The bouquets by Avenrose Florist in Auckland and Juliette Florist in Wellington were excellent value for money (see survey results) - but they weren't what we ordered. There were other problems too.
No image
These two florists who received our orders through www.rocketflorist.co.nz weren't supplied with the image or the information the customer sees on the Rocket Florist website. They didn't even know that Rocket Florist was involved - the order was forwarded through Court Florist in Christchurch.
The photograph of the bouquet we ordered shows palm leaves used for dramatic effect. Neither of the bouquets in our survey used palm leaves. The website specifies a hand-tied bouquet, but Avenrose Florist received an order for a vibrant "bouquet of mixed cut flowers" and chose to present them in a "Vox" container (a water-filled box). Juliette Florist's order was for a "vibrant bouquet" with no other details.
It's not the florists' fault: it's hard to reproduce the colours and style of the bouquet shown on www.rocketflorist.co.nz if they don't know what it looks like.
Rocket says
It states on its website that the selection of flowers in the photographs may vary depending on the season and location.
High fees
The service and delivery fee of $23 for these bouquets was the highest in our survey. Avenrose Florist told us its normal charge for a local delivery was $10.
Rocket says
The other $13 covered credit card fees ($3), network costs ($5) and a $5 handling fee.
Wrong date
The Auckland delivery date was wrong as well. We wanted them delivered on Monday. Avenrose Florist said it didn't receive the faxed instructions until Sunday afternoon - and the instructions requested a morning delivery for that same day. After checking with Court Florist the flowers were eventually delivered on the Monday.
Rocket says
Each delivery has a 100 percent satisfaction, money-back guarantee.
We say
In our view Rocket Florist isn't fair on consumers or florists. Consumers are paying more than they need to and florists aren't provided with enough information to ensure consumers get what they want.
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