Worst customer service ever. (Why is finding a good shop so hard?)

[Bud]

That was the owner and sole proprietor you encountered. He reprimanded you for not waiting until he was finished with his self aggrandizements and a litany of his sanctimonious know-how's ....he needed an audience and definitely doesn't want your business....
White Oaks Orchids in Pacifica will have surprises for you. Google it. I had a blast when I was there.

[rosemadder]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Speaking of shows in SF...

The Pacific Orchid Show is one of the largest in the west coast and is organized once a year.

Whaddaya think got me started on this madness?? That's where I got my first 5. With a show like that, resistance is futile...

Originally Posted by Bud

That was the owner and sole proprietor you encountered.

Oh yes, there was definitely a very loud and clear "I own the place" vibe going on there. I'd be shocked if he wasn't the proprietor.


Right now I don't have transportation, and have been relying on the bus, but once I get rolling on my motorcycle again, Half Moon Bay will be one of my first stops!

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by Bud

White Oaks Orchids in Pacifica will have surprises for you. Google it. I had a blast when I was there.

White Oaks is not in business any longer as a seller. They are now strictly boarding. I just spoke with them.

Tom at Golden Gate Orchids can help you though, and there should be plenty of public transportation as it's RIGHT next to the Cow Palace.

[Bud]

That is sad news about White Oaks Orchids, Jeremy....

[jeremyinsf]

I have no doubt! But maybe it's for the better, for me at least, for today. I have many new orchids this year, and just yesterday got an amazing Paph Druryi from Golden Gate, so I need to slow down.

When I heard of White Oaks from you, of course I called them right away and was ready to go! They said they closed a couple years ago - I'd imagine during the economy change when a lot of specialty businesses such as high end orchid shops closed. She was very nice though and called me back to tell me - I asked about other suggestions and she said she would call back if her husband (the actual owner) had any.

[quiltergal]

Wow that guy sounds like a real turd. I wonder if he has any idea how much negative feedback he generated for himself. I worked in customer service for 22 years and the FIRST thing you always do is acknowledge the new customer and tell them you will be with them shortly. Ignoring a customer is inexcusable, but verbally chastising one for interrupting you is unforgivable. If he was an employee of mine and I overhead such a conversation he would have been fired on the spot.

Jeremy, Paph. druryi is such a pretty species. I got a very small one a year and a half ago from a friend who was closing her greenhouse. It's kind of a pokey grower, at least for me. It finally started on a new growth a few months ago after I repotted it. Hopefully I can get it to bloom. My friend told me these do better in bright light and cooler temps.

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Jeremy, Paph. druryi is such a pretty species. I got a very small one a year and a half ago from a friend who was closing her greenhouse. It's kind of a pokey grower, at least for me. It finally started on a new growth a few months ago after I repotted it. Hopefully I can get it to bloom. My friend told me these do better in bright light and cooler temps.

Terri - realize I'm off topic now but I thought I'd reply - Tom (where I got it) told me that the smaller plants of these are really difficult to get to mature and establish. We even talked about what it would mean to divide my plant, and he warned me how much better this type does together. I attached a picture for reference. Yes, he said the same with light! It's great you know that, and also have new growth, so hopefully yours is on track. Hope the best for you...I agree how wonderful they are... this was one of those "I have to have that" ones for me. There was only one, and it was though it was set aside just so I would take it home! I'm sure we all understand how that works

[quiltergal]

Wow! That's stunning! Mine is a fraction of that size. At least it's growing so I won't complain!

Sorry for the thread hijack!

[rosemadder]

UPDATE!

My yelp review just got a polite, concerned, and apologetic reply message from a manager.

...So maybe the guy I encountered is NOT the proprietor after all??

Ooh! Maybe I can go back!

[Hugorchids]

I second the recommendation to visit Golden Gate Orchids or you can also reach Dan Newman at Hanging Gardens in the Pacific, both great growers.