Sympathy Store FAQs

Here are a few answers to some of the most common questions we are asked. If you want to know something that hasn't been answered here, please contact our Sympathy Advisors 24/7 for live help.

Sympathy Flowers

1. Can you send flowers if there isn't a funeral service?
2. What does "in lieu of flowers" mean?
3. Will my flower order be shipped in a box?
4. What is the "Service Charge"?

Sympathy Gifts

1. How much longer do personalized items take to ship?
2. What if my recipient doesn't like the gift I sent?
3. What is your return policy?
4. Will my gift recipient see the pricing information for their gift?

Etiquette

1. What should be written in a sympathy or condolence letter?
2. What is appropriate to send for cremations?
3. How do I know what charity to donate to?
4. When it is considered too late to send an expression of sympathy?
5. What are other ways to pay tribute to the deceased?

Sympathy Flowers

Can you send flowers if there isn't a funeral service?

Yes, you can send floral arrangements to any memorial place where family and friends will gather for comfort and sharing.

What does "in lieu of flowers" mean?

It means "in place of" or "instead of" flowers. Sometimes, family and friends maybe asked to make a contribution to a specific charity instead of sending floral arrangements. Generally this information can be found in the obituary.

While charitable donations are important and wonderful gestures, they don't deliver the same immediate comforting and emotional benefits that flowers or other sympathy gifts do. Family notification of your memorial donation often takes weeks or even months, delaying the timely expression of your sympathies and support. Consider making a charitable donation and immediately sending beautiful flowers or a sympathy gift basket to the home of the family to offer comfort and your heartfelt sentiments.

Will my flower order be shipped in a box?

No. All flowers, sympathy plants and fruit baskets are hand delivered by a local florist. These items are available for same-day delivery if ordered on a weekday by 2pm or on Saturday by 12pm in the recipient’s time zone

What is the "Service Charge"?

Each of our arrangements are expertly designed by a local florist shop and hand delivered for a personal touch.

Sympathy Gifts

How much longer do personalized items take to ship?

For personalized items, please allow 2-3 days additional processing time.

What if my recipient doesn't like the gift I sent?

At The Sympathy Store, we stand behind our products, our service, and you, our valued customer. Our goal is to offer only the finest sympathy gifts available, gifts that will assist in the healing process and create lasting memories for years to come. Each item we offer must meet strict standards for workmanship and design. And before any item ships from our facility, it must pass a final inspection for quality and accuracy.

If, for any reason, you or your gift recipient is not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it in new condition, in its original packaging, for a prompt exchange, or refund.

What is your return policy?

All returns and exchanges must be made within 30 days of receipt and live items (such as plants and flowers) must be returned within 7 days; after these time periods, all sales are final.

Will my gift recipient see the pricing information for their gift?

No. When your gift is shipped we will hide all pricing information.

Etiquette

What should be written in a sympathy or condolence letter?

A condolence letter is a personal letter sent to a member of the bereaved family, or the entire family. It's intended to express your sincere sympathy on the loss of their family member and offer comfort. Sharing a special memory of the person who has passed is always a nice sentiment.

What is appropriate to send for cremations?

Cremations are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. Many cremation services begin with a standard funeral service or even a viewing in a chapel or church before the actual cremation. Sending traditional sympathy flowers like sprays, baskets or elegant vase arrangements is appropriate.

How do I know what charity to donate to?

If the bereaved prefers donations to a charity, the information can usually be found in the obituary or in literature at the funeral home. If not, you can ask a member of the family if there is an organization that was near and dear to the heart of the person who has passed, or choose one that you know they would appreciate. Most charities send written notification to the family letting them know the donation was made in the person's honor.

When it is considered too late to send an expression of sympathy?

It's never too late to send comfort. People are often inundated immediately after someone passes, but will appreciate ongoing comfort and support in the weeks and months following. Show you care by sending memorial jewelry, a gift basket, or a floral arrangement with a heartfelt message. Or write a card or letter expressing your deepest sympathies while they are grieving.

What are other ways to pay tribute to the deceased?

Think about the things that person loved to do – charities, sports, hobbies, spending time with pets, etc. We've heard of many wonderful ideas that pay tribute to someone, including:

• If they were an animal lover, donate to their local ASPCA, national animal rescue organization, or wildlife fund.
• Perhaps they loved to read, or had a passion for a subject or geographical region? Donate a related book in their memory at their local or your local library.
• Create a scholarship fund in their name at the university or college they attended.
• If you have lots of pictures you'd like to share, create a photo album as a gift to the family.
• Share your favorite memory about them on their memorial website.