Smart Shopping: Flowers for Valentine's

WSVN -- Flowers might be number one on your shopping list as Valentine's Day is just days away.

Sader Ahmad: "I want to buy flowers, and I want to make my own basket, like the way I like."

Making your own gift basket for your sweet heart may help you save big bucks, but if you're crunching time, ordering an arrangement is the way to go.

Mary Lee Benzing, Dolly's Florist: "We have stuffed animals. We have chocolates. We have all kinds of things, so whatever their budget is, we try and work with them."

Local flower shops like Dolly's and Greynold's Florist are dropping prices.

David Trocin, Greynold's Florist: "We are keeping our prices down, making less profit, so people can buy their loved one a gift for Valentine's Day."

And they will even toss in freebies to customers who order early.

Mary Lee Benzing: "If they order early enough, and we can maybe give them a free stuffed animal."

David Trocin: "We do offer a free balloon and no delivery charge."

Luminita: "I always ask for a freebie."

Another money-saving tip, mix and match your flower choices.

Mary Lee Benzing: "The main thing is to be flexible to us. Do you know instead of a pink rose, let us fill it with a two-tone rose or do mix roses."

For really big savings, show your love early, having flowers delivered a day or two before Valentine's means extra discounts.

David Trocin: "Because it is a Saturday this year, a lot of people do deliver on the 13th, which we do offer a break because of that."

Smart shoppers also know it's a good idea to actually go to the florist. By shopping at the store, instead of over the phone or on the web, you can take advantage of in-store specials.

David Trocin: "Cash and carry pick-up is a savings tip because you don't have to pay for a delivery charge, and we can work with you on the price when you walk through the door."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dolly's Florist
14700 NW 7th Ave.
Miami, FL 33168
305-769-3843
954-981-4600
www.dollysflorist.com

Greynold's Florist
408 NE 125th St.
North Miami, FL 33161
800-487-4256
www.greynoldsflorist.com