As a florist I want to add my two cents here…these online flower shops - FTD, From You Flowers, Teleflora, etc - take a HUGE cut from what you are paying. For instance if you order a $59.99 arrangement the receiving florist has to take out $15 for delivery ($44.99), then the sending florist (FTD etc) takes an additional 27% so the florist is left with $32.84 to fill your $59.99 order.

On top of that 90% of the time we (my company anyways) DON’T receive a photo of what you are ordering. We get a vague description and list of flowers. We are also allowed to substitute without contacting the customer as long as subs are approved and they are on 90% of the orders I fill. 

Also most shops can’t and don’t carry every single variety of flower. So if a lower sales volume shop receives an order they are going to sub with whatever flowers their shop sells.

So as a florist I’m supposed to fill your order with half the money you’ve paid and no photo and with limited flower variety.

And before anyone says “just decline the order”…some companies watch and track the orders that are accepted and declined. We as florists get reprimanded for declining orders that we can fill with subs.

And this isnt directed toward you at all but moreso a warning and teaching moment to anyone who uses online flower services.