If you study hidden fees and price distortions for a living, Valentine's Day is your Super Bowl. Can you name another industry where the true price of an item is routinely more than double the advertised price? Yet that's precisely what you'll encounter this week, when you realize that Valentine's Day is Sunday and you'd better get your order in fast.
In fact, really fast. Before we get to the nitty-gritty of the free market mess that is Valentine’s flower shopping, let me tell you procrastinating lovers out there this important news: Because Valentine's falls at the end of weekend this year, price distortions are even worse than usual. To get a good deal, you're going to have to accept shipment on this Thursday , Feb. 11, a full three days early. Most sites are applying weekend shipping rates to Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So as we click through the thorny world of flower shopping online, know that you should really place your order immediately to avoid paying a serious procrastinator's premium.
Note EU-Digest: Or don't purchase those Valentine flowers, which really only last for a few days anyway. Instead give that money to a worthy cause and tell your loved ones you did it in her or his name.
For more: Online flower prices still grow and grow... - The Red Tape Chronicles - msnbc.com
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