How to choose a flower delivery service: a checklist

Ordering flowers online is easy, but the result depends on who you trust with the order. A bouquet can arrive fresh and exactly as pictured — or smaller and plainer. Here is a checklist for vetting a flower delivery service before you pay.

Popular for delivery in Kyiv: 101 roses and flowers in a box.

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What to look for

• Catalogue. Real photos of their bouquets, not stock images; the stems, number of flowers and size are listed.
• Price. The total is clear before payment: bouquet, delivery, card and wrapping.
• Delivery. You can choose a time window, give the recipient’s phone number and order anonymous or surprise delivery.
• Photo before dispatch. Many services send a photo of the finished bouquet — handy when you are giving from afar.
• Contact. A phone line, messengers and a real person to answer questions.
• Reviews. Check independent reviews and ratings, not just those on the shop’s own site.

Ordering without mistakes

• Double-check the address, entrance, floor and recipient’s phone.
• Choose a time window with some slack — especially on holidays.
• Write the card message in advance and sign it unless the delivery is anonymous.
• Say whether individual flowers can be swapped for similar ones if a variety is unavailable.

Bouquet, box or basket

If the recipient may be out or may not have a vase, a flower box is more convenient. Full comparison: Bouquet, box or basket.

View full-size photoA florist takes a photo of the finished bouquet before dispatching it to the customer.

Ordering for holidays

For Valentine’s Day and 8 March, order 5–7 days or more in advance. Lead times: When to order holiday flowers.

A little history

The idea of delivering flowers through a network of florists is over a century old — read the history of flower delivery.

FAQ

Can I order a surprise delivery?

Yes, most services deliver without warning the recipient, though the courier may sometimes need to call to check they are home.

What if the bouquet does not match the order?

Contact the service straight away and send a photo: reliable services replace the bouquet or refund you.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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