I had previously seen the Gulfport Florist shop, which is near our new home. No-no, don’t worry, we still have the boat. It is a locally owned and operated business, which I prefer to do business with. We try to avoid sterile retail chain stores whenever possible. I located their website and found the Fields of Europe arrangement. It was exactly what I was looking for so I placed an order. I wasn’t sure if the order went through as the website was acting strangely and locking up.

I had placed the order with the florist, for delivery on Valentine’s Day. The next day a gentleman called me on the contact number I had listed on the web order. As I am presently somewhere on the opposite side of the planet from Florida, the phone connection was terrible. I was not sure if he correctly confirmed the order or not.

Saturday afternoon, the day before Valentine’s Day I was contacted via phone from a delivery person. She told me nobody was home and asked what to do with the flowers. I explained that the flowers were supposed to be delivered on Valentine’s Day. Once again, the phone connection was terrible; I think she finally understood me, maybe not.

Although beautiful, they were not what was ordered.

Well, Valentine’s Day had arrived and so had the flowers. My wife sent me a picture of them, but was somewhat quizzical as these were nothing like I would normally order. They also had a balloon, which we don’t particularly care for. The arrangement, although well put together, were atypical of our tastes. I sent her the picture of what I had ordered, and the arrangements were completely different.

I notified the florist of the errors via the website. The gentleman I spoke with was very helpful, friendly, and I hope forgiving, as the phone connection was sporadic. I hope he does not think I hung up on him as the connection had been unexpectedly terminated.

There were a combination of issues with this order, as sometimes is the case when placing an internet order from far off places. I have experienced these difficulties previously, so nothing new so far. All too often business don’t seem to care because in a few minutes someone else will walk through the door and buy something.

The difference this time is that my issues were dealt with professionally.

My wife finally received the order as placed a day later, and the arrangement was outstanding. The florist had also placed a nice gift with the flowers.

Now this is what I ordered!

In today’s complacent business atmosphere, I have to say that it is extremely refreshing to find a business that takes pride in maintaining professional customer service. Errors sometimes happen, this is life after all… it’s how the problems are dealt with that makes the difference.

I don’t believe I need to look any further for a florist. If you’re in the area, they come highly recommended!

Thanks, we will be conducting business for years to come.

And on a side note: The sailing blog stories have been a little thin lately.

My apologies.

I’m off gallivanting around the world on business and I hope to be home shortly. We shall cut some dock lines and set sail. Adventures are forthcoming! Oh yeah, I also became a member of the Boca Ciega Yacht Club. I’ve got to find me one of them Thurston Howell III outfits… And Sheree some Mary Ann shorts~

Gulfport Florist

www.gulfportflowershop.com

1410 58th Street North

Gulfport, FL 33707

(727) 328-1917