Need some advice for a prospective purchase...

[theloyalplum]

So my orchid bug is biting again, so I'll lay everything out here.

I'm looking to buy a few orchids on ebay from a reputable seller (won't name names). The three are:

Epidendrum centropetalum
Dendrobium tobaense
Encyclia cordigera var. rosea

When I inquired about combined purchases, the seller said to use the "request combined shipping" ebay function, but that would require me committing to buy it regardless of shipping charges.

Because of budget constraints (forgive me, I'm an economics major), I've been shopping around and I can make the same order at Hausermann's, prices a tad higher, stock probably from the same place, but I can reasonably determine shipping cost.

There's also the point that I'll be out for vacation for 2 weeks in July.

Big question (tl;dr):

Should I buy on ebay now or wait and make a purchase at Hausermann's? The ebay purchase would most likely be cheaper, but Hausermann's has a convenient time delay and greater variety.

HELP!

Thank you for listening!

[Fairorchids]

Most sellers show the fee for 2nd & 3rd plants, but I gather that this seller does not. Ask them to clarify (I have seen anywhere from $0 to $8 for the 2nd plant).

Most sellers will hold shipment for a week or two if you ask.

[Orchid Whisperer]

On EBay you should be able to ask the seller a question through messaging; in this case, ask what the shipping charges will be.

That said, if the price is nearly the same at Hausermans, and you can save the stress of worrying over the shipping, why wouldn't you order there? Customer service has a value too.

[theloyalplum]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

On EBay you should be able to ask the seller a question through messaging; in this case, ask what the shipping charges will be.

That said, if the price is nearly the same at Hausermans, and you can save the stress of worrying over the shipping, why wouldn't you order there? Customer service has a value too.

Thanks guys! I've sent a few regular messages over the past week, a few days in between and I haven't gotten a reply. In his/her description they say to use the request button that I explained earlier and it is without a second plant/third plant additional shipping clause. As for the prices, Hausermann's is definitely higher, but my budget and wallet are... how should I say it... very sensitive? I'm expecting the price differential to be at least $10-15 more than ebay, which may not sound like much, but it really does add up. It may be Finals anxiety manifesting itself as indecisiveness too... hehe...

[Leafmite]

Paying shipping costs is never fun.
I usually wait to order from online vendors until I have a decent list to make the shipping worth it.
I don't do Ebay but, over the years, I have done many Hausermann orders.

[theloyalplum]

@leafmite

I think that's what I'll do. I'll lump some other purchases *cough* a bellina *cough* into it all at once...

BUT HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE UNSATISFIED NEED TO BUY ORCHIDS. I CANNOT. MY FINGERS LINGER ON THAT BUY IT NOW BUTTON.

[Skycat]

Originally Posted by theloyalplum

BUT HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE UNSATISFIED NEED TO BUY ORCHIDS. I CANNOT. MY FINGERS LINGER ON THAT BUY IT NOW BUTTON.

All you can do is remind yourself that by the time you get more money, the orchids you want will still be available somewhere.

[tant385]

I always prefer to buy in person. I was so many times disappointed with ebay purchases. Of course, it was some exceptions.

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by theloyalplum

@leafmite

I think that's what I'll do. I'll lump some other purchases *cough* a bellina *cough* into it all at once...

BUT HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE UNSATISFIED NEED TO BUY ORCHIDS. I CANNOT. MY FINGERS LINGER ON THAT BUY IT NOW BUTTON.

Do you want the truth or some cute little tale about restraint?

---------- Post added at 11:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 AM ----------

Actually, what I do is I start making a list on my phone and when I feel I have gone through the entire vendor's list ten times (i.e. for Hausermann's: fragrant, mini, species, mounted) and have sworn to give up chocolate for a month (ha ha), I go ahead and order. It is usually within a day or two of my discovering the need for the orchid. With Hausermann's, I often then find something else I want after making the order so I end up calling them. Then I end up buying the chocolate. So, that is the truth.

[wintergirl]

I just ordered an orchid for my mother from Hausermann, as I have never bought from them before I'm hoping for a nice plant.