The first and most important concept involving tipping for delivery of flowers is to recognize that a tip is in order. You may hear some people say that the delivery person is just doing their job. They are being paid, and there is no need for a tip. However, it should not be a question of whether or not you should tip. The issue is the amount and the manner in which the tip is given and received.
There is also the question as to who should tip. The person who is paying for the flowers can leave a tip as part of the purchase price which may include a delivery fee. Remember that the fee is to reimburse the business for the expense in delivery. It does not necessarily go to the actual delivery person. The other side of the coin is the person receiving the delivery which may well be a gift and a surprise. Should you pay for a gift?
There are several points to consider in answering these questions. This post will seek to provide guidance that will clarify the outstanding considerations. It will hopefully answer questions and make tipping for flowers an easy issue to confront. It should also result in the best flower delivery possible.
Here is a suggestion of a list that prepares the recipient for the next flower delivery:
- Keep cash on hand
- Different denominations
- Have an idea about what you need to tip
- Be ready – keep the cash near the door
- Show gratitude
Likewise, here are considerations for the person sending the flowers:
- How difficult will the delivery be?
- Are you asking for special consideration?
- How important is a good and pleasant delivery?
Type Of Delivery
It should go without saying that the amount of the tip depends upon the items delivered. A simple flower that can be easily handled is one thing. A large plant or even two plants is another. The delivery might take two trips from the vehicle. Flowers cannot be handled in the same way as boxes. You cannot just drop off flowers on the front porch.
Another factor is the difficulty of the delivery. Are there steps involved? Is there an easy place to park? How long is the trip from the vehicle to the home or business? Is the delivery on the first floor or a higher level? The answers to all these types of questions factor into the amount of the tip.
The person ordering the flowers should know the answers to the above questions. If the responses indicate a difficult delivery then a higher tip is in order. If you plan on ordering flowers from this florist again, they will remember a problem delivery. An appropriate tip will go a long way towards making that memory a good one. It is always good to be considered a good customer in any business setting.
For the recipient who lives on the second floor with no elevator, a tip will go a long way. The delivery person will remember the tip and may well tell other people about your generosity. It never hurts to leave a good impression.
Time Is Of The Essence
If you are a last-minute shopper or are asking for any special consideration about the timing of the delivery, a larger tip would be a good idea. Asking that the delivery takes place within the next hour, or saying that it must be delivered between two set times that are close together, is putting a extra burden on the florist and the delivery person. Again it is nice to be considerate and imagine what it would be like to be on the other side of the transaction.
Relationship With Florist
As previously mentioned, it is good to be on the right side of the florist. If you have had previous dealings you want to keep the relationship good. There can be great benefits from using the same florist over and over. You want the best flower delivery. Leaving a good tip will help when you need a big favor from the florist in the future.