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Letter to the editor

10 Tips: Don't let flowers get you down this week

By Laura T. Coffey, Times Correspondent
Published February 10, 2008

Valentine's Day. So special, so romantic - and so expensive! Officials with Huntington Bank in Ohio say we'll spend $180 to $420 each on this single celebration. Flowers are a significant chunk of that. If you're planning to buy flowers within the next few days, consider these tips:

1 Don't follow the herd. Everyone opts for roses at this time of year, but there are plenty of gorgeous and neglected i.e., less expensive flower varieties from which to choose. And red isn't your only option.

2 Order as early as you can. It might be a little bit late to try this tactic this year, but you can save as much as 15 to 20 percent if you place your flower order early. Whether you're planning to order through a local florist or an online retailer, check with several places today to see whether discounts apply.

3 Count all the costs. The advertised price for a bouquet may look reasonable, but brace yourself: You could be hit with added costs. Ask how much you'll have to pay for delivery, a vase, baby's breath, a card and flower food.

4 Hunt for deals. Stay alert for an area on Web sites where you can enter a "promotional code," "discount code" or "coupon." That's a sign to open a Web browser in another window and do a quick Internet search for the retailer's name along with the catch phrase used on that retailer's Web site. You could find a coupon code in seconds.

5 Make the magic last. Keep the flowers looking fresh. Put lukewarm water in a vase that's big enough, and make sure the stems are under water but the leaves aren't. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and add flower food to the water.

6 Think about where and when to send them. For extra brownie points, send flowers to your special someone one day early with a note that says, "Couldn't wait another day to say I love you." Reflect on whether it would mean more to your partner to get the flowers at work or at home.

7 If your order gets botched, speak up. This is a busy time of year for florists, and it's not unusual for orders to get mixed up or for "freshness guarantees" to go unmet. If that happens, call, e-mail or visit the company's customer service department. Explain your situation clearly, and say how you would like to see it resolved. If the first representative you reach is unhelpful, ask to speak with the manager.

8 Consider the recipient. Does your partner love to garden and work in the yard? A beautiful outdoor plant that will keep on living might be more appropriate than cut flowers that will quickly fade.

9 Consider other options. You don't have to give flowers on Valentine's Day. You could give gift certificates for services such as running errands for your loved one, making a nice dinner, cleaning the house, repairing the car or giving a massage.

10 Start thinking about next year. If Valentine's Day matters to you and your significant other, make a mental note of how quickly it can sneak up on you after the big winter holidays in December. Are there simple, realistic ways you can cut back on your spending so you won't have to go into any debt for the 2008-09 holidays?

Laura T. Coffey (laura@tentips.org)

Sources: Shel Horowitz's FrugalFun.com; Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org); Society of American Florists (www.aboutflowers.com).

[Last modified February 8, 2008, 21:38:57]