Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, anniversary or another important life event, flowers make a wonderful gift for any occasion. But what if you don’t have the time or inclination to visit a local florist and pick out a bouquet? Online flower delivery services make it easy to pick out a beautiful arrangement and have it shipped right to your loved one’s door.
Use these four tips to choose the right delivery service.
1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Ordering flowers for a birthday or a special occasion? Don’t wait until the last minute. Many online florists do offer next-day delivery, but you may have to pay an exorbitant fee, or you may be very limited in your selection.
In some cases, delivery may not be available last-minute, which means that you’ll be out of luck.
Try placing your order a week or two in advance. This way, you’ll be able to choose from all flowers in the florist’s inventory, and you can take your time when making your selection.
2. Make Special Plans for International Delivery
If you plan to send flowers to someone in a different country, make sure that you understand how the delivery works and any fees involved. You’ll also want to make sure that you place your order well in advance of the occasion.
Depending on the location, it may take several days to deliver your flowers. It will take significantly longer to send a white and red rose bouquet to Asia from the U.S., for example.
Make sure that the flowers you want will be available in the recipient’s location, and that delivery is even available in that area. You may need to make special arrangements or work with a local company to get the flowers delivered to your friend or loved one.
3. Read Reviews
There are many flower delivery companies out there. Some are local, while others are national or even international. While most offer great service and quality flowers, there are horror stories of people receiving dead flowers or having their deliveries delayed by several days.
If you want to avoid this nightmare scenario, take the time to read some reviews on the company before placing your order. Keep in mind that mistakes and accidents do happen, but if you choose a company that’s well-rated, you’re more likely to have a positive experience. And if something does go wrong, you can be sure that the problem will be resolved.
4. Be Aware of Hidden Fees
Finally, you want to read the fine print and check the FAQs or terms of service to make sure that there are no hidden fees. Some companies will charge additional fees for using a credit card or for quick delivery. In some cases, shipping costs can be almost as much as the flowers, so make sure that you understand all costs before moving forward with your order.
