How long does royal mail hold flowers
Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has specific guidelines for handling and storing perishable items like flowers. Here's what you need to know:
Standard Delivery:
- Royal Mail aims to deliver flowers within 1-3 working days for standard delivery services (First Class and Second Class).
- If the flowers are not delivered within this timeframe, they may be held at a local sorting office or delivery depot for up to 3-5 working days.
Special Delivery:
- For Special Delivery items, Royal Mail guarantees delivery by 1 pm the next working day.
- If the flowers are not delivered within this timeframe, they may be held at a local sorting office or delivery depot for up to 1-2 working days.
Storage Conditions:
- Royal Mail stores perishable items like flowers in a controlled environment, typically at a temperature between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
- Flowers are usually stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Handling and Care:
- Royal Mail handlers are trained to handle flowers with care, but accidents can still happen.
- If your flowers arrive damaged or wilted, you should report the issue to Royal Mail and request a replacement or refund.
Tips for Sending Flowers:
- To minimize the risk of damage or delay, consider using Royal Mail's Special Delivery service, which provides tracking and signature upon delivery.
- Choose a reputable florist or online flower retailer that uses high-quality packaging and follows Royal Mail's guidelines for sending perishable items.
- Consider adding a note to the package with special instructions, such as "Fragile" or "Perishable," to alert handlers to handle the flowers with extra care.
Remember that Royal Mail's handling and storage procedures are designed to minimize the risk of damage or delay, but it's still important to take extra precautions when sending flowers to ensure they arrive fresh and in good condition.