If you search on the internet using words like 'flowers' or 'florists' you will be met with a vast number of search results. Many of these websites will be so called ' virtual' florists and they will have little or no floristry experience, no retail shops and won't employ or use florists. The majority of these 'florists' are in fact simple order taking companies and while it may appear that they intend to assist both the customer and florists, they are actually soliciting and taking these orders for themselves. These companies are not only taking business profit from real florists, but are charging consumers extremely high service fees, while misrepresenting themselves as "florists".

So many people prefer to order direct from a florist. Heres why:

Better Value For Money: Consider the fact that if you use one of the well known flower delivery companies, sometimes as little as 70-75% of your order may go to the florist who makes up your bouquet. On a £50 bouquet that could be only £35! By dealing direct with a florist for your order you can eliminate a lot of the overheads charged by a national chain and therefore get more flowers for your money.

Better Delivery: Sometimes its so important to time the actual delivery of your flowers or gift whether its first thing in the morning or later in the evening - you know what time will achieve the most impact and effect. Often it is crucial that your flower order arrives when the recipient is there to collect them. By discussing your requirements directly with the florist you can usually find the best delivery time to ensure that this happens.

Better Choice: You can often ask the florist for their suggestions and advice, what special or different flowers are currently available and perhaps let them design a special gift around your requirements and ideas.

Better Service: Dealing directly with the florist that will be producing and delivering your flowers or gift gives you the best chance to discuss your requirements and often provides reassurance that the florist does actually understand them.

Better Not Forget: When you need a flower delivery really fast you will usually find that local florists are very obliging in fulfilling your needs and if they can deliver same day, they will. Although not always guaranteed, they often will pull out the stops for those last minute emergency situations.