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

This Mother’s Day, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers to be on the lookout for unscrupulous florists placing bogus listings online, and in local phone directories.

If a consumer mistakenly calls one of these companies they’re transferred to an out-of-area telemarketer who takes the consumer’s order and forwards it to a local florist, while keeping a cut of the sale for themselves.

In past years, consumers have told BBB that their flower arrangement was either never delivered, or the wrong arrangement was delivered. In some cases consumers say that their credit card was charged more than they authorized.

The best way for consumers to avoid floral scammers is to order directly from a local florist or nursery, this way consumers can ensure that they’re getting what they ordered.

“If you’re ordering locally you know you have some recourse if your order isn’t up to your standards,” said Tony Sarah, Manager of Magic Garden Nursery and Landscape.

Sarah said another option for consumers looking to do something special for Mother’s Day is to visit a local florist or nursery in person.

“When you come in you can pick out a live plant,” he said. “That way you know what you’re getting, and there won’t be any unpleasant surprises.”

Here are some additional tips from BBB:

• Ask family and friends for referrals to a florist or nursery they have used.
• Check to see if a florist is a BBB Accredited Businesses at www.tucson.bbb.org.
• If you find a florist or nursery from the phone book, look for a listing that includes a local address. When you call, ask for the directions to the store – if they hesitate or refuse, hang up.
• You can also ask for a guarantee. Most professional florists should have one.

For more tips, go to www.tucson.bbb.org or call (520)888-5353.