Websites using Teleflora

Okay, let s break down Teleflora, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care details.

Teleflora: Overview

Teleflora is a floral wire service and retailer based in the United States. It connects customers who want to send flowers with local florists who can fulfill those orders. Essentially, they act as a middleman, facilitating the transaction and ensuring the arrangement is created and delivered.

• Business Model: Teleflora operates on a network model. They have a large network of affiliated local florists. When a customer places an order through Teleflora (online, by phone, or sometimes in person), that order is routed to a florist in the recipient s area. The florist then creates and delivers the arrangement.
• Key Services:
  • Flower delivery for various occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy, get well, etc.)
  • Same-day flower delivery (in many areas)
  • Specialized floral arrangements and gifts
  • Online ordering and customer support
• Target Audience: Individuals and businesses looking to send flowers and gifts across distances.

Revenue

• Teleflora is a private company, so specific revenue figures are not publicly available.
• They generate revenue through:
  • Order commissions: They take a percentage of the order value as a commission. This is their primary revenue source.
  • Membership fees from florists: Florists pay fees to be part of the Teleflora network and receive order referrals.
  • Upsells: Selling additional products (e.g., chocolates, balloons) with flower orders.

Alternatives to Teleflora

Many options exist for sending flowers. Here s a breakdown:

• FTD (Florists Transworld Delivery): Another major floral wire service and direct competitor to Teleflora. Similar business model.
• 1-800-Flowers: A large online floral and gift retailer that also uses a network of local florists.
• Local Florists (Directly): Cutting out the middleman and ordering directly from a florist in the recipient s area often leads to better quality and more unique arrangements. Use Google Maps or Yelp to find florists near the delivery address.
• The Bouqs Company: An online flower delivery service that sources flowers directly from farms, often offering longer-lasting blooms.
• ProFlowers: Another online flower delivery service with a focus on affordability.
• UrbanStems: Focuses on modern, stylish arrangements and offers nationwide delivery.
• Farmgirl Flowers: Known for their signature burlap-wrapped bouquets and ethically sourced flowers (primarily serves the US).
• Etsy: Many independent florists and floral designers sell arrangements on Etsy.
• Amazon/Other Online Retailers: Amazon and other large online retailers offer flower delivery services, sometimes utilizing local florists or shipping pre-arranged bouquets.

Pricing

• Arrangement Costs: The cost of flower arrangements through Teleflora varies significantly based on:
  • Flower Type: Roses, lilies, orchids, and other premium flowers will increase the price.
  • Arrangement Size and Complexity: Larger, more elaborate arrangements cost more.
  • Add-ons: Chocolates, balloons, vases, etc., add to the total.
  • Delivery Fees: Standard delivery fees apply, and these can be higher for same-day or specific time deliveries.
• Markup: It s important to understand that Teleflora adds a markup to the florist s price. This is how they make their commission.
• Price Comparison: Always compare prices across multiple florists (including local ones) before placing an order. What looks good on the Teleflora website may not be the best value or the best quality.
• Example Pricing (Approximate - subject to change):
  • Simple Birthday Bouquet: $50 - $80 + delivery fee
  • Sympathy Arrangement: $75 - $150 + delivery fee
  • Anniversary Roses: $60 - $100 + delivery fee

Customer Care Details

• Website: Teleflora.com
• Phone: 1-800-TELEFLORA (1-800-835-3356)
• Email/Online Contact Form: Available through their website.
• Live Chat: Often available on their website.
• Customer Service Issues: Common customer service issues include:
  • Arrangement Not Matching the Picture: This is a frequent complaint. The actual arrangement may not look like the photo on the website due to flower availability or the florist s interpretation.
  • Delivery Problems: Late deliveries, incorrect addresses, or flowers left unattended.
  • Flower Quality: Flowers that wilt quickly or arrive damaged.
  • Substitution Issues: If a specific flower is unavailable, the florist may substitute it, which can sometimes result in an arrangement that doesn t meet the customer s expectations.

Tips for a Better Teleflora Experience (or with any online florist):

• Read Reviews: Check online reviews of both Teleflora and the specific local florist fulfilling your order (if possible). This can give you insights into the florist s quality and reliability.
• Order in Advance: Ordering a few days in advance increases the chances of getting the specific flowers you want.
• Be Specific: Provide clear delivery instructions (gate codes, building access details, etc.).
• Contact the Florist Directly (If Possible): If you have specific requests or concerns, try to contact the florist directly (after placing the order through Teleflora). Some florists are more responsive than others. (Teleflora generally discourages direct contact, but it can be worth a try).
• Consider Sending a Picture: If you have a particular style or arrangement in mind, send a picture to the florist as a reference.
• Understand Substitution Policies: Be aware of the florist s substitution policy in case a specific flower is unavailable. You might be able to specify preferences (e.g., Please substitute with a similar color flower or Please call me if you need to substitute ).
• Take Photos: If you have a problem with the arrangement upon delivery, take photos immediately and contact Teleflora customer service with your complaint.
• Compare Prices with Local Florists: Always check prices with local florists in the recipient s area before ordering through Teleflora. You might find a better deal and support a local business.

In summary, Teleflora offers a convenient way to send flowers nationwide, but it s essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks and to take steps to ensure a positive experience. Comparing prices, reading reviews, and communicating clearly with the florist (if possible) can help you get the best value and quality.