Shipping (by box):
Box shipping rates are calculated through our shipping platform and are based on size, weight, and delivery location for packages, plus the costs of boxes and/or other packaging materials. When you submit a draft order, we will calculate the shipping cost for your order and add it to your invoice. All invoices (products and shipping costs) are due prior to shipping. Box shipping is typically most economical for orders with less than 15 crates of bulbs.
In 2024, FedEx Ground was our standard carrier, offering the lower rate (by quite a bit) for packages and delivery times typically within a few days of pick-up from our warehouse for most kinds of orders. Some smaller and lighter weight packages have been shipping by UPS.
We make special accommodations for our Alaskan customers and utilize flat rate shipping boxes through USPS when possible or specialty Alaskan carrier services.
*Shipping rates vary from year to you and across a season. Boxes cost more to ship during peak shipping times from Nov. 20-Jan 1 and during the coldest weeks of the year or periods of time affected by storms or natural disasters.
Once packages are taken by the carriers, there is no guarantee that they can be protected from extreme elements like heat or freezing. Packages are transported in the back of box trucks without climate control. They are housed indoors overnight.
The greatest risk to bulbs, however, is what happens to them upon delivery. Customers should be prepared to receive their flower bulbs. Flower bulbs should not be left outdoors in the elements where they can be damaged by heat or freezing.
We cannot take responsibility for bulbs damaged in transport due to a carrier’s negligence or customer neglect. If packages are lost by a carrier, we will do our best to recover or replace them and seek reimbursement of funds.
Shipping (by freight):
Freight shipping rates are calculated through a bidding process with our trusted carriers. Freight shipments are typically more economical for orders of 15 or more crates of bulbs. When you submit a large order that qualifies for freight shipment, we will calculate the shipping cost and it to your invoice. If you are pre-ordering bulbs, we may not be able to share an accurate shipping cost until a few weeks or a month before your shipment departs.
Once palletized freight orders are taken by the carriers, there is no guarantee that they can be protected from extreme elements like heat or freezing. Orders are transported in enclosed tractor-trailers.
The greatest risk to bulbs, however, is what happens to them upon delivery. Customers should be prepared to receive their flower bulbs. Flower bulbs should not be left outdoors in the elements where they can be damaged by heat or freezing.
We cannot take responsibility for bulbs damaged in transport due to a carrier’s negligence or customer neglect.
Pick Up Orders:
Customers are welcome to pick up orders with their own enclosed vehicle* from our warehouse:
Ampersand Bulb Co.
11 Mc Crea St.
Au Sable Forks, NY 12912
Please contact us by email to inform us of your preferred pick up day and time once you know your bulbs have arrived. We are available Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.