Flower delivery companies such as FTD and 1-800-Flowers transformed Valentine’s Day by making it possible to place an order for a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the comfort of your home. However, as Consumers Report points out, these two online flower delivery companies aren’t beloved by their customers – in fact, big brands like 1-800 Flowers tend to substitute flowers and deliver late, leading to mixed results and dismal satisfaction.
Fortunately, flower delivery startups are working to change the way you get beautiful bouquets to your loved ones. These innovative businesses each have their own unique approach to creating bouquets and delivering flowers.
Make a change this Valentine’s Day and order your flowers from one of the following blossoming startups.
1. BloomThat
BloomThat is a startup solving a big issue in flower delivery: if you want your recipient to get a bouquet that looks exactly like what you picked out online, BloomThat delivers on its promise. This floral startup guarantees there will be no substitutions, and they offer next-day delivery nationwide. Overwhelmingly positive consumer reviews makes it clear BloomThat lives up to its policy.
Order a Valentine’s Day bouquet online or on the go with BloomThat’s app or mobile-friendly website. Pricing and available flowers change daily, but the typical starting price is approximately $35.
2. The Bouqs
The Bouqs is perhaps the most well-known startup in the flower delivery industry. The California-based company started small in 2012, but they have since raised enough capital to become a serious competitor for 1-800-Flowers and FTD.
The Bouqs cuts out the middleman to lower expenses, and it’s clearly working. In fact, a comparison of Valentine’s Day options between The Bouqs and FTD shows a stunning difference in price: one dozen roses delivered with a vase will cost consumers $12 more from FTD. Even more appealing, The Bouqs uses farm fresh flowers sourced from sustainable, eco-friendly farms and creates a vast, diverse selection of flowers and bouquets styles.
3. Petal by Pedal
Petal by Pedal is currently only available in New York City, but the startup’s highly original concept is fast approaching new franchise openings in other markets. This startup has ditched delivery vans and outsourced delivery companies in favor of bicycles and walking. Petal by Pedal uses farm-fresh flowers with pricing that reflects the company’s unique approach; the typical starting price is $65 per bouquet.
Have your Valentine’s Day gift delivered by hand via a bicycle for an exceptionally unique gift. Local and in-season flowers will be dropped off at the address of your choice on the very same day.
4. BloomNation
Still want to order from local florists and select pre-crafted bouquets, but don’t want to deal with the big flower delivery names? Get exactly what you seek with better quality by ordering from BloomNation. The general idea behind this floral startup is that there’s nothing inherently wrong with the approach taken by the bigger companies – but they do need to make a few tweaks. BloomNation’s founders have done exactly this, and so far, they’re getting rave reviews from consumers.
BloomNation’s pricing and availability is based on your geographic location, but it’s often possible to get a bouquet starting at only $30. BloomNation avoids shipping flowers nationwide by working with local florists across the country, ensuring same- or next-day delivery from a flower shop right in your city. You can choose from any local flower shop’s own creative designs and have them delivered with ease on Valentine’s Day.
5. Urban Stems
Urban Stems is a combination of some of the most intriguing qualities of every other floral company on this list. The startup works directly with farmers to ensure that all available bouquets are farm-fresh. All bouqets are also designed in-house so customers get exactly what they see on the Urban Stems website.
Pricing fluctuates weekly to accommodate their frequent bouquet style changes and the most in-season florals. This doesn’t seem to be an issue with their customers, who have given the company positive reviews.
Make Valentine’s Day Better with an Improved Bouquet
No matter which florist you choose for Valentine’s Day, one thing is certain: it’s important to place your order as soon as possible so that your preferred bouquet style is still in stock. Many of these startups allow customers to place orders early, so you can choose the gift perfect for your loved one right now.
Need to wait until the holiday draws closer? Each of these startups offers different delivery options, and you can even opt for last-minute delivery if you happen to wait. No matter your gifting needs, these innovative and creative flower delivery startups are changing the way you send Valentine’s Day bouquets.
