Winter Precautions to Ensure Quality Floral Delivery

The holiday warmth has ebbed to your average gray winter day except..is that a snowflake? Did you wake up and find your vehicle buried under a fresh chilly blanket of snow? Just as you're planning to take an extra few minutes to prepare for inclement weather we are here at the shop preparing not only our arrangements but our drivers as well for the chilly temps and not so kind road conditions. After contemplating the great Snowpocalypse of 2014 at the beginning of the year and bad weather in general I decided to ask Sarah Gillespie what precautionary measures Gillespie Florists takes to ensure deliveries arrive safely to our customers.

First off, let's start with our courageous drivers. Outfitted with a company phone with gps and mapping capabilities, the drivers wear touch touch gloves, for texting and/or calling during the route; special winter cleats for ice, snow, and other slippery situations; and are encouraged to dress in layers. Why layers? It may be cold outside but the vehicles are kept at a safe temp for the precious cargo in back. Some routes take longer than others therefore jackets, gloves, hats, are bound to be shed during the journey only to be thrown back on at moment's notice when it's time to hop back out into the winter elements once the driver arrives at the next stop.

As soon as drivers reach their destination they are on the lookout for hazards such as iced-over sidewalks and snow obstructed paths to the delivery entrance. After a full day of jumping in and out of their trusty vans, traversing rain, snow, sleet, and/or whatever the mother nature has thrown at them for the day; drivers are expected back at the shop by dark. We want to secure the safety of both the floral arrangements and our delivery staff.

Speaking of safety, the delivery vehicles also receive special attention! Each one is outfitted with ice scrapers, a set of 2x6 boards, salt, and kitty litter in case there is a sticky situation with snow. These vans also get VIP treatment with bi-weekly checks for wiper fluid and unlimited washes at Crew Car Wash.

doublewrapped The final piece to our precaution protocol is preparing our arrangements for delivery! Before the driver leaves the shop all the arrangements and bouquets must be suited up for their journey. We generally wrap flowers in cellophane before delivery however when temperatures drop, we start adding layers to protect our beautfiully designed pieces. If the temps are 20 and below, flowers will be double wrapped: a layer of tissue, then covered with cellophane. If temperatures are below zero, these double wrapped pieces will be covered with a blanket when they are being delivered to their final destination.

snow-1 Gadgets, gizmos for shoes, vehicles chock full of supplies, layers upon layers of clothing, wrapping...sounds like a lot of extra work, doesn't it? It's worth it! Come snow, sleet, hail, or more, rest assured we'll be taking extra care to ensure the safety of these gorgeous pieces when they arrive at your door!