Should I be mad?

[Paul Mc]

So, I've ordered from this vendor many times through the past few years and have never been disappointed. However, I got a Phal. mariae yesterday that had leaves ripped off and in the box, mechanical damage to the leaves, shipped with moist medium(ok, maybe they did that due to the heat), and the many leaves are withered. In addition, it was supposed to be blooming size, I think not but I may be wrong. Also, they had shoved another one in the pot, I took it as them saying "Yeah, we know we sent you carp, but at least we sent you two pieces of carp!"

Then, I was told on another forum that the mariae species is extremely rare and the leaves look like bastianii! I already have that one, and guess who it came from?! Yup, the same distributor!!!

I'm feeling more and more like I was taken, but this is the first bad experience I've really had with them so I'm very confused!

I emailed them and am awaiting a response. I also sent them this pic.


Sorry for my rant... Do you think I'm over reacting on this?

[Paul Mc]

And just as an FYI, I won't give their name, especially since I've had such good dealings in the past.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

No, you're not overreacting, I would be very upset too if I felt ripped off.

Don't down play this. Speak out and be heard, we have the right to.

[quiltergal]

Paul I fear that mariae is extremely hard to get in the states. They have probably sent you bastianii, and hopefully not at a mariae price.

That said even if it is a bastianii it is in deplorable condition & I would advise the vendor you are returning it immediately.

[Paul Mc]

Thank you both. Gratefully, it was not a mariae price, but I wouldn't have paid the minimal (relatively speaking) cost if they had been forthright about exactly what species it was.

As a side note, is it possible that they didn't know either?

[zxyqu]

Depending on the seller, yes, it's completely reasonable. But for more experienced vendors who generally want to see the parents, or an example bloom, as proof of a cross (especially species), I dont think it's as excusable. Though I'm sure even some expierenced vendors make mistakes, or aren't as familiar with various species (given the high similarity between mariae and bastianii).
The state of the plant is what I would be most upset about, especially given the complete guess at this stage as to what the plant truly is (since it hasn't bloomed, who's to know this isn't a hieroglyphica/etc). I'd want a refund on plant condition alone, especially if it wasn't stated, "this plant is in rough shape and needs a year of TLC before it's presentable!"

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Didn't know the species they were selling you?

Maybe, idk.

Orchid identity aside, this plant will take a couple years or so to recover completely from this kind of a mess. The condition of the plant is what I'd be pissed about, not necessarily the ID.

If you decide to keep what you've got, Phal bastianii is not a bad species to have either. If you didn't pay a boat load for it, I'd just say find another vendor who's selling the real deal [Phal mariae].

Just say your piece and keep the plants. But don't remain silent!

Ask for a partial refund or a store credit or something.

[Paul Mc]

I was very kind in my email to them as I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of negative emails. I told them I was shocked when I saw the condition of the plant and described it. I told them that I've never had a bad experience from them before so want sure what was going on here, but felt they should know how shocked I was at the condition of this plant. I supplied the same picture I posted here.

We'll see what they say. I don't like causing a fuss or complaining, but I'm truly shocked at the quality this time!

So you think it will take a few years to recover huh? WOW, worse than I originally thought then. I do love the bastianii, especially since I already owned it and ordered it from them. I bought this one because it was supposed to be fragrant and I loved the colors patterns.

I wondered if they didn't know because a Phal "expert" noted that he ordered the same from a grower when they were going out of business. However as the flask developed, he noted that they were bastianii and not mariae. Thus , he concluded that people may have been getting bad info from their distributors. That I get, but not the condition.

[Bud]

The customer is always right. That is the first lesson given by retailers to their staff since time immimorial.
If you have not been given grief in the past; chances are there is a disgruntled staff who did this before getting fired. The owner of the bussiness will never do this. It is unacceptable as a merchandize. And will damage their reputation.
It is advisable to communicate with the owner directly.
Dont get mad....report it.

[Paul Mc]

Well, good news! They acknowledged how bad it was and will be shipping a replacement. I'm very grateful I did contact them and am glad my confidence has been restored in them.