Exotic Orchids of Maui - Do you know this side?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by naoki

Steve, I thought that they have strict regulation to bring plants INTO hawaii, but exporting from Hawaii isn't that different from shipping within lower 48. It's a hassle for people is Hawaii, but it is probably good to have some regulation (with regard to importation) to protect the unique fauna/flora of Hawaii! I don't know how the current regulation is effective, though.

Importing into Hawaii is easy because nothing is allowed! Exporting has ridiculous hoops to jump through and there are constant complaints from growers because they are becoming less and less competitive with the world market. You're right that some regs are important, but as with anything, too much is never a good thing.

[Ray]

I don't agree. I get plants from Hawaii fairly frequently, and there are no issues of exorbitant shipping costs,

Tommy, if you're not in a big hurry, I might be able to add those plants to a wholesale order in the future.

[NYCorchidman]

True, I think Steve got it reversed.
Taking living things into Hawaii is very difficult with many regulations intended to protect the unique local ecosystem, but taking things out of Hawaii, especially plants are easy.
Well, at least as long as they are stamped, which at least orchids that Hawaiian growers sell are.

By the way, this is good read and I am excited because I am visiting Maui in October. Hopefully they have a nice fall sale.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

True, I think Steve got it reversed.
Taking living things into Hawaii is very difficult with many regulations intended to protect the unique local ecosystem, but taking things out of Hawaii, especially plants are easy.
Well, at least as long as they are stamped, which at least orchids that Hawaiian growers sell are.

No, I did not get it reversed. I lived in Hawaii for 10 years and knew many growers and hobbyists alike who were worried that they would not be able to compete with other American growers because the cost of shipping their plants OUT of Hawaii (not into Hawaii) kept increasing along with the increasingly strict regulations.

[Ray]

Sounds like we're trying to compare companies that do a lot of shipping with those or individuals who don't. Volume= discounts.

I have a box of 50 plants coming from Hawaii right now, and the FedEx 2-day rate is about on par with what it would cost me to ship it by ground to the west coast from here on the east coast.

When I was the logistics manager at the old chemical company, I paid about $15,000 a week to FedEx, and I could ship a box through their account next-day, first-a.m. for less than I could ship it by ground Ono my First Rays account.


Ray Barkalow
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[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Ray

Sounds like we're trying to compare companies that do a lot of shipping with those or individuals who don't. Volume= discounts.

I have a box of 50 plants coming from Hawaii right now, and the FedEx 2-day rate is about on par with what it would cost me to ship it by ground to the west coast from here on the east coast.

When I was the logistics manager at the old chemical company, I paid about $15,000 a week to FedEx, and I could ship a box through their account next-day, first-a.m. for less than I could ship it by ground Ono my First Rays account.


Ray Barkalow
Sent using Tapatalk

I agree, which brings us back to TommyMiami's point that EOoM (and many other Hawaii vendors) have a minimum purchase in order to ship to the mainland. Shipping costs are so high that the vendors will actually lose money on smaller orders! Its like when you go to a store and make a purchase with a credit card. Many places have a minimum order because the credit card fees are such that the store will lose money if a minimum threshold for an order is not met.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by isurus79

No, I did not get it reversed. I lived in Hawaii for 10 years and knew many growers and hobbyists alike who were worried that they would not be able to compete with other American growers because the cost of shipping their plants OUT of Hawaii (not into Hawaii) kept increasing along with the increasingly strict regulations.

The cost of shipping from Hawaii to the contiguous U.S. may be a bit higher than for companies shipping within the contiguous U.S. but I don't know of any "increasingly strict regulations" that apply for shipping from Hawaii to the contiguous U.S. that do not also apply to shipping within the contiguous U.S.

Eight months ago I ordered 5 plants from Exotic Orchids of Maui. The cost of the plants was $63 and shipping via FEDEX economy (to California) was $25. This is comparable to what I pay to have plants shipped from the east coast of the U.S. to me - actually less because when I have plants shipped to me from the east coast I use 2nd day air.

I see that Exotic Orchids of Maui now has a $100 minimum order and that shipping charges for a $100 order are $27. It costs me as much or more to get plants from the east coast.

[stonedragonfarms]

It often seems that it depends on where in the US the shipment is being sent as well (and if it is going to a residential or business address...) in relation to how much the shipping charge is. I don't feel that a $27 shipping charge from Hawaii is excessive (though I might feel differently if it was for 1-2, $10-12 plants...), but I often wonder why vendors don't give more choices for shipment methods; ie I live in Oregon and would not mind plants from LA being shipped via FedEx Ground or UPS Ground, but sometimes, overnight is the only (more expensive) option available to me...which means I won't order given the (in my eyes) unwarranted increased shipping charges.
Just my 3c,
Adam

[quiltergal]

Nothing leaves the state or HI without a phytosanitary and nematode certificate. I have ordered by mail and have brought plants home in my carry on. If they aren't in a sealed stamped bag they don't get on the plane with you. Ivan Komoda who used to sell great Masdies finally gave it up. It was his opinion that the regs were pushed by the California growers so they would have less competition.

Here's a link. Export Inspection Program | Plant Industry Division

So, NYCorchidman, if you plan to purchase plants and bring them home on your carry on then I would recommend waiting to purchase them just before you leave. You can't break the seal to water or do anything else with the plant or it will be confiscated at the airport and end up in the trash.