1) Why do silk flowers “cost so much”?
“Silk Flowers”  is a misnomer (a phrase that isn’t quite true but is continually in use these days). Years ago, most false flower arrangements were in fact made from silk. In recent times, the actual cost of materials has placed ‘true silks’ out of the reach of the average consumer. Silk arrangements -can- be produced – at a price far above what the average consumer can afford – as a consequence – “Silk” has been replaced industry-wide, with a composite material that is petroleum (oil product) based. Many of the other products used in creating my arrangements are also petroleum-based, such as fills and certain types of the acrylic faux water used in the base designs, as are many of the jeweled decorative beads and shapes used in the vase presentation. Many of the materials used in packaging and shipping are petroleum-based. As the price of oil rises, so do all products that have an oil base. No one ever explains these things – someone just did. Petroleum prices as we all know, dramatically effect the price of shipping goods – both to product maker and to you, the consumer.

So: What do -I- do to help offset those petroleum-based price factors?
I use the finest mid-range materials available – and from the same sources that the major retail craft stores use. Since I buy direct from the importers, I keep your costs down. An example of yet another way I can keep your costs down: In the “Original Irish and Composite Rose” sets, I use recycled Cincinnati Glass ™ bud vases obtained at a cost 90% under new vase prices. That works for you, the consumer and helps the environment as well.  Each vase is carefully selected for it’s own unique charm, beauty and grace.

2) Why should I buy your ’silk’ floral arrangements”?
Well, they’re just as beautiful as real flowers. Consider: You may purchase a fresh rose floral arrangement for about thirty to forty dollars for special occasions (or no reason at all!). The gift, while beautiful, will be gone in a few days – no matter how much care it is given. –  But: purchase a beautiful silk rose arrangement from me at around seventy to one hundred dollars or so; which is just if not more beautiful as the real flowers  – And with basic care, my arrangement will last for generations to come.  Sounds like a reasonable and financially prudent deal to me. . .

3) I like to shop on line – but how do I know I’ll get what actually I’m selecting?
My web site has a couple of neat features: one feature shows the general category of arrangements, such as rose styles, seasonal selections and so forth; in other words, the examples of the artistic arrangement work I do. Another feature lists the -exact- products that I currently have available. So: when you choose a set in the “available” area and put it in your shopping cart – THAT is the set you’ll receive; once you buy it, that set becomes listed as ’sold’ – I usually maintain an adequate inventory of the most popular selections, so if one you had your eye on is sold, a set very similar to it will quickly take it’s place as available for purchase.

4) What if I don’t like it when it arrives?
If for any reason you do not like the floral arrangement, I offer a very reasonable return policy. Please read it on the return policy details page.

5) Why is shipping and handling so expensive?
Again, I suppose that’s relative. We’ve seen dramatic increases in ALL areas of shipping, be it US Mail, the Fed Ex, UPS lot, and so forth – again based mostly on fuel costs. We’re all paying for it. My standard shipping is via USPS (the most economically way) yet I offer next day air and a number of other shipping options.

The arrangements are delicate and fragile and require care in packaging to ensure that no damage occurs in shipping. I use several different methods of packing, but generally each set is triple-wrapped in tissue material  to protect the product; placed in shock-absorbing fill inside a reinforced box. I photograph each set in it’s packing process to ensure that when it leaves my hands it is secure and intact. Buyer’s insurance is required and is the buyer’s responsibility. (The USPS offers free insurance up to $100.00 in value).

The most critical issue in shipping is of course, weight. While the bouquets themselves are very light, the base/vases of almost all the sets contain an acrylic fill which can add weight to the set. Most total shipping weights for the Irish Rose sets are around 3-5 pounds; predicated on the packing method

I will provide estimated shipping/handling costs based on product weight, size, packing and shipping method and zip code upon request.

6) What type of payments do you accept?

Check out the payment page on the lower toolbar – it’s all there. Essentially: I accept most major credit cards but Pay Pal ™ is preferred. I will accept money orders and personal checks; however some restrictions apply.

Have other questions? Just email me at rich@richsilkflorals.com