Finding the right gift for a special occasion can be a daunting task. However, a gift of flowers or plants is always appropriate. These days, florist websites offer easy selection, purchase and most importantly, same-day flower delivery. Prior to 1998, florists, supermarkets and garden supply stores were often the only place to purchase flowers for an occasion. However, the advent of Internet commerce has seen florist websites grow by more than 20 percent per year. For a while it looked like the Internet was going to kill off the familiar bricks-and-mortar florist shop until online delivery services became partners with local florists. Now the combination of online ordering and florist associations has proved to be a major boon for both consumers and the cut flower industry. When selecting online delivery, it's smart to decide in advance what you're seeking. Most floral websites, such as Ready Flowers, are divided into categories to make it easy to find the right arrangement. There are separate web pages for romantic occasions such as Valentine's Day or an anniversary, life events like birthdays, new babies, get well and sympathy, as well as sections for congratulations and corporate gifts. Consumers can also shop by price, type of flower or plant, or even brand names. One of the key advantages to shopping online for floral arrangements is that of speedy delivery. Last-minute shoppers can find same-day flower delivery at virtually all online florists, provided the shopper meets the vendor's order deadline. If same-day delivery isn't possible, most floral gifts can be delivered by the following day, often first thing in the morning. What's more, most sites can help shoppers avoid a last-minute shopping rush by providing a free calendar service that will send the buyer email reminders in advance of an important event such as Mum's birthday or a wedding anniversary. Customer satisfaction also is a top priority for the bulk of online florists. Various kinds of guarantees stand behind an online florist's performance. For example, Ready Flowers will replace any unsatisfactory arrangement with one of equal or greater value if the customer isn't happy with the produce. Some websites offer money-back guarantee, or a "lifespan" guarantee promising that the arrangement will be attractive for a certain time period, usually about a week. In addition to products, many florist websites provide FAQs (frequently asked questions) and blogs with advice on which blooms to choose for certain occasions. This floral advice can be enormously helpful when trying to convey congratulations on a big promotion, thank-you to a host or hostess, or a corporate gift to show appreciation for a business relationship. Many of these choices also come in unusual displays, such as blossoms arranged like a football, a birthday cake or other symbolic shape. Finally, most online flower delivery services offer gifts in addition to plants and blooms. There are balloon bouquets, stuffed animals, jewelry, and food baskets containing fruit, tea, biscuits or candy. Such creative alternatives make it possible to select a truly unique and inspiring expression of affection or appreciation.
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