What 1800Flowers.com is billing as "shipping" for florist delivered items is actually a service charge they keep. Today (11-23-07) their web site shows that service charge at $13.99. According to their contract with florists, the price a consumer pays for a florist-delivered arrangement includes s $7.99 delivery fee. It should be pointed out that this figure is under what most florist charge for delivery in greater Boston. In fact 1800flowers pay the florist less then $7.99 because they subtract a percent out as a commission on the order. That means, for a $49.99 arrangement, $7.99 goes toward delivery, and $42 is for the flowers. Not figuring in the decrease due to commission given back to 800 flowers. As a result of this practice many florists hear consumers complain that “My arrangement was smaller then I expected.”  
     Your local florist does have your best interest in mind and that is why over a 100 of us have sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asking them to stop the unethical advertising by 800 flowers. The complaint can be viewed at Florists Urge FTC to Investigate 1800Flowers.com "Free Shipping". 1-800-Flowers.com is not the only online order broker to try the free delivery deception. Further information and reading can be done at the Florist Detective