Problem Buying Orchids Online

[Graham]

Hi...and Happy New Year 2008!

After some excellent advice from Orchid Boarders about which orchids to grow, as a first time grower, I finally took the plunge and went to purchase one online...

But, I've had a problem with my very first orchid purchase... does anyone have experience of buying orchids online?

The chosen orchid was a Phalaenopsis Sogo Anna 'Sogo', from RegalOrchids.co.uk, based in Glasgow, Scotland... Here's the exact page, as of 10.01.2008: Regal Orchids - The Scottish Orchid Nursery

I placed the order for £24 /US$48 approx. (£16 + £8 Delivery) on 29.12.2007 and then it was a case of waiting for it to be delivered

First, in an email received on 03.01.2008, they said they had to hold back the delivery as it was too cold to send... that sounded plausible, but I'm no expert.

I've just received an email, on 09.01.2008, saying that they don't have any Sogo Anna orchids and are sending me an alternative, of which they don't even specify, I've just got to wait for it to turn up before I know what it is...

There wasn't even an opportunity to choose another one...just a "We no longer have Sogo Anna in stock so have substituted a similar plant that we hope you will like."

Yet, go to their website now and they're still showing Sogo Anna for sale, thus they're taking money for it...there's no mention that it's not in stock, like there is on other pages, such as the Phalaenopsis Penang Girl 'Ching, which can be seen here: Regal Orchids - The Scottish Orchid Nursery

Has anyone else had such a problem? Do you know of any reputable online sellers of orchids?

I wasn't sure whether to post this, but you've given me your time by responding to my past messages; I don't want you to face a similar hassle.