orchids off of ebay?

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I know there are always some crazy people that are too picky or never get satisfied easily, but 100 is quite big number for me.
I only go for 100. 99.8 with some exceptions.

I have read on a few feedback's on orchids on ebay in general where the buyer got the plant - the plant shown, etc - and then was not satisfied with the condition of the roots when they went to re pot it.

I don't think I've ever asked (actually, I know I've never asked) an orchid nursery to un-pot a plant for me and show me the roots to confirm I'm happy with it before I buy it.

I've not bought orchids on ebay (YET) but my take is that shopping for plants there is like shopping for anything. Make sure you know EXACTLY what you are getting into as much as possible. And know that once in a while, high expectations may not be met.

There are two plants I'm looking for on there and if I find them and buy, I will post my own experience.

[escualida]

Originally Posted by Tim P.

i was looking at this one
1 Plant Orchid Dendrobium Jairak MIN Mangosteen | eBay

I don't know about viruses, but I think this is an OK seller. The price isn't that high either and it's free shipping, I say why not?

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by escualida

I've bought from this person before, yes she's in France but you don't have to worry about permits on your end, at least I didn't. I bought 2 tolumnias from her, one was in great condition and the other wasn't, I don't know if it was from shipping or what. But when I told her about it she immediately sent me another one. I don't know about viruses, but I think this is an OK seller. The price isn't that high either and it's free shipping, I say why not?

Thank you for sharing your experience.
She sounds like a nice seller then.
Plants are living things so unpleasant things can happen but the seller's response is excellent.

I hate it when the seller come up with some bs and excuses blah blah blah.

I too actually like that dark dendrobium. hmmmm

---------- Post added at 02:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:58 PM ----------

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

I have read on a few feedback's on orchids on ebay in general where the buyer got the plant - the plant shown, etc - and then was not satisfied with the condition of the roots when they went to re pot it.

I don't think I've ever asked (actually, I know I've never asked) an orchid nursery to un-pot a plant for me and show me the roots to confirm I'm happy with it before I buy it.

I've not bought orchids on ebay (YET) but my take is that shopping for plants there is like shopping for anything. Make sure you know EXACTLY what you are getting into as much as possible. And know that once in a while, high expectations may not be met.

There are two plants I'm looking for on there and if I find them and buy, I will post my own experience.

Oh, that sounds too much. I never ask sellers to unpot and send me pictures of the roots. I know roots are important and all, but still I think that is just too much.

I just look at the feedback, preferably 100%, and then pictures of the exact plant I am bidding for.
As long as I am happy with what I see and there is 100% feedback (with rare exceptions), I go for it.

I usually get budded cattleyas for instant gratification.
I have hard time reblooming most cats for some reasons so anytime I see nice budded catts, I buy them.

Yeah, post your experience. It will help many people here.

[SJF]

Originally Posted by barry593

Hi Tim,
I deal with a seller called peaandshel there. They are located in Hawaii and have a huge selection of orchids. The six I have purchased from them have all been in excellent condition, they ship fast and have a 99% rating across the board.

Barry

peaandshel is Carmela Orchids in Hawaii

[naoki]

They may ship orchids to you, and it probably won't be caught. But some people did get a "letter" and plants get confiscated. Generally, when they find the small scale smuggling, they seem to send you a warning letter for the first time (instead of arrest/raid etc). Adriana, if you are to LEGALLY import it to the US, you do need to worry about the free import permit. If I were you, I would be careful about it and try not to disclose it in a public forum. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but just a friendly reminder.

[The Orchid Boy]

In the little time that I've been growing orchids, I have yet to get one with pests or a diseased or virused one from ebay, the big box stores, or specialty nurseries. Sometimes the feedback ratings can be inaccurate. I look at them but don't rely on them. I always do want to see a very recent picture of the exact plant though.

[flexdc]

Also from my experience I tend to buy orchids even on eBay closer to home because they are more acclimated to my growing environment.
I live in LA and in my experience, orchids from HI or FL takes longer to adjust than a CA or even Pacific NW grower.
Andrew

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by SJF

peaandshel is Carmela Orchids in Hawaii

I like to look at many nice pictures they have, but haven't yet bought any.

[SJF]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I like to look at many nice pictures they have, but haven't yet bought any.

same here NY, I keep admiring them

[Franco24]

I'm an avid buyer and seller of orchids on eBay and as a matter of fact - a good 75% of my extensive collection of species have been acquired from someone or other through eBay.

General tips of advice:

- Always look for listings that include exact photos of the plant you're buying. This way you can expect exactly what you'll be receiving.

- Read feedback! As previously mentioned by others - I only buy from sellers with a 99.7% or higher rating, with few exceptions. Not only rating, but the number of transactions is also important - this way you are able to judge how experienced the seller is with what they're doing. Anything with 100+ transactions and a 99.7% or higher rating is usually golden.

- Lastly, read descriptions! Look for the key phrase of exact plant, but also terms like division, established, blooming sized, seedling, pot size, etc etc. If anything seems strange or suspicious - it's probably a good idea to avoid that listing.

Happy bidding!