Marblekg on eBay: Purchase with Caution

[Becky15349]

Hi all,

Regarding a seller, marblekg, on eBay:

I am very sorry to have to write this thread, but I feel that I should share my concern about a particular seller on eBay. I have purchased now 2 plants from them, and although the first was marginally decent (cattleya aclandiae) this most recent acquisition was beyond unacceptable.

Because I believe in listing positive attributes first, when I contacted Marblekg, I said the plant was large, mature, and previously bloomed. But that is it.

The plant arrived extremely dessicated, filthy, full of dust, dirt, mineral deposits, dried sheaths, it was just gross. It has both spider mites and mealy bugs. I literally went outside on my balcony in the 20 degree weather just to shake it out because I didn't want the filth in my home.

I contacted the seller, and basically wrote exactly what I did here - the positives first, followed by my concerns, especially the bugs. I sincerely asked them to check their plants before they send them, and to be honest, I would have expected them to offer to refund part of my money back, because this cattleya I purchased was not cheap ($65 after shipping)

And what response did I receive?

"I apologize for any troubles".

No offer to rectify, no further offering of any advice or apologies. One sentence. This is not acceptable.

So, to conclude, I am very unhappy with this seller, and as a prominent member of the orchid community and of Orchid Board, I do not recommend this seller.

I felt complelled to share this with our community.

I did respond to this seller on eBay and informed him that my fellow orchid friends would be very unhappy to hear that we do not recommend him on our forum. I will let you know if I receive a reply.

I sincerely hope this seller will change his ways, and regain our confidence.

Sincerely,
Becky15349

[RJSquirrel]

I dont do ebay but Im sure that others here will heed your advice. That alone should make you feel better knowing you hit em back where it hurts ..

One here at some point intervened on my behalf after I bashed a vendor numerous times for failure to respond to a plea about a rotten plant they sent me.. took em a few months to make it better bec I know for a fact he was outed in a public forum and you know his sales suffered..still didnt make it right from the very start. They know those plants look like crap when they send em off.

[BriDroid]

I just started in this hobby, and I already have had a bad experience on ebay. My little guy is hopefully going to pull through, thanks to a last ditch Basel keiki. The plant was not what was described at all though! Live and learn is how I've taken it.

I've since found a local grower who let me buy online and then come by his greenhouse to pickup. It's nice, but just feeds the addiction LOL!

[Leafmite]

I don't buy from Ebay, either, as I have heard far too many tales of woe.

[RJSquirrel]

the idea of getting something 'good' for 'nothing' is just that it is 'good for nothing'

[katrina]

Did you ask for a resolution? For a partial refund? If not, perhaps the seller simply thought you were informing and he/she didn't realize you expected anything in return.

IME, it's always best to just be straight w/people and ask for what you want. I've learned that others can't read our minds and when we expect them to...we usually just end up frustrated. If you think you are due a refund of any kind then you should state that to the seller.

Just a little side note...I do buy from eBay once in awhile and I've had many, many good experiences over the years but I learned years ago to buy only those plants where the actual plant is pictured. This is the surest way to avoid surprises.

[Subrosa]

I've been very fortunate in my EBay dealings, and a large % of my plants were obtained that way. I have several "in the pipeline" now from sellers I've never previously dealt with waiting for better weather to ship. I always tell the seller what I think of the transaction, and usually post my experiences here. As a matter of fact that reminds me that I need to start a thread about a good seller I got a plant from over the summer! I have seen marblekg's listings many times, but honestly I find his prices a bit out of line. Not necessarily a bad thing if other aspects such as a reputation for delivering top quality plants, or good customer service are present. Sadly that doesn't seem to be the case. Please do update this thread, as most folks deserve a second chance if they're willing to own up to their mistake.

[LovePhals]

Originally Posted by katrina

Did you ask for a resolution? For a partial refund? If not, perhaps the seller simply thought you were informing and he/she didn't realize you expected anything in return.

IME, it's always best to just be straight w/people and ask for what you want. I've learned that others can't read our minds and when we expect them to...we usually just end up frustrated. If you think you are due a refund of any kind then you should state that to the seller.

Just a little side note...I do buy from eBay once in awhile and I've had many, many good experiences over the years but I learned years ago to buy only those plants where the actual plant is pictured. This is the surest way to avoid surprises.

I agree, if the seller got back to you right away and said that they were sorry for your troubles.. write back and ask if they can make it right by a partial refund and send picture. After all, they did respond and apologize.
I am not saying it is ok to send a plant with bugs, but they may make it right for you if you tell them what you want.

---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Please do update this thread, as most folks deserve a second chance if they're willing to own up to their mistake.

Yep, I have had a few issues with sellers and when I said what I wanted they made it right. That doesn't always happen, but if it is a good seller it will.

[Gonmon]

Too bad to learn that about marblekg. There's been a few plants I've wanted to buy from him but was put off by the high price tags and average looking pictures. Most of my plants are from ebay and I've had a good luck mostly. I think the biggest thing is to not buy something unless there are good pictures of the actual plant. Sometimes though you'll still end up with less than you expected.

[MattWoelfsen]

If you are unhappy with your plant for the reasons outlined here you should set up a dispute on eBay. You might have to spend money to return the plant but you'll get your money back if the dispute is found in your favor. I think you have a deadline to set up the dispute, so spend some time on eBay to start that process.