Furious at a well known orchid vendor

[FrFrancis]

I have bought from Carter & Holmes in the past and have always found the plants on the small, weaker side but they had a free shipping offer and a plant I really wanted. I was willing to part with the $12.oo. So when I found out it cost me 31.oo ($16.50 for a tracking fee) I can't keep silent. Not only was this and the packing fee not mentioned on the invoice, they even called about the order and never mentioned it. If I had known about this, I would would have spent the money on a blooming size plant. Shame on them!

[Ray]

Don't tell us, tell them!

[Lorraine]

Like Ray said...Tell Them. A phone call goes a long way.

[vjo]

After you call them please be sure and let us know what they have to say...Jean

[Leafmite]

I ordered once from them years ago and won't ever order from them again. I had ordered from Hausermann's at the same time, mostly standard Cattleya seedlings from both. The Carter and Holmes's orchids were supposed to be a year from blooming and Hausermann's several years from blooming. Both orders came and the C&H orchids were tiny and rootless, one had brown rot, and I could not see how it was possible for them to be merely a year away from blooming while the Hausermann's seedlings were much larger, just what I expected, all healthy and all with great roots. I should have called Carter and Holmes but I was so heartbroken that I did not. I had rescued many rootless seedlings, including Cattleyas, so I set them up as I had always done but they just didn't thrive. I have just one left but it still has a couple more years to go before it is blooming size. I think it was a one year seedling sold as a year from blooming. Crazy. I wasn't impressed with the place. Maybe I am just too spoiled by Al's Orchid Greenhouse, Hausermann's, Andy's and J&L's orchids.

[NYCorchidman]

I think this is in the wrong section. should be posted on vendor feedback.

While I'm not completely sure all the detail of the event, I would talk with them and try to resolve any issues.

I have never ordered from them, but have visited their website. I remember clearly that they indicated how big the plants they sell are.
Many seedlings that are years from reaching blooming size, and many adult size.
So at least the size should not be a surprise.

[katrina]

Not to be a bitch here but...their shipping terms are clearly explained on the website and if you had looked you would've seen that the charge for shipping to your area is $16.50. There is also a 5% fee attached for packaging. They didn't hide anything...it's laid out right there on the website. I always recommend people read the "terms" before placing an order on any vendors' site...it's why they take the time to post them. I would also add that they clearly state the size of the plants on their website. Nothing should've been surprising to you...had you taken the time to review the info they supply.

I've ordered enough from C&H and have always been very pleased w/the plants. Even those that are small. Sure some of the smaller ones are very small but they do a good job of laying everything out on the site for the customer...but the customer needs to take the time to read it.

Now, if they got something wrong then you need to bring it up to them. They will make it right. I've never personally had a problem w/anything but a couple of people that I know have had mishaps and they've always done a stellar job of making it right. And quickly.

Are you sure there wasn't a minimum purchase required? I only ask because that's what I've seen in the past when they ran specials...a min dollar value/number of plants purchased to get the free shipping.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I think this is in the wrong section. should be posted on vendor feedback.

Moved

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:55 PM ----------

Originally Posted by katrina

the charge for shipping to your area is $16.50.

But if it was a "Free shipping weekend" I wouldn't have expected that either. I don't know, just my quick thought. It's always good to check all terms and conditions and if there is an offer then what are the T's&C's of that

[Chris17]

The free shipping offer was if you spend $100 or more.
Yes they like to sell plants, particularly Catts, as smaller than blooming size, but this is clearly specified on the website, as are the shipping charges.

[FrFrancis]

I am basing my response on the invoice I was sent versus the actual charge I received. But I did email them and they were not only gracious but very generous to me. You guys were right. Talk to them first. It pays off.