What FTD Is and How It Delivers Your Flowers

FTD is a network of independent florists across the United States and internationally that lets you order flowers from one location and have them delivered by a local florist in another. When you place an order through FTD's website or phone line, FTD routes your order to a member florist near the recipient's address. That local florist creates the arrangement and delivers it, usually within one business day.

FTD does not grow or store flowers itself. Instead, it operates as a middleman that connects customers to its network of thousands of florist shops. You pay FTD (plus a delivery fee), FTD takes a commission, and the local florist receives the remainder to create and deliver the arrangement. This model lets you send flowers to someone across the country without knowing a florist there.

Key Takeaways

  • FTD connects you to local florists nationwide, so you order once and a florist near the recipient handles delivery.
  • You pay FTD's price plus a delivery fee; the local florist receives a portion and creates the actual arrangement.
  • Delivery typically happens within one business day in most areas, though timing depends on when you order and the recipient's location.
  • You can track your order through FTD's website and receive confirmation when the florist delivers.
  • FTD membership florists vary in quality and design style, so the arrangement you receive may differ from the photo shown online.

How to Place an Order Through FTD

Start at FTD.com or call 1-800-788-9000. Enter the recipient's zip code or city and state. FTD will show you available arrangements at different price points, each with a photo. Select the one you want, then add the recipient's name, address, and phone number. You will also enter a card message and your own contact information.

At checkout, you will see the arrangement price, a delivery fee (typically $15 to $20, though it varies by location), and any service fees. FTD accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. After you complete payment, FTD sends the order to the local florist, who will contact the recipient or leave the flowers at the address you provided. You will receive an order confirmation email with a tracking number.

Delivery Timing and What to Expect

Most FTD orders deliver within one business day if you order before 2 p.m. in the recipient's time zone on a weekday. If you order on Friday afternoon or over the weekend, delivery usually happens Monday. Holiday periods and Valentine's Day may add delays because florists are overwhelmed with orders.

The local florist will attempt delivery at the address you provided. If no one is home, the florist may leave the flowers in a safe place, return later, or contact the recipient to reschedule. FTD's tracking system will show you when the florist has delivered. If delivery fails, contact FTD customer service with your order number, and they will work with the local florist to resolve it.

Why the Arrangement Might Look Different From the Photo

The photo you see online is a guide, not a may provide. Each local florist interprets the design based on what flowers are in stock that day. Seasonal availability, regional growing patterns, and the florist's own style all affect what you receive. A florist in one state may substitute a similar flower if their supplier did not have the exact variety shown in the picture.

If you receive an arrangement that looks significantly different or damaged, contact FTD within 24 hours with a photo. FTD can issue a refund or credit, or ask the florist to remake the arrangement. Keeping the original box and flowers until you contact FTD helps prove the condition in which they arrived.

Pricing and Fees You Will See

FTD's arrangement prices range widely depending on size and flower type. A basic bouquet might start around $40 to $50, while premium arrangements can exceed $100. On top of the arrangement price, you will pay a delivery fee (usually $15 to $20), a service fee (typically $2 to $3), and any applicable taxes. Some florists also charge a handling fee.

The total price you pay is higher than what the local florist receives. FTD keeps a portion as commission, which is how the network operates. If cost is a concern, you can search for florists in the recipient's area directly and order from them without using FTD, though you will need to find and contact them yourself.

Same-Day Delivery and Rush Orders

FTD offers same-day delivery in many areas if you order before a set cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. local time). The cutoff varies by location and florist availability. If you are ordering for a same-day delivery, place your order as early in the day as possible. FTD will show you whether same-day delivery is available for the zip code you enter.

If same-day delivery is not available, FTD will show you the earliest possible delivery date. You cannot rush an order beyond what the local florist can physically do, so planning ahead gives you more options and often lower prices.

Subscription and Recurring Orders

FTD offers a subscription service called FTD Flowers on Demand, which lets you set up recurring deliveries—for example, flowers every month for a year. You choose the arrangement, frequency, and delivery address when you sign up. FTD will charge your card on the schedule you select and send a fresh arrangement each time.

You can pause or cancel a subscription at any time through your FTD account online or by calling customer service. If you want to change the arrangement or delivery date for a specific month, log into your account and edit that order before the florist receives it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include a gift card or other items with my flower order?

FTD does not include non-floral items like gift cards, chocolates, or balloons in the base arrangement price. However, you can add these items to your order for an extra charge during checkout. The local florist will include them with the flowers when they deliver.

What if I need to change or cancel my order?

Contact FTD customer service as soon as possible with your order number. If the order has not yet been sent to the local florist, FTD can cancel it or make changes. Once the florist has received the order, changes become difficult. Cancellations made before the florist starts work may receive a refund minus a service fee.

Does FTD deliver on holidays like Christmas or Mother's Day?

FTD delivers on most holidays, but florists are extremely busy during peak seasons like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and Christmas. Orders placed weeks in advance have better availability. During these periods, delivery may take longer, and prices are typically higher. Check FTD's website for holiday cutoff dates.

How do I know if the florist actually delivered the flowers?

FTD's tracking system will update when the florist marks the order as delivered. You will receive an email notification. If you want confirmation before the delivery happens, you can call the recipient or ask FTD to have the florist call you upon delivery.

What if the recipient was not home when the florist tried to deliver?

The florist will attempt to leave the flowers in a safe location or may return later. If the recipient was not home and the flowers were not left, the florist will try again or contact the recipient to reschedule. Contact FTD if delivery fails after multiple attempts, and they will work with the florist to resolve it.