Claessen Orchideen, NL -- worst experience I've had

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by Roberta

A general suggestion... don't pay by bank transfer or debit card, use a credit card and/or a service such as PayPal. Then if you get sub-standard plants, if the vendor gives you problems, you can go to your credit card company (or PayPal, etc), they are not bound by the ridiculous conditions that prevent you from inspecting the roots. You may still not get your money back, but you improve your chances, these big companies have a lot more power than an individual does.

Couldn't unfortunately - between cards with the move to Belgium.

As an aside, I discovered the hybrid's actual cross is cat jillicoc x l cinnabarina - not jillicoe as it is labeled.

[Waterdog111]

I totally agree with Roberta about this. I haven’t always but I try to only buy through PayPal. They have so far done right by me. I have made a mistake or two when not having the choise to use them.

[NatalieS]

This particular vendor doesn't faciliate Paypal as a payment method. Some vendors who accept Paypal also apply a percentage surcharge.

Let's just say in my case I used the only payment method that was available to me at the time that I ordered.

In general, when making online purchases, yes, always try to use debit card, credit card, or Paypal if it is available to you, and the vendor accepts it, but the payment method isn't really the point here - it's about giving other people information as to the trustworthiness and reliability of the vendor.

[Ray]

While I suspect it varies by nation, I don’t believe debit card purchases are as protected in the US.

Thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act, liability for unauthorized charges made with a credit card is limited to $50 for both in-person and online credit transactions, but you need to report the incident within 60 days.

However, most credit cards offer zero-fraud liability, meaning you won’t be on the hook for a penny. Most credit card issuers will put the fraudulent charge on hold while they conduct an investigation, so you won’t be out the money in the interim.

Debit cards are a different story. Because the money you spend comes out of your bank account, your liability depends on how quickly the fraudulent charges are reported. If reported within two business days, your maximum loss will be $50; more than two business days but less than 60 calendar days, your maximum loss will be $500; and after 60 calendar days, your liability will be 100% of the loss, possibly more if money in other accounts are linked to your debit account.

When you do report fraud you may have to wait days or weeks to get a refund for a fraudulent transaction made with your card, even if your bank account was drained.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by Ray

While I suspect it varies by nation, I don’t believe debit card purchases are as protected in the US.

It could be the same in the EU - we have access to visa or mastercard debit cards that function as a credit card, and I believe the same protections apply, but could be wrong. From an online purchasing perspective, the card does function as a credit card (I haven't used a credit card in years).

In any case, I think the discussion of most protective payment method is not really the point in a vendor feedback thread.

You could protect yourself from non-delivery with a charge back, but debates about plant quality are a bit murky - it's up to each individual to decide what they're willing to risk purchasing a plant online (as there is always a risk), and how much time/energy they're willing to put into debating with a vendor.

I think from the experience I set out, most people will come away not wanting to risk a purchase from this particular vendor.

[Waterdog111]

All debit cards that I have owned have been also master or visa. Pretty sure all are that way over here. I agree about the willingness or and ability to afford , thats the way I work. I just dont return to one that cannt be trusted on my part.No trust no buisness!

---------- Post added at 08:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 AM ----------

Its all a gamble in life.

---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:56 AM ----------

One other thing I try not to judge it has never done me a bit of good except to guide my actions.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by Waterdog111

.No trust no buisness!

Yes, exactly!

My experience is pretty similar to the OP's in this thread - it builds a clearer picture of the vendor and gives people more information on which to make their decision.

One person's experience could just be a one-off - more information is always better.

[Roberta]

Thanks for the insights about this vendor. I hope it prevents someone else from the bad experience! With that sort of "service" I can't imagine why one would buy anything from them.

[camille1585]

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, what surprises me the most is how they went from being one of the best nurseries I've ever shopped at, to one of the worst. I'm always willing to give businesses a second chance, but after multiple so-so experiences and no indication that they were improving, I stopped giving them my money. Until the reviews I read on Dutch orchid sites improve, I'm steering clear of them.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, what surprises me the most is how they went from being one of the best nurseries I've ever shopped at, to one of the worst. I'm always willing to give businesses a second chance, but after multiple so-so experiences and no indication that they were improving, I stopped giving them my money. Until the reviews I read on Dutch orchid sites improve, I'm steering clear of them.

Yes, they were good at one point - I risked the purchase this time because I'd ordered from them before years ago, and the plants were good quality.

They're a write-off for me now, though.