And you thought it was just picking the first florist you found online and figuring out which flower arrangement or gift basket to buy…
Buying flowers online requires a certain skill. You want to buy the best possible gift for your recipient, comprised of the freshest flowers to be delivered on time (without getting ripped off, of course). But with all of the Toronto florists vying for your attention, you’ve got to shop smart!
Here are 5 tips on how to get the most bang out of your flower or gift basket buying buck.
1. Pictures of flower arrangements and gift baskets you see online are usually what will be delivered to your recipient. However, keep in mind that factors such as season and stock may result in slight alterations to your order. Obviously, a reputable florist will always give you substitutions that are of the same value. 
2. If you know exactly what you want, it’s better to call the florist and tell them directly, rather than choosing one of their arrangements online. On some shopping carts, like the one provided at 416-Florist.com, there’s a field where you can add special instructions so you don’t have to call, and this is a great place to tell us what you want so your recipient isn’t disappointed. If the price must be adjusted to accommodate your changes, you will be notified shortly after you place your order online (or at the same time if placing it over the phone).
3. Sometimes, you may not be sure about what you want to buy, which is what’s so great about online flower shops – you can browse the offerings at your own pace before deciding. You can also email or phone the flower shop’s 
experienced staff, who can help you decide on the perfect flower arrangement for your recipient. Simply let them know your budget so they can work within it.
4. Call your local Toronto florist and ask them if they have any specials. Occasionally, they’ll be overstocked with one type of flower that they need to move, but haven’t advertised online.
5. Basket flower arrangements are pretty, but vases tend to preserve the longevity of flowers a little more since they have a good supply of fresh water, often enriched with plant food.
