How to Buy Flowers Online

It's easy to order top-quality flowers and arrangements online. You can have them sent to someone for a special occasion, or send them to yourself to brighten your day.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Flower Bouquets
• Flower Bulbs
• Flowers
• Houseplants

1. Type the word "flowers" into a search engine such as Alta Vista or Yahoo. If desired, you can get more specific by entering "roses" or "tulips." You can also click a Related Site or click the box for "flowers" in the shopping list below and choose the "shop online" function.

2. Carefully read the guarantee, delivery and refund information on each site. This will help you feel more secure if you are worried about the quality of the flowers or the expediency of delivery.

3. Browse the sites. You can often find special featured arrangements or seasonal specials that will save you money and fulfill your flower needs.

4. If you want to survey the available arrangements, click "Arrangements" or browse by category (birthday, sympathy or baby, for example).

5. Note that some sites send flowers directly from the grower to the recipient, while others send orders through a local florist. If this makes any difference to you, read the information on the site about how the flowers are supplied, and choose accordingly.

6. Choose the flowers you want delivered. Pay careful attention to options offered such as size of arrangement, color of flowers, color of vase, delivery in a box or vase, and inclusion of an enclosure or gift card. Note that all the options mentioned may not be available on all sites.

7. Enter the date when you want the flowers delivered. Be sure to allow enough time for your order to be processed. Check the site's delivery instructions if you're not sure you've allowed enough time.

8. Complete the payment and delivery information. When you order flowers for someone else, you will need that person's address (including zip code) and phone number (including area code).

9. Fill in the payment information.

10. Before submitting your order, check the final cost, including all shipping and handling costs.

11. If you are satisfied, submit your order.

Tips & Warnings

• If given the option, register on the site. You may then be eligible for special offers, benefits and discounts.

• If you can't afford real flowers, consider sending a "virtual" arrangement. You choose the arrangement, and then the person you are sending it to will be notified by e-mail to go to a Web site to view the flower arrangement and a message from the sender. This service is usually free.

• If you are sending the flowers to someone else, make sure that the recipient is likely to be home on the day of delivery. If this is a concern, call the site's toll-free number or e-mail for information on delivery policies and options.