On 15/10/2013 16:07, sacha wrote:
On 2013-10-15 15:00:19 +0000, Jake said:
On Tue, 15 Oct 2013 11:29:37 +0100, Sacha
wrote:
We're looking for a reliable courier who would deliver plants within
the EU. Many refuse to handle plants because of all the risks involved
with damage or delay. If anyone happens to know of such a company I'd
be very glad to hear of it. will get
emails to me.
DHL quote 1-2 days for delivery within the EU. Their max parcel size
is 120x80x80cm. In the past they have handled plants (I can't speak
for today though and IME the plants were dormant) and you may need to
open an account with them rather than be a "casual customer". IIRC
their prices start at around £35 a parcel and may be calculated by
volume rather than by weight - a large light parcel may cost more than
a small heavy one.
I would worry a bit as international handling will probably be worse
than within-UK handling though. You may need stronger boxes!
Actually, I've had a really helpful email from an urgler which has
crystallised our thinking about this, if we're going to do it at all. We
would send out only 9cm pots in spring or autumn. This would mean more
plants and lighter parcels and also that plants wouldn't be travelling
in the hottest (we hope!) parts of the year. It has surprised us that we
get fairly frequent enquiries from abroad. I say 'surprised us' because
given the climate in e.g. Majorca and other much warmer places, it's
amazing that some of the things we grow aren't being supplied by
Nurseries in those countries. Some years ago, we even had a garden
designer from Madeira buying things here which were supposedly native
there but which he couldn't find there!
I've had a few deliveries by DPD in the last few months, very impressed,
first class tracking service and you can track your delivery right to
your door,
They give a local map showing where the van is and how many deliveries
before yours, estimated delivery time and so far they have bee right to
within 5 mins, twice early.
They seem to do a good European service and their price seems
competitive. Worth contacting them.
David