Mothers' Day bouquet

[Euphemia]

A well-known national store today delivered a bouquet of lilies, deep pink roses, and light pink roses. The lilies and deep pink roses are beautiful but the light pink roses look a bit wilted and yellowing. In my position would you be diplomatic and say nothing to your offspring or let them know so they might raise the issue with the store? if it was non-family I would certainly keep quiet but it slightly irks me that florists send out jaded bouquets.

[boxtops]

I remember my sister's MIL having a jaded bunch from Harrods many years ago - they complained, you pay enough for these special arrangements.

[squarebear]

Personally, I would be thankful they sent me a gift and wouldn't dream of complaining.

[boxtops]

You're right SB, I'd probably pick out the wilted one and bin 'em.

[squarebear]

Exactly, if I had sent my mother these and she had phoned me up to say they were naff, it would be the last time she received any flowers from me.

[pusskin]

If the person who sent the flowers never gets to see them, I would never complain that I was disapointed with them.
I have just recieved a lovely bouquet of flowers in the last 10 mins, and thats brought tears to my eyes thinking that they may have forgotten me.
Thats made my day, I'm now chirping like a budgie

[Euphemia]

Thank you for your advice. Thanks have of course already been sent.

However, I do feel that it is not uncommon for flowers being sent are frequently below par as the supplier knows that no one will complain.

[ladybirder]

I would certainly be annoyed that my children had been ripped off but whether I would say anything I'm not sure. I might. Or I might ring the shop and let them know.

[China Doll]

I remember getting my mum flowers one mothers day when I was just a kid, I'd brought those big daisy things that were blue as I knew she liked blue. I gave them to mum and she bitched how they were sprayed blue. I was crushed. She saw my face and explained that she was angry that the stall had sold them to me as I was only little and how was I supposedto know they were sprayed blue. Her explanation meant nothing, all I knew was that the flowers I picked out especially for my mum because she liked blue were completely unappreciated and I felt like crap. So no, I wouldn't say anything.

[carolegif]

This happened to me when it was my birthday (near Christmas). My daughter always bought me a basket arrangement and we used them as a table centre on Christmas Day. One year I receive a small bunch of half dead purple asters tied up with a tatty piece of ribbon in clear cellophane. What do I do? I know she paid a lot for her flowers normally, so my husband decided to ask her what she had ordered and she confirmed that she had paid for the usual basket of flowers. He explained to her what had happened and that I did not want to upset her in case she didn't have much money that year for flowers, but she was so incensed she rang the florists who said that they were too busy to do a basket so they sent a bunch of flowers instead! After and angry exchange I got the usual basket later in the day.

Don't let your daughter get ripped off - complain to M & S (no need to let her know) and ask for a better bunch!

[Gavmacp]

If the company was M&S complain we used them on several occasions and had a catalogue of problems. I have stopped using them but if you do not complain they will just keep performing below par.
P.s Happy Mother's Day

[Ann]

I have experienced a similar problem - for Mothering Sunday, I bought my elderly Mum 2 dozen lovely polyanthas and planted them in tubs, hanging baskets and an ornamental wheelbarrow so she can see and admire them through her window- they are brilliant and I was pleased at my good idea. I then worried that she may not have any indoor flowers on Mothers Day as I wasn't sure if my brother was getting flowers or a plant, so I bought two bunches of her favourite flowers alstromerias as just a little extra from the Co-op. I was shocked when arranging them that some leaves were starting to go a bit mouldy and the stems were slimy, but they were well within "display until" date. I was tempted to traise all the way back to the shop, but it was late afternoon and I was in a rush, so I didn't, but today Mum said "You will be so disappointed with those flowers, they are dying already, I hate to mention it" Do you think I should I ring them up tomorrow and complain? I am a bit embarrassed to do so, as they were only £6 but why should they get away with it?

[Prudie]

In this case Ann yes I would - I also really like Alstromerias and buy them a lot - they should last 2 weeks. I use Tesco and they are very good about replacing flowers that were not up to scratch.

[tara20]

Living abroad, I used to order flowers through Interflora, which cost an arm and a leg.
Then I got hold of a local florist where she lives and ordered by phone. They now cost half as much and are fresh, not to mention more generous.

[looobylooo]

i'd rather know if the flowers i'd sent someone weren't upto scratch.

on a couple of occasions we've complained to the company that their flower arrangements hadn't been good, and we had nicer and better replacements sent.

the last arrangement mum rec'd, through the very well known flower service, was extremely disappointing.
it cost around £30, but the cheapest of flowers had been used and they were far from being at their best.

they shouldn't get away with it .. grrrrrr.. they charge enough!

[quinie]

I stopped using the well-known flower service and others years ago. Now I phone the local shop where the person lives and they've been brilliant- always a beautiful bouquet or arrangement was delivered on the day and time I requested. I've seen photos of them.

[lady-janine]

personally i would never say anything to the people who had ordered them but would complain to the store that had sent them out. if there is a branch of this store near you so much the better. go and complain in person if possible + the flowers. I did this once and got a whole new bouquet as an apology for a couple of flowers. they said they were pleased to know and withdrew that particular flower from sale immediately so that they could be checked.

[Maydup]

what lady-janine said.

If you feel strongly about the quality complain to the well known store or even name and shame them on here so we can all avoid them. But I don't think they sound bad enough to tell your offspring.

[Euphemia]

Thank you all for your answers. Daughter is coming later this evening so I suspect she will notice. I might give M&S a call tomorrow.

[hjd]

Both my children sent me flowers and paid for guaranteed delivery, one sat and one today. Neither have arrived. Had to let the children know so they can follow it up. Really disappointing!