Introduction
Delivery is one of the most commonly undercharged services in wedding floristry. Many florists include "free delivery" thinking it helps them win jobs — but every free delivery eats directly into profit.
This guide shows you how to price delivery fees fairly and profitably.
Delivery Cost Components
1. Vehicle Costs
| Expense | Annual Cost | Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Van payment/lease | $4,000 - $8,000 | — |
| Insurance | $1,200 - $2,400 | — |
| Gas | — | $0.15 - $0.25 |
| Maintenance | $500 - $1,500 | $0.05 - $0.10 |
| Total per mile | $0.50 - $0.75 |
The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.70/mile — a useful benchmark.
2. Driver Time
Round-trip drive time plus loading and unloading:
| Distance | Drive Time | Load/Unload | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-15 miles | 30-45 min | 30 min | 1-1.25 hrs |
| 15-30 miles | 45-75 min | 30 min | 1.25-1.75 hrs |
| 30-50 miles | 75-120 min | 30 min | 1.75-2.5 hrs |
| 50+ miles | 120+ min | 30 min | 2.5+ hrs |
3. Setup Time
Setup is separate from delivery — it is skilled labor:
- Drop-off only (no setup): 15-30 minutes
- Basic setup (place centerpieces): 30-60 minutes
- Full setup (arch, installations, styling): 1-3+ hours
Delivery Fee Structures
Option 1: Flat Fee by Zone
| Zone | Distance | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0-15 miles | $75 - $125 |
| Zone 2 | 15-30 miles | $125 - $200 |
| Zone 3 | 30-50 miles | $200 - $350 |
| Zone 4 | 50+ miles | Custom quote |
Option 2: Per-Mile Rate
Charge a base fee plus per-mile rate:
- Base fee: $50 (covers loading time)
- Per-mile rate: $2-3/mile (round trip)
- Example: 25-mile venue = $50 + (50 miles × $2.50) = $175
Option 3: Percentage of Order
Some florists charge delivery as a percentage:
- Small orders (under $1,000): 15-20% delivery fee
- Medium orders ($1,000-$3,000): 10-15% delivery fee
- Large orders ($3,000+): 8-12% delivery fee
Option 4: Setup Fee (Separate from Delivery)
Bill delivery and setup as separate line items:
- Delivery: Based on distance
- Setup: Based on complexity ($50-150/hour)
- Breakdown/Strike: Based on timing ($75-200)
Multiple Location Pricing
Many weddings involve 2-3 locations (getting-ready suite, ceremony, reception). Charge for each stop:
- First location: Full delivery fee
- Additional locations: 50-75% of base fee per stop
How to Present Delivery Fees
- Never say "free delivery" — It devalues your service
- List delivery as a line item — Transparency builds trust
- Bundle setup with delivery — "Delivery, Setup & Styling: $250" sounds professional
- Offer delivery tiers — Drop-off only vs. full setup at different prices
Conclusion
Delivery is a real cost — gas, time, vehicle wear, and the risk of transporting delicate arrangements. Price it honestly and present it as the professional service it is. Your time behind the wheel is just as valuable as your time behind the design bench.
Related: How to Price Wedding Flowers | How to Calculate Florist Labor Costs | Wedding Florist Software
