We live in a world filled with online delivery websites and smartphone apps to have everything from meals and groceries to even prescription medicines delivered straight to your door at the touch of a button. So, you’d be forgiven for thinking that finding fresh flowers online would be easy.
In many ways it is! That is if you know how to find legitimate sellers and choose the right florist. And we’re here to help you do just that!
The advantages of online flower delivery
1. Convenience
As with all online delivery, buying fresh flowers online saves you the time and energy normally required to visit the florist and pick them up yourself.
2. Choice
Instead of having to settle for whatever flowers are in stock, buying flowers online allows you to pick from a wide range of species and have the florist source them from their suppliers for you.
3. Price
Even with delivery fees, the price of ordering flowers online in Australia can be truly affordable. Especially considering the savings in time and effort.
4. Transport
Delivered flowers are transported in specially adapted vehicles that ensure the flora is kept fresh, beautiful and healthy during transit.
5. Deliver elsewhere
If you’re ordering flowers as a gift for someone, delivery services allow you to have the flowers sent straight there without you having to drop them off yourself.
Drawbacks of ordering flowers online
1. No bargains
Flowers, unlike many other products, don’t sit on the florist’s shelves for weeks.
With in-store purchasing, you can luck out by getting great bargains on perishing goods.
2. Generic service
While some people might like the generic service involved in hitting a button and having goods delivered to your door, if you like the personalised touch and service of a friendly florist, flower delivery online might not be for you.
3. Timing
Some flower delivery orders online have to be submitted before a certain time to be eligible for same- or next-day delivery. Others only deliver within certain windows. If the timing is a problem for you, you may need to look at alternatives to online flower delivery.
What to consider when buying plants and flowers online
Unfortunately, as with many industries, online customers can find themselves purchasing flowers online from illegitimate or unreliable sellers. Sometimes the delivery doesn’t take place at all, while at other times the flowers arrive withered or on the verge of death. There are some online florists that have incurred a reputation for botched bouquets, late deliveries or incorrect orders.
Here are a few tips and things to consider when buying flowers online to help you sort the legit sellers from the dodgy and make your entire experience better.
Check the customer reviews
Social proof is critical. Have a read of past customer reviews and testimonials whether on Google or social media. Look past personal gripes and see if they are reflective of the type of service and quality of the fresh flowers.
Read the return policies
Legitimate and customer-centric florists will often offer return policies if your delivered flowers are not what was expected or ordered. Make sure to check the terms and conditions before ordering fresh flowers online.
Read the descriptions
Often people are short of time, hence why they opt for flower delivery online. Nevertheless, if you’ve never used the seller before, take the time to read the descriptions and/or labels on the flowers you are ordering. Missing, generic, copied and pasted, or inaccurate descriptions can be a tell-tale sign of something weird going on.
Check the delivery information
If you’re ordering flowers online then delivery is probably very important for you. Instead of going through the motions of getting your order sorted only to find that the delivery options aren’t suitable to your needs or aren’t available full stop, check their offerings first. For example, some florists take online orders but only offer pick-up services.
Look out for stock images of flowers
Not every online flower seller that uses stock images is dodgy, but you can be more certain that the florist with their own original images is the real deal. If there are original photos of bouquets and flower arrangements put together by the florist, that’s a good sign.
Opt for local florists
Apart from the support you’re providing a local business, choosing a locally owned and/or managed florist can help you enjoy peace of mind that you’re getting what you paid for. It’s also easier to build up a relationship with them, even online, as they will start to remember you and provide personal and personable service.
Remember you get what you pay for
Price is always a pain point for customers and there’s nothing to say that you shouldn’t go for the best deal available. Unfortunately, fresh flower sellers online who are spruiking unbelievably low prices (delivery included) might just be too good to be true. This isn’t necessarily the case, but just be weary to do your good diligence and that, most likely, you get what you paid for.
When in doubt, choose the popular flowers
Not everyone is a florist or even flower enthusiast. If you choose to go the online flower delivery option–which is fine–chances are you won’t have the ability to discuss different flowers and options with an expert. You can read every description and research the different types, but at the end of the day how do you know? When in doubt, consider one of the following popular and classic flower types:
- Rose
- Gerbera
- Tulip
- Lily
- Calla lily
- Orchid
What is the best site to order flowers?
Of course, we’d recommend Zone Fresh! Why? We’re a local Windsor florist with a reputation for putting together elegant and colourful flower arrangements.
Even our orders for fresh flowers online are handpicked by our florists in our store and transported carefully to your door.
With an unrivalled range of plants and flowers and an uncompromising dedication to beautiful flowers and customer service, we’re here to bring a smile to your–or your loved one’s–day! Find out more here or order your fresh flowers today.
