How to choose a florist
Why the delivered arrangement differs from the photo, how substitution works, and what to do when flowers arrive damaged
Download this guide as a PDF — print it or take it to a quote appointment.
Flowers are bought at the worst possible moment - for a funeral, a birthday, an apology - which is exactly when people compare least and pay most. Knowing how substitution and delivery cut-offs work takes ten minutes and prevents the disappointment that matters most.
In West Coast
Distance makes delivery timing less predictable. Ask when the arrangement will actually leave the shop, not just when it will arrive.
What it should cost
Arrangements are usually priced in bands - $50, $80, $120 - and the band determines the quantity and quality of stems rather than a specific recipe. Delivery is charged separately, often by distance or postcode. Ask for the delivered price, because that is the number that matters.
Same-day delivery has a cut-off, typically early in the day, and often a different cut-off for same-day orders to rural areas. Island and remote deliveries should be treated as next-day or longer.
Seasonal and imported stems move the price substantially. If you want something specific out of season, ask what it will cost before ordering rather than after.
What the law requires
Fresh flowers are goods under the Australian Consumer Law and must be of acceptable quality. Flowers that arrive wilted, damaged or materially different from what was agreed are a problem the seller must remedy.
Where a florist substitutes stems, it should be a reasonable substitution of equal or greater value and the customer should be told. Substituting a cheap filler for a premium stem without saying so is a misrepresentation.
If the florist cannot deliver on the promised date, that is a failure to meet the agreed purpose and you are entitled to a remedy - but only if the promise was made, which is why it should be in writing.
What to ask
"What is the delivered price, including delivery?"
"What is the same-day cut-off, and does it change for the address I am sending to?"
"If you have to substitute, how do you decide what replaces what, and will you tell me?"
"Can I see a photo of what actually went out?"
"What do I do if they arrive damaged?"
"How long will they last if they are delivered today?"
Red flags
A website photo presented as an exact representation of what will be delivered.
Delivery timing promised vaguely rather than with a window.
Substitution without disclosure.
No answer about what happens if the flowers arrive damaged.
A price quoted for the arrangement with delivery added only at checkout.
What good looks like
The delivered price is stated up front.
The substitution policy is explained before you order, not after.
They offer to photograph the arrangement before it goes out.
The delivery window is specific.
They tell you honestly what is in season and what will disappoint.
Get in touch with florists in West Coast
Tell us what you are looking for and up to three local florists will get in touch. There is no cost to you and no obligation.
What to check before you rely on this
These are the facts that change, and that we flag rather than state as certain:
- Current typical price bands and delivery charges for Tasmanian florists.
- Current same-day cut-off times and whether they differ for rural postcodes.
- Whether florist bodies impose a substitution standard, and what it says.