposes—enhancing the bouquet’s fullness and helping to structure the arrangement. At The BloomBox, every bouquet includes premium greens, whether you choose a vase or not.
- **Rose Quality**: The BloomBox only uses 60cm roses, which are higher quality, longer-lasting, and more visually striking. Budget-friendly options from online retailers often use 40cm roses—the lowest grade available. If you're wondering why stem length matters, we have another blog dedicated to explaining how roses are graded.
3. The Real Cost: Hidden Fees & Delivery Charges**
At first glance, Bloomex’s $59.99 roses seem like a steal—until you check out:
- **Delivery Fees**: Standard delivery costs $14.95 on regular days, and for Valentine’s Day, it jumps to $19.95.
- **Same-Day Delivery?**: Despite their advertised “same-day delivery if ordered before 1 PM,” when we tested this by entering our address at 10:30 AM, today’s date was blocked out.
- **The BloomBox Advantage**: Our delivery fee within Brandon is always just $5, and we personally confirm every order before sending it out. In contrast, OG companies use couriers who will leave flowers on the doorstep, even in freezing temperatures, without a second thought.
- **Valentine’s Day Pricing**: Our price of $130 is for **Valentine’s Day roses**, when the cost of flowers rises due to high demand. We also have a blog discussing why prices increase during major floral holidays like Valentine’s Day. However, our everyday pricing is very close, and after factoring in Bloomex’s fees, delivery costs, and the added expense of buying a vase separately, **our price is actually better outside of major floral holidays**.
4. Customer Service & Refund Policies**
One of the most frustrating aspects of ordering from OG companies is their refund policy—or lack thereof.
- **Nonexistent Refunds**: If something goes wrong with your order, you won’t get your money back. At best, you’ll receive a store credit, forcing you to buy from them again.
- **Customer Reviews Tell the Story**:
- **Sitejabber**: 1,376 reviews with an average rating of **2.1 stars** ([sitejabber.com](https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/bloomex.ca)).
- **Reviews.io**: 298 reviews, **1.35 average score** ([reviews.io](https://www.reviews.io/company-reviews/store/bloomex-ca)).
- **ResellerRatings**: 1,556 reviews, **1.0-star rating** ([resellerratings.com](https://www.resellerratings.com/store/Bloomex)).
5. Affordable & Better Alternatives**
We understand that cost is a real factor. That’s why The BloomBox offers multiple options for every budget:
- **Custom Mixed Bouquets**: Instead of spending a premium on all roses, we often recommend a mixed bouquet with just a couple of roses. This results in a more vibrant, cost-effective arrangement that typically lasts longer.
- **Guaranteed Quality**: Our flowers are backed by a **7-day freshness guarantee**. Can you say the same for heavily discounted online orders?
Final Thoughts: The Real Cost of Cheap Flowers
While the promise of $59.99 roses may sound enticing, the reality is far less appealing—hidden fees, missing components, poor quality, and zero accountability. When you choose a local florist like The BloomBox, you’re not just paying for flowers; you’re investing in quality, reliability, and exceptional service.
Next time you’re looking to send flowers, ask yourself: Is saving a few dollars worth the risk? Or would you rather choose a florist that values your trust and delivers flowers that truly impress?
Full service flower shop with Brandon's only AIFD, CFD certified floral designer with 30+ years of experience. Everyday occasions, weddings & events.
