Choose local merchants: It's good for the community and the environment
I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but this irritates me to no end. I have a very good friend whom I have know since elementary school who sends me flowers for my birthday. Irritated about flowers you ask? On your birthday? What? No, I love flowers. What irritates me is where they came from.
The first time I received flowers shipped from an unnamed company out of San Diego, California, the roses arrived with brown edges. Not only that, but the packaging that was used to unwrap my brown-tipped roses was absurd.
First, there was a large box that had been sealed using a staple gun. Opening the box was a very difficult task. Then the flowers were wrapped in a large plastic sheet with each individual flower wrapped in plastic as well. One would think that I had unwrapped a chair for delivery with all of the scrap plastic I had on my kitchen counter and floor. Finally, once I had the flowers out of the box, I had to recycle the contents, of which perhaps 60% is recyclable in Ann Arbor. The amount of packaging for 12 flowers was insane!
Today, I received an orchid, which actually arrived intact. That is, the flower was fine. This time the problem involved the saucer for the cup the orchid was planted in. It arrived in about 10 pieces. Well actually, I’m not sure. I opened the end of the box to see, but all I saw was shards, so closed the box and gave up. So what am I left with? I have this beautiful orchid in a teacup without a saucer. Which means, I either call the company and explain the situation, or I use something that matches the cup as best as possible. Neither of which, is appealing to me at all.
What does one do in these situations? I don’t want to call the company to complain that my flowers where brown or that the saucer was broken. What kind of a response am I likely to get from the person (if I get a person) on the other end of the line? Do I really want to make this kind of investment of my time? No, and in that answer, is the problem.
What started out as a genuinely nice gesture from a dear friend has me irritated on a day that should be worry free. It annoys me that she spent good money for shoddy service. It drives me mad that I am left to rectify a situation that is not worth the time or effort involved. So, what happens? This company continues with their non-enivronmentally friendly practices that produce unfavorable results. If I complain, I may get a new saucer or they may send me some “fresh” flowers, but that is not really my complaint. My complaint is that she didn’t call one of our local florists who could have delivered a superior product for a better price and not used packaging that could wrap a chair!
Whew! But I’m getting a bit carried away. Please folks, what might seem convenient for you at the moment, has repercussions that are foreseeable and unforeseeable. How much more effort does it really take to call a local merchant to place an order for flowers? More, less, the same? Consider this, not only can the suggest what is fresh, or locally grown, or appropriate for the receivers’ lifestyle, they will also be easily available to rectify any mishaps that may happen.
This is a perfect example of where shopping local works for everyone’s benefit. Or as we like to call it, a win-win situation!
- You support a family/friend/neighbor by spending your dollars at a business in the community you live in.
- The price will be comparable and sometimes better, since shipping products are reduced and shipping distance is shorter.
- The product can be more personable and definitely fresher.
- And any problems can be resolved more easily.
Comments
Dale Magee
Sat, Aug 1, 2009 : 12:26 p.m.
With the internet advertising, one should be able to locate a local flower shop near the recipient and order. I usually do it by phone, going long distance information and asking for a local flower shop. Usually, the operator gives me the first one in the book or I use the name of the town to get a listing. It has worked for me...
Marjorie Winkelman Lesko
Fri, Jul 31, 2009 : 9:54 a.m.
Thank you for this article. I have also been disappointed by the amount of packaging on flower shipments and I also share your desire to support local merchants. But, I have concerns about the impact the flower industry in general has on the environment and the conditions for the the people who grow and pick the flowers. Where do your local merchants get their flowers? I don't know, but it is a very good question to ask. Any socially or environmentally conscious flower shops out there?
Brit Satchwell
Fri, Jul 31, 2009 : 7:56 a.m.
I wholly subscribe to the "shop locally" mantra. There comes a point where consolidation and economies of scale in the name of marginally lower retail prices actually cost more. Wal Mart is a prime example. I can save $1 by buying a cheap Wal Mart towel made overseas, but that "savings" more than disappears later in terms of the hidden indirect costs: inadequate health care benefits and subsistence wages for the employees. All of us pick up those indirect costs. By shopping locally we often not only get better products and services, but a healthier, more diverse and interesting local community, not to mention a healthier environment. I assume the flowers mentioned in the article were flown here on a plane... the environmental cost of such "savings" alone should make them prohibitive. Shop locally whenever possible! Great article.
Tammy Mayrend
Wed, Jul 29, 2009 : 7:51 p.m.
"I dont want to call the company to complain that my flowers where brown or that the saucer was broken. What kind of a response am I likely to get from the person (if I get a person) on the other end of the line? Do I really want to make this kind of investment of my time?" While it is understandable that you don't want to use up your time to complain, as well made, polite phone call or e-mail should be sent. These virtual florists buy from vendors, and if the product you receive is well below what was expected it hurts their business. On several occasions, my husband has ordered from internet companies. Sometimes the flowers/plants arrive looking wonderful and other times not. I have called though, and received a fresh NEW bouquet for something that was less than beautiful. If you don't want new flowers because of the packaging or otherwise, at least call to alert the florist of what DID arrive. I am certain they would be happy to learn of your experience, if nothing else so that they can keep OTHER customers happy with the products! Happy customers = future sales.