Norman's Orchids / Orchids.com
 

I follow(ed) Norman on social media so I was excited to place an order with them, despite steep pricing, because of all the beautiful plants and genetics I see him post. He seemed like a friendly guy as well.

I placed a $550 order that contained 4 phals and 3 Phrags. These were all chosen from the "select plants" section of the website and I always chose the most expensive size option (in bud or premium size). The 3 phrags had zero roots when i went to repot. I messaged them to make them aware (didn't ask for new plants or a refund) and I didn't even get an apology. I expected them to at least care so they could address the issue with their supply chain but their response was very adversarial (despite not asking for compensation). After my experience I looked online and saw a lot of similar complaints.

Everything came in flimsy nursery pots and very old sphagnum moss despite the $75+ price tag. Even the premium phals had a large number of dead roots. The sphag was so old it stunk and the roots were being affected so I repotted even though I paid more for plants in bud.

Norman does not stand behind his products. I suspect much of what is sold through orchids.com are from sources in Asia, which of course is fine, but there is no quality control. I will not be ordering again and encourage others to shop elsewhere.

wow, what a shame, that is a big order to just not care about.WOW

Took them three days and a follow up message for them to respond. I think they know they can get away with these business practices because they have the orchids.com domain.

Its always sad when people previously respected let you down.

I have seen so many complaints about them over the years. I am sorry that you had to experience this. Years ago, there was a gardening site that had a really great review section of all the vendors (which I always checked before a first order) but it seems like they had to modify it a few years ago and many of the bad reviews of the worst offenders are missing. It is quite difficult, now, to know whether a vendor is good or not.

I usually learn about vendors through other members of my Orchid Society and that has been quite helpful. You could also start a post here, naming the type of orchids you wish to buy and ask for recommendations of places from which to buy them. There are some really great, reliable vendors out there and all of them have their specialties.

As someone who opens boxes of plants with all the excitement of a holiday gift, I especially feel for you.

Again, sorry you had to experience this. :(

Thank you for the kind and sympathetic words.

Yes, its quite the letdown when you drop $550 on orchids you have been wanting for a while, opening the box with excitement, then being slapped in the face by a rip off. Definitely ruined my weekend. That is a lot of money for plants with no roots. This supplier knows what they are doing to their customers. Money is simply more important to them than their reputation or doing what is right.

I have had great experiences with Hauserman, SVO, and Andy's

for what it is worth, i think we have all lost some money or time and energy to unscrupulous dealers and growers......don't take it personally, learn some lessons and move on to look at and smell the flowers.

i hate the greed and ugliness as well but don't beat yourself up, you aren't alone

Did you pay with a credit card? If so, challenge the charge with your card issuer NOW. You did not get what you ordered, so should not have to pay.

This is a very common type of story regarding this vendor.

Avoid in the future

I thought we had feedback on vendors here on OB? We should make use of that before a first order (as Leafmite suggested.) So sorry for you, Clawhammer.

His website is beautiful and he has a great selection, and I have been tempted myself to buy some things from him, but I've just heard too many negative reviews that I've resisted. It has been hard, because I have seen some things on his website that I really wanted, but I've been burned a few times by unscrupulous vendors, and you feel both disappointed and betrayed, and I don't think it's worth the risk with him.