And I knew better.....WARNING

[vmax3000]

Confession of a momentary idiot: I enjoy browsing ebay and frequently they have a good deal on: laser optics, home decor, plants....you name it. I know some of the sellers of plants, more specifically orchids, that market their plants. They are honest reputable folks. I, however, got sucked in by a pretty plant (fool that I was), placed a bid before checking on where the plant was located and as soon as I realized that I had won the item, checked out the details. To my horror, the plant was being shipped from Asia. I thought, well, I just lost a couple of bucks that could have been used with a more local dealer and thought I had learned my lesson. Not so fast....yesterday, the door bell rings and I am greeted not with a delivery person needing my signature, but the USDA smuggling interdiction and trade compliance officer. Apparently, the seller had packaged the little plant, claimed it was silk and shipped it. It was interceded in San Francisco and the plant was destroyed... Terrified and just sick to learn of the plant's destruction (I don't kill spiders in the gh for goodness sake), I cooperated. As the agent and trainee left, they said they would be in touch....eep They were very nice, but it's so obvious that I, despite my attempts to be tough or whatever, am not versed in dealing with federal agents.
I know about CITES, I know not to buy from any but the most reputable nursery owners...btw, fire is still hot and it burns.... That was the capstone on a week where I "got" a job, and then promptly lost it....the interview was conducted in a cover their butts mode instead of a select a decent candidate because the current employee is leaving. And, someone passed on to me my adviser's less than complimentary comments made about me in my absence (very unprofessional, but not unheard of with this guy). I really didn't need to know any of those opinions....man, I shoulda stayed in bed....

[bellini girl]

Bummer. Hope everything works out for you. At least they did not cart you off to the pokey. Don't be too hard on your self. And remember " if ifs and ands were pots and pans, they would be no need for tinkers"

[trdyl]

Yep, the situation is a bummer. But, it is good to see that the USDA is doing their job. I have to wonder for every one they catch how many actually slip through.

It is always a good idea to fully read the details before bidding. I know I have been guilty of not fully reading something before acting.

[vmax3000]

Normally, I do try to pay attention to the location. This time, I confess, a pretty picture of an orchid did me in...they are such powerful seductresses (or the male form of that word).... I am very grateful to be posting this from my home! Apparently, this particular seller was not unknown to them... I look back on my mistake and think, I am someone was watching...imagine if the plant had a tiny egg case containing the longhorned asian beetle or some such. I mean, I still have to eat food here, too. Thanks for being so kind. I am sure my embarrassment will ease and this will be another interesting story in my saga as an orchid fiend

[ronaldhanko]

Had a similar experience recently though not as frightening. Ordered a plant I really wanted from an Ebay seller, madam_sassy (only place I could find the plant listed). Wrote an asked about the paperwork and was told that it would be provided. The package came in due time but was empty - the plant had been confiscated by the USDA. Didn't have them coming to the door, but will not order from overseas again.

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

Had a similar experience recently though not as frightening. Ordered a plant I really wanted from an Ebay seller, madam_sassy (only place I could find the plant listed). Wrote an asked about the paperwork and was told that it would be provided. The package came in due time but was empty - the plant had been confiscated by the USDA. Didn't have them coming to the door, but will not order from overseas again.

I was told that I might receive an empty box with the little note telling me of the demise of my plant. The seller I bought from was siamesis_orchids. For me, I won't order from overseas again, either. I am just relieved that the agents were not looking to bust me

[orchid rescue]

I did the same thing recently. Ordered an aquarium plant from a big seller on ebay. It said NOTHING about any customs or anything in the ad. It was coming from Asia. I assumed they knew what they were doing.
I received the envelope with no plant. The USDA had confiscated it.
I'll NEVER order from overseas again. I did get my refund, NO PROBLEM at all with that.

[trdyl]

Ron,

Did you have an import permit for the plant?

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by trdyl

Ron,

Did you have an import permit for the plant?

Speaking of that, while the USDA agents were here at my house, one of the things they left for me was an import app. She said it would take some time, but if I was planning on importing plants in the future, I would have to have a permit. I think I'll let my certified nursery folk take care of that. The app is not too complicated, but each time I were to import, this would have to be filled out (kind of reminds me of a customs declaration form) and be approved before shipping could take place. "I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today...."

[cb977]

That sucks!!!

Thanks for the eye-opening reminder