<3
February 6, 2010 8:09 PM Subscribe
Valentines filter: I'm in Ontario, she's in Vancouver. I want to send my girlfriend a nice basket of chocolates for Valentines day. A bit wary of what to do...
This is my first time buying something online to send to someone. I have tried googling around, but there are just so many choices! Also, I may just be a little paranoid, but I don't know if these websites are trustworthy...
I kind of have an idea of what I want. I found a couple websites via google: Eden Florists and Davie Flowers. They are local Vancouver florists, and I think I have driven past Davie Flowers before. What I am looking for is kind of like this or this (they're actually the same, but I was thinking of buying the premium basket - and they're priced differently!? Hmmm). Since I'm willing to spend a little more, I may add flowers, too!
I'm a bit wary because the sites are designed very similarly, and they have almost identical items in their stores. They even use the same pictures, but some of the prices are different... But, I'm pretty sure it'll be OK, right?
So, what do you guys think? Do you think these websites are safe to order off of? Or, on another note, have you every ordered something for someone on Valentines day and have any advice to offer?
Or, if you think the flowers and chocolate are too cliche, or have other suggestions, please feel free to comment and point me to alternatives. I'm open to suggestions. My budget is about 150 dollars, and I want it to arrive on Friday, since delivery isn't probably possible on the weekend.
Although, now that I think about it... I think she implied that she wanted chocolates... but I'm sure if you have super romantic ideas, she'd be game.
Many thanks!
Anonymous, just in case ;)
This is my first time buying something online to send to someone. I have tried googling around, but there are just so many choices! Also, I may just be a little paranoid, but I don't know if these websites are trustworthy...
I kind of have an idea of what I want. I found a couple websites via google: Eden Florists and Davie Flowers. They are local Vancouver florists, and I think I have driven past Davie Flowers before. What I am looking for is kind of like this or this (they're actually the same, but I was thinking of buying the premium basket - and they're priced differently!? Hmmm). Since I'm willing to spend a little more, I may add flowers, too!
I'm a bit wary because the sites are designed very similarly, and they have almost identical items in their stores. They even use the same pictures, but some of the prices are different... But, I'm pretty sure it'll be OK, right?
So, what do you guys think? Do you think these websites are safe to order off of? Or, on another note, have you every ordered something for someone on Valentines day and have any advice to offer?
Or, if you think the flowers and chocolate are too cliche, or have other suggestions, please feel free to comment and point me to alternatives. I'm open to suggestions. My budget is about 150 dollars, and I want it to arrive on Friday, since delivery isn't probably possible on the weekend.
Although, now that I think about it... I think she implied that she wanted chocolates... but I'm sure if you have super romantic ideas, she'd be game.
Many thanks!
Anonymous, just in case ;)
Can you call them directly?
I work for a florist. Those pics are all alike because the Chocolate Lovers Basket is a Teleflora item (I presume those florists are Teleflora-those same pics are on our own website at my workplace because our websites (we have two) are supported by the wire services we use (Teleflora and FTD.)
You will probably not get exactly what you see in that picture. If you order from us via computer or another florist we go out and purchase similar chocolates to what you see and fill to value.
OTOH if you want more control over what goes in that basket, call the florist directly, tell them what you want to spend (yes, those baskets are expensive, so I suggest using the value of the chocolate basket you see) and ask them to put specific types of candy in the basket. For example, if she likes Dove chocolates, ask specifically for those, etc. If they are anything like we are they don't actually stock chocolates instore and will need to purchase them as needed.
And if this is what you want to do CALL TOMORROW. This time of year is the most hectic for us in this industry and the closer it gets to Valentine's day the worse it gets. Call them TOMORROW because the sooner you call the more of a priority you are...if you wait too late they may not be able to help you at all as many florists have to cap their deliveries after a certain number in order to maintain decent customer service....
TOMORROW!!!!!!
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:23 PM on February 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
I work for a florist. Those pics are all alike because the Chocolate Lovers Basket is a Teleflora item (I presume those florists are Teleflora-those same pics are on our own website at my workplace because our websites (we have two) are supported by the wire services we use (Teleflora and FTD.)
You will probably not get exactly what you see in that picture. If you order from us via computer or another florist we go out and purchase similar chocolates to what you see and fill to value.
OTOH if you want more control over what goes in that basket, call the florist directly, tell them what you want to spend (yes, those baskets are expensive, so I suggest using the value of the chocolate basket you see) and ask them to put specific types of candy in the basket. For example, if she likes Dove chocolates, ask specifically for those, etc. If they are anything like we are they don't actually stock chocolates instore and will need to purchase them as needed.
And if this is what you want to do CALL TOMORROW. This time of year is the most hectic for us in this industry and the closer it gets to Valentine's day the worse it gets. Call them TOMORROW because the sooner you call the more of a priority you are...if you wait too late they may not be able to help you at all as many florists have to cap their deliveries after a certain number in order to maintain decent customer service....
TOMORROW!!!!!!
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:23 PM on February 6, 2010 [2 favorites]
The websites are probably working off a template provided by FTD, or something along those lines.
Pick a local florist -- or chocolate place -- and call them. Tell them your budget, your delivery preferences, etc, and see what they can do. While the FTD/Interflora thing works when you're time-pressed and working at a distance, if you've got the time to make a few calls, and you're offering a decent-sized budget, a few minutes on the phone to someone who knows their stuff can make a big difference. Especially if the place has a good reputation and you're comfortable telling the person assembling the package to use their best judgement.
posted by holgate at 8:24 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Pick a local florist -- or chocolate place -- and call them. Tell them your budget, your delivery preferences, etc, and see what they can do. While the FTD/Interflora thing works when you're time-pressed and working at a distance, if you've got the time to make a few calls, and you're offering a decent-sized budget, a few minutes on the phone to someone who knows their stuff can make a big difference. Especially if the place has a good reputation and you're comfortable telling the person assembling the package to use their best judgement.
posted by holgate at 8:24 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
By the way, Friday is going to be a jammin' day because a lot of people want to have their deliveries go to a workplace...so it will be at least as busy as Saturday. Also, don't assume...some florists will actually be open on Sunday even tho they usually are not because, well, it's THAT day. Depends on the florist.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:26 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:26 PM on February 6, 2010
Oh, and as to the safety of the websites-if you order directly from their websites by computer, you need to know your credit card info will print out and then be entered into a computer system at the florist which will then run your credit info. We scratch out the number on the paper when we do it, (or try to remember to do it.) The cards won't run unless we have your name AS printed on the card, your address (the one the card is billed to) and the expiration date. But if someone who shouldn't gets that paper....nonhilarity could ensue. I think it's safer to call, personally. Plus, if you call you are much more likely to get exactly what you want and/or be informed if they are out of certain flowers or a certain vase.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:32 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:32 PM on February 6, 2010
If St. Alia of the Bunnies is staying around -- I know that V-Day is just crazy, and there's more likelihood that "here's $150, come up with something good" probably works better in mid-March than now, but am I right in thinking that "here's my budget, I trust you, reds and pinks and whatever you've got that looks good, but no lilies" is an approach that florists are happy dealing with? Because that's always worked for me, and I'd hate to have been making your lives miserable.
posted by holgate at 8:34 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by holgate at 8:34 PM on February 6, 2010
Heh, I meant to post anonymously, but oh well. I'm not too worried about her finding this.
Thanks for the advice so far. I guess calling them would have been the best idea. I'll try calling a local, Vancouver florist tomorrow, or on Monday if they're closed tomorrow. And talking to a person over the phone about my options/preferences is a great idea.
Thank again! Hopefully, if all goes well, you will have made me seem like an awesome boyfriend (well, more awesome that I already am).
posted by veol at 8:36 PM on February 6, 2010
Thanks for the advice so far. I guess calling them would have been the best idea. I'll try calling a local, Vancouver florist tomorrow, or on Monday if they're closed tomorrow. And talking to a person over the phone about my options/preferences is a great idea.
Thank again! Hopefully, if all goes well, you will have made me seem like an awesome boyfriend (well, more awesome that I already am).
posted by veol at 8:36 PM on February 6, 2010
Order chocolates and flowers from separate places if possible. Go for a nice box of Purdy's - pay for quicker delivery if needed. Purdy's isn't a bank breaker but it's good quality. Or splurge on Thomas Haas - super delicious. You can get a 2-tier box with 18 chocolates for $35.
Then call one of those florists above, or Divine Vines, and tell them your budget with tax and delivery. Specify what you're going for and what types of flowers to include. Roses, lillies, ranunculus, etc. Is your beloved more traditional or more modern?
posted by barnone at 8:36 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Then call one of those florists above, or Divine Vines, and tell them your budget with tax and delivery. Specify what you're going for and what types of flowers to include. Roses, lillies, ranunculus, etc. Is your beloved more traditional or more modern?
posted by barnone at 8:36 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, holgate, is that link for Mink chocolates your recommendation on chocolates? Or was it just a random link?
Unfortunately for me, I have horrible taste in chocolate - I just like whatever tastes good. I guess I have low standards for these kinds of things.
Last year, I bought my girlfriend a heart box of Godiva chocolates, only because my friends told me that Godiva was some really good chocolate. :/
posted by veol at 8:40 PM on February 6, 2010
Unfortunately for me, I have horrible taste in chocolate - I just like whatever tastes good. I guess I have low standards for these kinds of things.
Last year, I bought my girlfriend a heart box of Godiva chocolates, only because my friends told me that Godiva was some really good chocolate. :/
posted by veol at 8:40 PM on February 6, 2010
If St. Alia of the Bunnies is staying around -- I know that V-Day is just crazy, and there's more likelihood that "here's $150, come up with something good" probably works better in mid-March than now, but am I right in thinking that "here's my budget, I trust you, reds and pinks and whatever you've got that looks good, but no lilies" is an approach that florists are happy dealing with? Because that's always worked for me, and I'd hate to have been making your lives miserable.
Actually we LOVE that. LOVELOVELOVE.
And in my opinion people get better arrangements that way.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:45 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Actually we LOVE that. LOVELOVELOVE.
And in my opinion people get better arrangements that way.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:45 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, holgate, is that link for Mink chocolates your recommendation on chocolates? Or was it just a random link?
It's an "if you want flowers, go to a florist; if you want chocolates, go to a chocolate shop" link.
Mink was a place in YVR that I vaguely knew, and they happen to do baskets, but I'm sure that there are other good choc places (like Rogers' on Granville Island) that are set up to deal with V-Day business phoned in from afar.
posted by holgate at 8:45 PM on February 6, 2010
It's an "if you want flowers, go to a florist; if you want chocolates, go to a chocolate shop" link.
Mink was a place in YVR that I vaguely knew, and they happen to do baskets, but I'm sure that there are other good choc places (like Rogers' on Granville Island) that are set up to deal with V-Day business phoned in from afar.
posted by holgate at 8:45 PM on February 6, 2010
A lot of florists carry Harry London chocolates...this would be the typical box-of-chocolate thing. If that is what you are interested in check with your local florist to see what they carry.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:48 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:48 PM on February 6, 2010
It depends on your girlfriend's taste in chocolate- if it's good, she would be blown away by a luxe box of chocolates from a place maybe like the ones on this list (which, FYI, I randomly googled up), ok with Godiva and a little underwhelmed by a florist's selection of red-foiled Dove.
It's Valentine's Day, you're a continent away- the choice should be clear.
posted by MadamM at 8:51 PM on February 6, 2010
It's Valentine's Day, you're a continent away- the choice should be clear.
posted by MadamM at 8:51 PM on February 6, 2010
Have you thought about Edible Arrangements? Chocolate dipped strawberries etc? Definitely in your price range and something a little different - there are store here in Ontario too if you wanted to go in person to see what they look like/order for delivery from the West Vancouver location.
posted by saucysault at 9:16 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by saucysault at 9:16 PM on February 6, 2010
Some very good and reputable establishments in Vancouver are Chocolate Arts,
Daniel Le Chocolat Belge, and Hilary Miles Flowers. I would call and speak to a live person and pay with your card over the phone, not because the websites are iffy, but because you can make more personalized requests and arrangements that way.
posted by lunaazul at 9:31 PM on February 6, 2010
Daniel Le Chocolat Belge, and Hilary Miles Flowers. I would call and speak to a live person and pay with your card over the phone, not because the websites are iffy, but because you can make more personalized requests and arrangements that way.
posted by lunaazul at 9:31 PM on February 6, 2010
Maybe one of us Vancouver MeFites could hand-deliver it for you, if she's in a convenient location!
posted by Pomo at 9:38 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by Pomo at 9:38 PM on February 6, 2010
If you do phone, have anything written down that you might want to ask about. Any questions you have and if you have any preferences at all. You probably already know that when you go into a chocolate place, they have multitudes of varieties of chocolates and flowers. Creams, nuts, dark chocolate, light chocolate, assorted, all the same kind, etc. The same goes for flowers, many different kinds and sizes. Maybe have her favorites written down. But its easy to forget things while your talking long distance. Just have whatever you might need to tell them on the phone handy. Even have her exact address and that sort of thing ready. Postal code too. You'll have a better chance of them getting your order right the first time rather than maybe phoning back a second time to change something.
posted by Taurid at 9:51 PM on February 6, 2010
posted by Taurid at 9:51 PM on February 6, 2010
also of note: Friday's the first day of the Olympics, and as a result I imagine the delivery situation will be even more hectic than usual.
posted by heeeraldo at 2:43 AM on February 7, 2010
posted by heeeraldo at 2:43 AM on February 7, 2010
I know Rosanne who owns The Flower Factory on Main--rated the top florist in Vancouver by the Georgia Straight. You'll get a awesome flowers at a good price, and I bet she'd find you some chocolates, too. Email her and ask. Tell her an admirer from Kelowna referred you.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 3:05 AM on February 7, 2010
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 3:05 AM on February 7, 2010
Brother,
If you hadn't yet heard of Bernard Callabaut, you have now.
bernard callebaut
You will not be disappointed. The Creme Fraiche are amazing.
Order some for your mom, sister and me as well.
Enjoy!
posted by vidarling at 4:17 AM on February 7, 2010
If you hadn't yet heard of Bernard Callabaut, you have now.
bernard callebaut
You will not be disappointed. The Creme Fraiche are amazing.
Order some for your mom, sister and me as well.
Enjoy!
posted by vidarling at 4:17 AM on February 7, 2010
Seconding Bernard Callebaut (and not just cuz I live in Calgary- much, much better than Purdy's, which is western Canada's answer to Laura Secord).
I can't imagine sending chocolate from a florist.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 6:42 PM on February 7, 2010
I can't imagine sending chocolate from a florist.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 6:42 PM on February 7, 2010
I can't imagine sending chocolate from a florist.
And yet, it happens every day. ;-)
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:19 PM on February 7, 2010
And yet, it happens every day. ;-)
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:19 PM on February 7, 2010
Thanks to everyone who posted a response! I will tell you about my selections tomorrow, if anyone is interested :)
posted by veol at 8:34 PM on February 7, 2010
posted by veol at 8:34 PM on February 7, 2010
I have contacted a florist in Vancouver and have given her an amount to make an excellent, romantic floral arrangement.
As for the chocolates, I bought the Chocolate Heart from Bernard Callebaut.
Thanks all :)
posted by veol at 3:06 PM on February 8, 2010
As for the chocolates, I bought the Chocolate Heart from Bernard Callebaut.
Thanks all :)
posted by veol at 3:06 PM on February 8, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by polyglot at 8:16 PM on February 6, 2010 [1 favorite]