If you own a flower shop, then you know that packing and shipping flowers is crucial for your business. We're breaking down how to ship flowers the right way.

There are approximately 35,313 florists in the US right now! It makes you wonder how many of them find shipping flowers easy and how many struggle to no end with the process!

If you own a flower shop, then you know that packing and shipping flowers is crucial for your business. Whether you are shipping a beautiful bouquet to a customer or sending a floral arrangement to a loved one, you want your flowers to arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

However, shipping flowers can be tricky at times. That's why we're here to help! In this guide, we're breaking down how to ship flowers the right way, so you can ensure that your beautiful blooms arrive looking their best.

Let's jump right into this!

Packing and Shipping Flowers the Right Way

When flowers are packed and shipped improperly, they can be damaged or wilted by the time they arrive. This can lead to unhappy customers and lost business. Also, if you don't pack and ship your flowers correctly, they can cause damage to other shipments, and you may be held liable for any damage caused.

When you take the time to pack your flowers carefully, you can ensure that they arrive looking beautiful and fresh. This will help you build a positive reputation and attract more customers. Plus, you cover your back when it comes to any damage caused as a result of your shoddy and leaky packaging.

This is why proper packaging is so important when shipping your flowers! When you understand the different ways of packaging flowers, you might find the process becomes a lot easier and more fluid.

When it comes to shipping, it's crucial to understand the different types. The reason is that some are slower options than others. So if you get your shipping wrong, a customer's flowers might turn up as a smelly old mess!

Let's now take a look at different ways of packing flowers for flower delivery. Then we'll move on to the shipping methods you can choose from. 

Water Tubes

Water tubes are small plastic tubes filled with water. You can use them to keep individual flowers hydrated during transportation.

These tubes are great for shipping single stems or small arrangements. To use them, simply fill the tubes with water and attach them to the stems of your flowers.

Floral Foam

Floral foam is a specialized foam used for flower arranging. It can be used for packing flowers for shipment as it can keep flowers hydrated during transportation.

To use floral foam, soak it in water. Then insert the flower stems and place the foam in a sturdy box.

Plastic Sleeves and Bubble Wrap

Plastic sleeves are an inexpensive way to protect flowers during shipping. They are especially useful for protecting the delicate petals of flowers from damage. Simply place the flowers in a plastic sleeve and secure the ends with a rubber band or twist tie.

Bubble wrap is another inexpensive and effective way to protect flowers during shipping. Wrap individual flowers or entire arrangements in bubble wrap to prevent damage from bumps and jostles during transportation.

So now let's move on to different ways to ship flowers:

Overnight Shipping

Overnight shipping is a popular choice for those who want to send flowers across the country or even internationally. It is the quickest method of shipping and guarantees that your flowers will arrive in pristine condition, even if they have to travel a long distance. FedEx, for example, offers its version of overnight shipping called FedEx Express.

This method of shipping is particularly useful for time-sensitive occasions, such as weddings or funerals, where you want to ensure that the flowers arrive on time and in the best possible condition. Additionally, many flower delivery services offer a tracking system that allows you to monitor the delivery process and ensure that your flowers are delivered on time.

However, overnight shipping can be expensive, and the cost may vary depending on the distance, weight, and size of the package. Some flower delivery services may also charge extra for this shipping method. It is essential to compare prices and read the fine print before selecting this option.

Another drawback of overnight shipping is that it may not be available in some remote locations, so it's always best to check with the flower delivery service first. Nonetheless, if you're looking for the fastest and most reliable method of shipping flowers, then overnight shipping is the way to go.

Priority Mail

Priority mail is an excellent option for shipping flowers within the same state or region. This method is ideal for those who want a balance between fast delivery and affordability. This is an expedited shipping option that usually takes 1-3 business days to deliver the flowers.

Priority mail is a reliable and cost-effective shipping method that ensures the timely delivery of flowers to the recipient. One thing to keep in mind when shipping flowers with priority mail is that the flowers should be packaged carefully to prevent damage during transit. The flowers should be securely packed in a box with enough cushioning material to prevent them from moving around.

Additionally, it's essential to choose the right time of the week to ship flowers using priority mail. Flowers shipped on Fridays may not be delivered until Monday, which could be detrimental if the recipient was expecting them for a weekend event.

Ground Shipping

Ground shipping, as the name suggests, involves transporting flowers over land by trucks or other ground vehicles. While it may be the least expensive option for shipping flowers, it can take longer than other methods due to the time it takes for the flowers to travel by land.

One of the benefits of using ground shipping for flowers is that it is often the most reliable option for shipping within the same state or region. Since the flowers do not have to go through multiple modes of transportation, there is less risk of damage or delay.

However, it is important to note that ground shipping may not be the best option for all situations. For example, if the flowers need to be delivered quickly or over a long distance, air shipping may be a better choice. 

Learn How to Ship Flowers

Knowing how to ship flowers is often a vital part of a modern florist's skillset. Without the knowledge of how to pack them well and which shipping options to choose, you may come unstuck.

At The Florist Supply Shop, we can provide you with all the florist supplies you need to make your flower shop business a dream come true! Get in touch with us today to find out how we can ignite your business with elegant and professional floristry supplies.