Arlene's Flowers and Gifts — Local services in West Odessa

I ordered an "artisinal" pitcher vase that was turquoise and with an ornate white flower on the side. It was antique looking with a little handle with of course flowers in it. I phrase it in this manner because the flowers were secondary to the beautiful pitcher vase which was the selling point for me in choosing this product. $90 with delivery...perfect for my mother on Mothers Day. I had the arrangement delivered to her office the friday before Mothers Day so all her associates would see this awesome arrangement and be jealously looking on as her day was brightened.

Mid day Friday I receive a text from my Mom saying "look what my loving son sent me..." with a pic of her and the bouquet with a big smile. The flowers were gorgeous and looked like the pic on the website but they were in a traditional bubbly shaped, clear glass vase with a big purple bow. It looked lile someone had died, a funeral arrangement if you will. Are you kidding me!!!!

I called the shop and told them of the mishap. The lady apologized and then went on to say that they had ran out of the pitcher vase and that I had checked the box allowing them to exchange vases upon availability. I told her that I never checked any box and it must be checked by default. She then blaimed teleflora, which is the website/product provider I assume they choose to use, for the lack of product. I asked her then why there was no call or email to inform me that they did not have the product I ordered to no response except another apology and blaim game story. I then asked her why they chose the most basic vase that was no where near the style of the original? Again no reasoning in the response. She stated that they put more flowers in the bouquet which did not answer the question. So what now?????

I said that I felt deceived and if i wanted a boring vase, I would have spent 25 fewer dollars. I then asked her if there was any reconciliation or what we could do to fix things? SHE TOLD ME I COULD BRING THEM BACK!!! I about died....sure let me call my mother and tell her to return her Mothers Day flowers. I responded I would never ask my Mom to do that. After that there was a long awkward silence with no other solution(s) offered.

I said I guess there is nothing we can do? No discount? Coupon toward another bouquet? Anything?........

.........

......... nothing.

I guess they are OK with unsatisfied customers.

Spend your hard earned...

When I spoke with Kenny on the phone. He told me he was able to do the standing bouquet as requested. They were out of the small heart so we went with the Peaceful Peach, but I asked him to change the colors to red, yellow and blue. We also discussed having two banners for the family name. I was not able to attend my brother in law's funeral due to health reasons, so I wanted to send him a beautiful bouquet in a stand. I was so disappointed when my sister sent the picture. This bouquet is not worth $237. This bouquet is embarrassing! There is more greenery than flowers and looks nothing like the online picture. I understand I changed the colors but, please, they could have done a better job! Oh, and the three family names were all placed on one banner. You could not even see the first name on it! I should have gone with my usual choice, Mark Knox, but I had used Arlene's in the past and they did a great job. I come to find out they are under new management. I am NEVER using them again. There is not a remake in this .. it's not like I can reorder because it was a funeral. I am SO disappointed. Please don't waste your money in this company. Go somewhere else! My heart is broken! My sister whose name was on the banner was so disappointed as well! She's the one who sent me...

I have followed my florist to various flower shops, Her name is Desiree. She now works at arlenes. Anything I describe to her she executes perfectly and delivers beyond expectation. I have ordered here before and will continue to do so as long as Desiree continues to work there. I often order arrangements and it was always “hit or miss”. I am particular about what i want or what concept i am trying to achieve. Other flower shops seem to disregard a customer’s input, but not arlenes. Feels more personal and it feels like my florist actually cares about my occasion and puts pride into their work. As a fellow artisan, I really appreciate and admire that. As long as you have florists like Desiree I will continue to do business here. Thank you guys for all you have done and for all the beautiful arrangements you have...