You forgot the date. It happens.
One minute it’s Tuesday, and the next you realize it’s your anniversary, Mother’s Day, or your best friend’s birthday. The panic sets in. You need a gift, you need it fast, and you don’t want to pay premium bespoke florist prices.
Enter eFlorist.
If you have Googled “cheap flower delivery UK” or “same day flowers,” you have seen their ads. They are one of the giants of the online floral game, competing directly with Interflora and Moonpig. They promise fresh blooms, often for under £30, delivered in the blink of an eye.
But can you trust a bouquet that costs less than a round of drinks? Do the flowers actually look like the pictures?
As a long-time observer of the gifting economy, I’ve broken down exactly how eFlorist operates, where the value lies, and the specific traps you need to avoid to ensure your gesture of love doesn’t turn into a customer service headache.
How eFlorist Actually Works (The “Relay” vs. “Courier” Model)
To understand eFlorist, you have to understand that they operate two very different services under one website. Confusing them is the number one reason for negative reviews.
1. The Local Florist Network (Hand-Delivered)
eFlorist connects to a network of local high street florists. When you select a “Hand Delivered” bouquet, eFlorist takes your money, keeps a cut, and passes the order to a shop near your recipient.
- The Pro: The flowers arrive arranged, often in water, and look professional.
- The Con: You are at the mercy of that specific local florist’s stock. If they don’t have pink lilies, they might swap them for white ones. This is known as the “florist’s choice” substitution policy.
2. The Courier Service (Boxed)
These flowers come from a central warehouse. They are packed flat in a cardboard box, usually in a dry or semi-hydrated state.
- The Pro: It is significantly cheaper. This is where you find the bargain deals.
- The Con: The recipient has to do the work. They need to trim the stems, arrange them, and wait 24 hours for the thirsty flowers to perk up.
Expert Tip: Always check the delivery method icon on the product page. If it says “By Courier,” warn the recipient to cut the stems immediately upon arrival.
The Appeal: Why Use eFlorist?
Despite the logistical nuances, there are three massive reasons why this brand dominates the market.
1. The “Under £30” Sweet Spot
Most luxury florists won’t get out of bed for less than £50. eFlorist maintains a dedicated section for budget-friendly bouquets.
- What you get: Carnations, chrysanthemums, and alstroemeria. These are hardy, long-lasting stems. You won’t get huge hydrangeas for this price, but you get color and volume.
2. The Free Chocolate Hook
This is their signature move. A significant percentage of their bouquets include a free box of chocolates.
- Why it matters: It upgrades the gift. A small bunch of flowers feels like a gesture; flowers plus chocolates feels like a “present.” Look for the “Free Chocs” sash on the product images.
3. Same-Day Salvation
If you order before 3:00 PM (usually Monday to Saturday), they can get flowers to the door that evening. This relies on their local florist network, so availability depends on where the recipient lives. If they live in a remote village in the Highlands, same-day might not be possible.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Speed: Genuine same-day delivery options are a lifesaver for forgetful gifters. | Service Fees: The advertised price is rarely the final price. Expect a “service charge” added at checkout. |
| Price: One of the most affordable national networks in the UK. | Inconsistency: Because local florists vary, the bouquet your mum gets in Leeds might look different to the one sent to London. |
| 7-Day Freshness Guarantee: They promise flowers will last a week. If not, they usually replace them (with photo proof). | Boxed Presentation: Courier flowers can look underwhelming and “flat” when first pulled out of the box. |
Strategic Shopping: How to Save Money
You should never pay full price at eFlorist. The site is designed around discounts. Here is how to navigate the pricing.
1. The Discount Code Ecosystem
eFlorist works extensively with voucher sites and corporate benefit schemes.
- The Baseline: You can almost always find a 10% or 15% code.
- The Deep Cuts: During “quiet” months (like October or January), discounts can hit 25%.
- How to apply: The promo box is usually on the payment page, hidden slightly. Don’t click “Pay” until you’ve found it.
2. Newsletter Sign-ups
If it’s your first time, a pop-up will likely offer you a discount for your email address. Take it. You can unsubscribe later, but that 10% covers the shipping cost.
3. Avoid the “Upgrades”
Once you pick a bouquet, eFlorist will try to upsell you. They will offer a “Medium” or “Large” size (more stems), a glass vase, a teddy bear, or a balloon.
- The Trap: The “Standard” size is usually sufficient. The “Large” upgrade often adds greenery rather than premium blooms. Unless you are trying to apologize for something major, stick to the standard size and buy the vase elsewhere—eFlorist vases are functional but basic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring the “Cut-Off” Time
14:59 is not 15:00. The automated systems are ruthless. If you miss the same-day cut-off by a minute, your order pushes to the next day.
2. Forgetting the Hospital Rules
If you are sending to a hospital ward, call the hospital first. Many UK wards (especially ICU, burns units, and some maternity wards) have banned fresh flowers due to pollen allergies and infection control. eFlorist cannot override hospital policy.
3. Not Checking the “Vase Included” Fine Print
Photos almost always show flowers in a vase. Unless the description explicitly says “+ Vase,” it is coming as a hand-tied bunch. If sending to a student or a bachelor, assume they do not own a vase and add one to the order, or choose a “hatbox” arrangement which comes in its own container.
Final Verdict
eFlorist is not the place to go if you want a bespoke, artistic installation that looks like a wedding centerpiece. If you want that, go to a boutique florist and pay £80+.
However, eFlorist is the king of the “I was thinking of you” gesture. It is fast, efficient, and fits into a normal monthly budget.
For the price of a takeout meal, you can put a smile on someone’s face from 200 miles away. As long as you understand the difference between their courier and florist services, and you keep an eye out for those discount codes, it is a reliable tool in your gifting arsenal.
Next Steps: If you are ordering for a major holiday (Valentine’s or Mother’s Day), order at least 5 days in advance. Prices often surge, and delivery slots vanish 48 hours before the big day.