Mother’s Day is on May 8 this year, and many shoppers are looking for the perfect gift for mom. Flowers, gift cards, and spa and beauty treatments are mainstay Mother’s Day treats, and while all three make excellent presents, shoppers should be aware of the associated risks to help ensure Mother’s Day goes off without a hitch.
“People celebrating Mother’s Day want to have a pleasant experience rather than disappointment at flowers or gifts that show up late or not at all,” said Claire Rosenzweig, Metro NY BBB President. “Shoppers should know their rights and check out gift providers before ordering.”
Inquiries and complaints about florists typically spike around holidays like Mother’s Day, and complaints about health, beauty and fitness were the third most complained about category with Metro NY BBB in 2015. Common complaints include missed floral deliveries, poor spa and beauty treatments, and gift cards that expire or can’t be used as the buyer intended.
Consumers should also be wary of Mother’s Day email scams and phishing schemes. Phony Mother’s Day e-cards may contain viruses, and you may see emails or posts promoting fake e-commerce websites. Don’t click on unsolicited links, even if the sender seems to be someone known to you. When in doubt, check the message with the sender before clicking on it, or go independently to a seller’s website to shop.
Here are three tips for three popular Mother’s Day gifts:
Flower delivery
- Know the track record before you order. Before ordering flowers – or purchasing any other gifts for Mother’s Day – visit the company’s BBB Business Review at newyork.bbb.org and check the record on its practices in the marketplace.
- Review the terms of sale and seller’s disclosures. Make sure you understand the florist’s terms, conditions and guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. Look for a seller that clearly discloses how to be in touch if you encounter any ordering or delivery problems.
- Make sure the business has your contact information. When it comes to flower delivery, there are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Making sure the florist has a call-back phone number or your cell phone to help them make sure your flowers get delivered.
Gift cards
- Check the packaging. When buying gift cards in a store, check the packaging and any security seals to be sure they are intact and haven’t been tampered with.
- See if the card has an expiration date. In some cases, the plastic card may expire before the redemption period. Are there fees to obtain a new card?
- Check the terms and conditions on a gift card. If gift card recipient want to shop online, make sure the card can be used that way and not just in a store. Also, look to see whether there are any fees or other limitations connected with using the card.
Spas and beauty treatments
- Check for licensing. Beauty treatment specialists and spas must be licensed by the New York Department of State. Before visiting a salon or spa, go to on.ny.gov/24vTjWO to check on whether a provider has the appropriate licensing.
- Consider the customer record of the spa. Check newyork.bbb.org to read customer complaints and customer reviews. When reading complaints, be sure to note if the spa or salon resolved the complaint, and if they answer their complaints.
- Know the risks of certain treatments. Certain treatments and procedures can be dangerous. Visit dos.ny.gov/licensing/pdfs/beauty_salon_guide.pdf to learn more about the risks associated with specific treatments.
To search for a business you can trust visit newyork.bbb.org, and to explore free consumer services from Your BBB visit BBBYou.org.
