Why You Should Avoid Order Gatherers When Buying Flowers

In the age of online convenience, ordering flowers should be simple, reliable, and beautiful. However, many unsuspecting customers fall victim to order gatherers—middlemen that harm both the floral industry and the people hoping to send a heartfelt gift. Here’s why avoiding order gatherers is the best choice for you and your local florists.

What Are Order Gatherers?

Order gatherers are third-party websites that pose as local florists but have no real shop, designers, or inventory of their own. They take orders online or over the phone, charge hefty service fees, and then pass the order to a real florist—often for much less than what the customer originally paid. This practice leads to disappointment for customers and damages the floral industry.

Why Are They Harmful to You?

1. Higher Costs, Lower Value
Order gatherers tack on extra fees and commissions, meaning you pay more for a smaller, lower-quality arrangement than you would if you ordered directly from a real florist.

2. Misleading Photos & Descriptions
Many of these websites showcase beautiful stock photos of arrangements that may not reflect what’s actually delivered. Since they cut costs by offering florists a fraction of the paid price, the final bouquet often doesn’t match expectations.

3. No Local Expertise or Personal Touch
A true local florist knows what’s fresh and in-season, curating designs that reflect local charm and quality. Order gatherers, on the other hand, treat flowers as just another transaction, lacking the passion and expertise a dedicated florist provides.

4. Customer Service Headaches
If something goes wrong with your order, getting it fixed can be a nightmare. Order gatherers operate as middlemen, meaning any issues require navigating through frustrating customer service layers instead of getting direct help from the florist creating your bouquet.

How Do They Hurt Local Florists?

1. Unfair Pricing Pressure
Florists receive orders at reduced rates, forcing them to create arrangements below cost or decline the order altogether, leaving customers disappointed.

2. Loss of Customer Trust
When an order gatherer misrepresents an arrangement, it’s the real florist who takes the blame. This damages the reputation of hardworking floral businesses and erodes trust in the industry.

3. Local Businesses Struggle to Survive
Order gatherers siphon money away from community florists. Supporting real, local florists keeps your dollars in your community, helping small businesses thrive and ensuring the freshest, most beautiful flowers.

How to Spot and Avoid Order Gatherers

• Look for a real local address and phone number. Google the business name to confirm it’s an actual florist in your area. Truck Full of Posies is based in a private design studio, so you will not find a local address on Google; but, you will find a local phone number that will connect you with a, "Hi, this is Hailey".
• Check reviews and social media. Local florists showcase their own work and have authentic customer reviews.
• Order directly from a florist’s website. Avoid generic sites that list multiple locations or lack real florist names.
• Call the florist directly. If you’re unsure, a quick call to confirm they are local and handle their own orders can save you money and frustration.

Support Local—Order Direct!

When you order from a real florist like Truck Full of Posies, you receive a handcrafted arrangement made with love and care. You’ll get what you paid for, support your community, and experience the true artistry of fresh flowers.

Next time you need flowers, think local. Skip the middleman and go straight to the source for the best blooms and service!