Review: PetFlow

An emerging leader in the pet e-commerce market, PetFlow.com ships more than 1,000,000 pounds of pet food to its customers every month. Founded in 2009 by Joe Speiser and Alex Ahardanovsky, Petflow.com is already one of the fastest-growing online retailers in the U.S.

Part of PetFlow.com’s mission is to offer the healthiest pet food brands at great prices, and what’s better is that all of the edible products available on their site are made in the U.S. The site’s prices are very competitive, with the cost of pet food, toys, and other pet accessories running well below the typical MSRP. PetFlow.com also includes a current “specials” page, where sale items are posted and updated frequently.

PetFlow.com ships all of its products via FedEx, and according to the company website, shipments typically arrive on the customer’s doorstep in two days.

A company feature that sets PetFlow.com apart is its “Spoiled Rotten” box subscription program. For $24.95 per month, pet parents can choose to receive a new box full of treats, toys and more shipped right to their door. Shipping is always free for “Spoiled Rotten” boxes.

PetFlow.com is a company with a charitable heart. In February 2013, PetFlow.com entered into an exclusive partnership with the Pet Food Stamps program, a New York-based organization that provides pet food assistance to qualified low-income pet owners.

“We have always tried to find ways to save money for our customers but also provide aid to animals in need whenever possible,” Zhardanovsky told SFGate.com in February 2013. “After seeing the generosity of our customers during hurricane Sandy, when customers placed thousands of orders to be sent to shelters in affected areas, we have been searching for a way to make an even bigger impact,” he said referring to his company’s relationship with the Pet Food Stamps program.

Customer reviews seem to run the gamut — while some satisfied customers praise PetFlow.com’s prices, high quality food options, and customer service department, others complain about faulty packaging, late shipments, and receiving food so close to its expiration date it was unusable.

PROS: “Spoiled Rotten” subscription program, healthy food options, good prices.

CONS: Customer reviews are quite polarized — some people seem to love the products and service, while others suggest serious problems with their PetFlow experience.

Ratings (each out of a possible 5):

Shipping options/pricing: 4

Selection/variety: 3.5

Charitable giving: 4.5

Product prices: 4

Customer comments/reviews: 3

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5

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