Valentine flowers damaged or delivered late – Your right to a refund explained
WHEN it comes to Valentine's Day, the gift of choice for many is a beautiful bouquet with fantastic floral offerings.
But what happens when the flowers that you purchased arrives damaged or is not delivered to your home on time? Here's everything you need to know.
What happens if my Valentine's flowers arrive damaged?
According to consumer group Which? If your flowers are delivered damaged or in poor condition, you should be able to receive a full or partial refund.
When the flowers you purchased arrive wilting or come along browning petals or leaves, you should be entitled to a refund.
It is like that because When flowers are ordered online, customers enter into a contract with the retailer.
Below the Consumer rights Act (2015), the retailer is responsible for the condition of the flowers until you receive them.
If your flowers arrive damaged the retailer is in breach of contract and you should receive a full refund.
It is important to note that even if the problem is with the courier company who delivered your flowers, you should file a complaint with the retailer.
Top tips for getting back damaged flowers
HERE you can read what to do if your flowers are delivered in poor condition, according to consumer group Which?
- Take a photo as proof of poor condition or damage to your flowers. This supports your complaint.
- If a loved one or friend has sent you flowers that arrived in poor condition or late, make sure you tell them.
- Otherwise, the retailer may say they don't have access to the order information and can't solve the problem.
- If you order a certain number of flowers, but fewer than this number are delivered to you, you are entitled to a partial refund for the missing flowers.
To start the process, you will need to take a photo of your flowers to support your complaint. This applies to both the sender and the recipient.
Then give the florist with as much information as possible about your order, including any order numbers and the delivery address.
What happens if flowers are missing from my Valentine's bouquet?
In addition to eligible refunds for damaged products, shoppers are also entitled to a partial refund if their product is damaged Valentine's Day bouquets arrive with missing flowers.
For example, if you order 20 roses and only receive 15, you will need to request a refund for the missing five flowers.
If the flowers arrive at the right time, there will probably be no delivery costs involved.
Again, you will need to contact the florist directly and provide photographic evidence to support your claim.
What happens if my Valentine flowers arrive late?
This means that the delivery person is not liable for late delivery.
Under the Consumer Rights Act, a retailer has a maximum of 30 days from placing an order to deliver the goods, unless a different delivery time has been agreed.
This applies if you have paid for ''estimated delivery''.
However, If you have paid for a specific date, it is up to the retailer to guarantee that your order arrives on time.
For example, if you paid for next day delivery or guaranteed delivery on Valentine's Day, the retailer must follow through on this portion of the sale.
If this is not the case and your flowers do not arrive on the delivery date you paid for, you are entitled to a full refund.
You must complain to the florist providing as much evidence as possible, including order numbers and delivery addresses.
The Consumer Rights Act also states that a retailer must refund you within 30 days of you rejecting goods that are defective, not fit for purpose or not as described.
The retailer may also offer to send a replacement product instead of offering a refund.
More about Valentine's Day
VALENTINE'S DAY falls on February 14 every year and gives you the perfect opportunity to shower someone special with love. If you're celebrating a romantic occasion, check out our loving explainers for all the Valentine's Day information you need to know.