What to do with Doritaenopsis with terminal spike

[Donald]

A refund seems in order

[Anthony]

Well, finally received an offer from them (after more than 2 weeks ...)

Dear Anthony,

In response to your provision of a photo of your plant we are pleased to offer you 2 options:

#1 You keep the plant and we offer you the difference between the price you paid for our 'A' quality plant and a 'B' quality plant (as you consider it).
#2 You return the plant back to us and upon receipt we will issue a full refund.

Note: We cannot offer you a replacement plant as we no longer have that variety in stock.
Both options above are subject to our standard terms and conditions of sale which can be found in full here:- Regal Orchids UK online shop Terms and Conditions

I think I'm going to choose the first option, the second one would cost me extra shipping so I'll probably end up with the same amount.

[jkofferdahl]

A "B" quality plant, such as a Phalaenopsis with a terminal spike, has a value of $0.00, so unless they intend to refund you the full price they are still, well, taking advantage of you.

[RosieC]

I think I would go for option 1 as well and then hope I got a keiki from it.

Well this has put me off buying from them, it's obvious they still don't see/understand the problem but are offering these options because you have been pushing about it (good for you).

I had looked at their website and I wonder how many of the 'chids listed as having two or three spikes actually have a terminal spike as the third spike.

Thanks for the update Anthony.

[RosieC]

I actually really liked the look of their orchids and I had considered buying from them but I won't now.

I do agree with John, they are still taking advantage of you because it will cost you to send it back, or if you keep it you won't get a full refund. But I would still go with option 1 and then never buy from them again.

[Anthony]

Last week I replied them asking how much I would get in return.

Today ... they send a reply

We would be willing to offer you a discount voucher of £4GBP which equates to the difference between a plant in flower and a plant that is not in flower. Since there is nothing wrong with the flowering plant that you bought and received without damage we cannot offer you more than this on this occasion.

regards,

RO Customer Services.

Huh? "nothing wrong"? The page on their website did not inform me about the fact I would receive a "normal" plant with a dead spike? (fyi: I paid 22,95 £)

The story continues ... (It's getting ridiculous ...)

[RosieC]

Well it's a shame because they have some nice looking orchids, but I won't be buying from them because I don't want this hassle. I hope you finally get a resoultion Anthony and keep us updated.

[playtime8978]

I have had trouble with this vendor also but they replaced the plant I bought, only for the second one to go to the big greenhouse in the sky about 4 weeks after purchase. Personally I will not be buying from this retailer again.

[quiltergal]

Anthony, send it back and ask for a full refund. I know it's a hassle, and will cost additional shipping but these guys need to figure it out. I would also include a definition of what a terminal spike is along with a picture. Do make sure they know they aren't dealing with a rookie, and that you won't accept a plant that is terminal.

[cirillonb]

I'm new enough that even though I have seen reference to a "terminal spike." I really don't know what that is, how to recognize it, and why it happens. With apologies for hijacking this thread, can someone enlighten me?
thanks
Nick