Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and whether you are ordering flowers, shopping for custom jewelry, or arranging a special spa day, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona wants you to be a smart consumer.

According to a survey conducted on behalf of the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend an average of $168.94 on Mother’s Day gifts this year, up 11 percent from last year.  Nearly three in 10 Americans will buy their gifts online, up from 25.6 percent last year and the highest in the survey’s 10-year history. More than 36 percent will stick to traditional specialty stores including jewelers, florists and specialty clothing stores.

Last May, BBB received more than 580 complaints nationwide against local and online florists. Most complaints alleged non delivery and only partial refunds.

When finalizing your Mother’s Day gifts or shopping online, BBB recommends adhering to the following:

• Do your homework. Before making a dinner reservation, ordering flowers, jewelry or any other gifts for Mother’s Day, check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org. For a list of Accredited Businesses, visit checkbbb.org.
• Check out the business. Be sure to look for the BBB Accredited Business seal when shopping online. All online seals should directly link to the company’s BBB Business Review.
• Ask about guarantees. Request a written receipt for the order and ask about the business’s refund policy if the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition.
• Confirm shipping and delivery. If having a gift shipped or delivered, check with the retailer or on the website to be certain you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure the date is clearly specified and guaranteed.
• Pay with a credit card. It is best to use a credit card when shopping online, according to the Federal Trade Commission;a shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item.
• Make sure the business has your contact information.  There are times when delivery instructions or dinner reservations need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Make sure the company you are working with has a call-back phone number in case he or she needs to reach you.

Behind candy, flowers are the second most popular gift to give on Valentine’s Day. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 36.6 percent of consumers will give flowers to their loved ones on Thursday, with total spending expected to top $1.9 billion.

But, don’t let your significant other be disappointed with an unpleasant arrangement. Nationally, Better Business Bureau received thousands of complaints against florists in 2012. Most complaints allege the wrong flowers were delivered or the arrangements were not delivered at all.

If you’re planning to send flowers to that special someone this Valentine’s Day, BBB of Southern Arizona has the following advice:

• Place your order early. Valentine’s Day is an extremely busy time for florists. To ensure enough time for processing and shipping, place your order several days in advance.
• Ask about guarantees. Request a written receipt for the order and ask about the business’s refund policy in case the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition.
• Make sure the florist has your information. There are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Make sure the florist has your phone number should they need to reach you.

Do your research. Check out the florist’s BBB Business Review to see any history of complaints, and additional details about the company before you buy

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns that Cupid’s arrow may be aimed directly at consumers’ wallets. Those who find themselves awash in love’s emotion should remember that con artists thrive on the fact that emotion can trump logic.

There are three categories of scams that we all should be aware of at this romantic season as well as throughout the year.

Online Dating

Their photo may be attractive and their story may sound compelling but that person you met through an online dating site may turn out to be the very opposite of your soul mate. Photos, profiles and stories can be easily faked on dating sites. One common tactic is to claim to be a successful overseas businessperson with no family.

After what seems like sincere conversation in which many questions are asked of you, the scammer can skillfully employ psychology to say precisely what you want to hear.

Once the ice is broken and a comfort level has been reached on your part, the heart of the matter is arrived at: they need financial assistance. They may want you to cash a check for them or otherwise help them out of a financial difficulty. It could be travel expenses, medical expenses or some other type of debt. At any rate it is your money less than your heart that they are after. MoneyGram, one of the major global money transfer companies, has estimated that romance scams defraud victims of over $10,000 for each occurrence. For those so victimized, whatever the amount, a website called romancescams.org can be helpful.

Online Florists

When love is in bloom many rely on the traditional symbol of thoughtfulness, the bouquet, to convey their feelings for that special person. But be aware that online florists are not always reliable. If the flowers that are actually received by your loved one are inferior arrangements from those ordered, or even not delivered at all, it can be a wilting experience. (more…)