Topic
Time slots, van sheets, relay networks and the money in between. 2 articles.
Deliveries & wire ordersWire orders explained: how florist relay networks work
How sending and filling florists share a wire order, where network fees come from, how to spot order gatherers and how to protect your margin.
September 29, 2026 · 9 min read- Deliveries & wire orders
Florist delivery time slots: how to schedule them
Set slot capacity, delivery zones and fees so every bouquet leaves on time, even in Valentine's week. A practical guide for flower shops.
September 22, 2026 · 10 min read
FAQ
What is a wire order in the flower business?
A wire order is a flower order taken by one florist and passed to another florist near the recipient, who designs and delivers it. The name comes from the days when orders were sent by telegraph. Today they travel through relay networks, websites and phone calls. The customer usually never knows two shops were involved.
What is the difference between a sending florist and a filling florist?
The sending florist takes the customer's order and payment. The filling florist receives the order, makes the arrangement and delivers it in its own area. The money is divided between them, usually with the network taking its share in between. Most shops are both, depending on the order.
How many delivery time slots should a florist offer per day?
Most independent shops do well with three to five slots on a normal day. Fewer, wider windows are easier to keep than many narrow ones. Start with morning, midday and afternoon, then split a slot only when you can see it filling up regularly. Every extra slot is another promise your drivers have to keep.
Should I charge more for a specific delivery time?
Many florists do charge a premium for a timed or narrow window, and it is a reasonable practice. A narrow window costs you routing flexibility, so pricing it higher reflects a real cost. Keep the standard window free of surcharges so most customers choose it, and treat timed delivery as an add-on.