ProFlowers is a national flower delivery service, not a local florist

ProFlowers is an online flower retailer that takes orders through its website and mobile app, then arranges delivery through a network of local florists across the United States. You do not order from a florist directly — you order from ProFlowers, and they coordinate the actual arrangement and delivery with a partner florist in the recipient's area. This matters because the price you see online, the arrangement design, and the delivery timeline all depend on ProFlowers' system, not on a single local shop.

ProFlowers operates year-round and handles standard occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy) as well as seasonal demand (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day). They also sell plants, gift baskets, and chocolates alongside flowers. Orders placed before a certain cutoff time (usually early afternoon, depending on your zip code) can arrive the same day or next day in many areas, though delivery speed and availability vary by location.

The company is owned by 1-800-Flowers, Inc., a publicly traded corporation that also operates FTD and other flower delivery brands. Understanding this structure helps explain why ProFlowers' pricing, policies, and partner florist network work the way they do.

Key Takeaways

  • ProFlowers charges a delivery fee (typically $15 to $20) on top of the arrangement price, and this fee does not go to the local florist.
  • The arrangement you see pictured online may not match exactly what arrives, because local florists have some flexibility to substitute flowers based on what is in stock.
  • Same-day delivery is available in many areas if you order before the cutoff time, but availability depends on your zip code and the recipient's location.
  • You can track your order online and receive a photo confirmation from the florist after delivery, though the photo quality and timing vary.
  • ProFlowers' return and refund policy covers arrangements that arrive damaged or significantly different from what was ordered, but you must report issues within a specific timeframe.

How pricing works and what you actually pay

ProFlowers displays an arrangement price on the website — for example, $49.99 for a bouquet. That price covers the flowers and the florist's labor to create the arrangement. When you check out, ProFlowers adds a delivery fee (usually $15 to $20, though it varies by location), a service fee (typically 10 to 15 percent of the arrangement price), and sometimes a small processing fee. The total at checkout is often 40 to 60 percent higher than the initial price you saw.

The arrangement price itself is set by ProFlowers, not by the local florist. The florist receives a portion of that price — typically 50 to 70 percent — and keeps the rest as their commission for fulfilling the order. The delivery fee goes to ProFlowers, not to the florist. This is why ordering directly from a local florist is often cheaper: you avoid the delivery fee and service fees, and the florist keeps the full amount you pay.

ProFlowers frequently offers discount codes (often 20 to 30 percent off the arrangement price) that you can find through email, their website, or third-party coupon sites. These discounts explore to the arrangement price only, not to delivery or service fees. Seasonal occasions like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day have higher base prices and fewer discounts available.

Delivery timing and same-day options

ProFlowers advertises same-day delivery in many areas, but the actual cutoff time depends on your zip code and the recipient's location. If you order before the cutoff (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time to the recipient), your flowers may arrive the same day. If you order after the cutoff, delivery is typically the next day. On weekends and holidays, cutoff times may be earlier, and same-day delivery may not be available at all.

When you enter the recipient's zip code during checkout, ProFlowers shows you the available delivery dates and times. You can usually choose a specific date and a time window (morning, afternoon, or evening), though the exact window depends on the florist's schedule. The florist will attempt delivery during that window, but cannot always may provide a precise time.

If you need flowers for a specific time (a proposal, a hospital visit, an event), order at least one day in advance and choose a morning or early afternoon window. Same-day orders carry more risk of delays because the florist has less time to source flowers and create the arrangement.

What happens when the arrangement arrives

The local florist in the recipient's area creates the arrangement from ProFlowers' design specifications and delivers it themselves or through a delivery service. After delivery, the florist typically takes a photo of the finished arrangement and uploads it to ProFlowers' system. You receive a notification (usually by email) that the order has been delivered, and you can view the photo in your ProFlowers account.

The photo serves as proof of delivery and shows what the recipient actually received. This is important because the arrangement may not match the picture on ProFlowers' website exactly. Florists are allowed to substitute flowers of similar color and style if their preferred flowers are out of stock. For example, if the arrangement calls for red roses and the florist has only red carnations available, they may substitute without asking permission first.

If the arrangement arrives damaged, significantly different from what was pictured, or does not arrive at all, you have a window (usually 24 to 48 hours after delivery) to report the issue to ProFlowers. You will need the delivery photo and a description of the problem. ProFlowers can then issue a refund or send a replacement arrangement through the same florist.

Substitutions and what to expect versus what you get

ProFlowers' website shows arrangement designs with specific flowers listed — for example, "red roses, white lilies, and eucalyptus." The local florist is instructed to match this design as closely as possible, but they are not required to use the exact same flowers if those flowers are unavailable. Substitutions are most common during high-demand periods (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) when certain flowers are scarce or expensive.

The florist will substitute flowers of similar color, size, and style. A substitution might be red carnations instead of red roses, or white alstroemeria instead of white lilies. The overall look and feel of the arrangement should remain similar, but it will not be identical to the picture. If you have strong preferences (no carnations, must include roses, specific colors only), you can add a note during checkout, but the florist is not obligated to honor it if the flowers are not available.

Seasonal arrangements and holiday-specific designs are more likely to arrive as pictured because ProFlowers plans inventory around those occasions. Year-round arrangements are more likely to include substitutions because florist inventory changes constantly.

Refunds and what to do if something goes wrong

ProFlowers offers refunds if an arrangement arrives damaged, does not arrive at all, or is significantly different from what was ordered. To request a refund, you must contact ProFlowers customer service within 24 to 48 hours of delivery (the exact window is in their terms). You will need to provide the delivery photo (which ProFlowers has on file) and describe the problem.

If ProFlowers approves your refund request, you have two options: a refund to your original payment method, or a replacement arrangement sent through the same florist. Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days. Replacement arrangements are usually sent within 1 to 2 business days if the florist has availability.

ProFlowers does not refund delivery fees or service fees if you change your mind after placing an order, even if you cancel before the florist creates the arrangement. If you cancel within a few hours of ordering (before the florist has started work), ProFlowers may refund the arrangement price only. Check your order confirmation email for the exact cancellation policy for your order.

How ProFlowers compares to ordering from a local florist directly

Ordering from ProFlowers is more expensive than ordering from a local florist because you pay delivery and service fees that you would not pay if you walked into a shop or called directly. A $50 arrangement from ProFlowers costs $80 to $95 after fees; the same arrangement from a local florist might cost $50 to $60 with local delivery included.

ProFlowers offers convenience: you can order from your phone at any time, see delivery confirmation photos, and track your order online. A local florist may require a phone call, may not have a website, and may not send photos. ProFlowers also has a national network, so you can send flowers to someone across the country without researching florists in that area.

Local florists often have fresher flowers (they source daily, not through a national supply chain), more flexibility to customize arrangements, and the ability to discuss your needs directly with the person creating the bouquet. They also keep the full price you pay, so they have more incentive to make the arrangement beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send flowers to arrive on a specific date if I order now?

Yes. During checkout, you choose the delivery date from the available options. ProFlowers shows you which dates are available based on the recipient's zip code. If you need flowers for a date more than a few weeks away, you can usually schedule delivery that far in advance, though prices may be higher for peak occasions like Valentine's Day.

What if the flowers arrive wilted or damaged?

Contact ProFlowers within 24 to 48 hours of delivery with a photo of the damaged arrangement. ProFlowers will review the delivery photo the florist took and your report. If they agree the arrangement was damaged, you can receive a refund or a replacement sent by the same florist. Refunds process in 5 to 10 business days.

Can I add a personal message or special instructions?

Yes. During checkout, you can add a card message (usually up to 150 characters) that the florist will include with the arrangement. You can also add special instructions in a notes field — for example, "recipient is allergic to lilies" or "please use only white flowers." The florist will see these notes, but they are not obligated to follow instructions that conflict with the arrangement design or their available inventory.

Is there a charge if I want to cancel my order?

If you cancel within a few hours of ordering (before the florist has started creating the arrangement), ProFlowers may refund the arrangement price. Delivery and service fees are usually not refunded. If you cancel after the florist has begun work, you may not receive any refund. Check your order confirmation email for the cancellation policy specific to your order.

Do I have to use ProFlowers, or can I order from a local florist instead?

You can order from either. A local florist is usually cheaper and allows you to discuss your preferences directly with the person creating the arrangement. ProFlowers is more convenient if you do not know a florist in the recipient's area or prefer to order online. Both options deliver flowers; the choice depends on your priorities and budget.