My experience with Santa Barbara Orchid Estate

[Call_Me_Bob]

i think we have the same person

[Swamper]

LOL I didn't see that last email. Well I think she was trying to look out for your benefit maybe? It sounds like she wasn't trying to offend you.

[marydaniellesantos]

No, her e-mail makes sense, and she did apologize which is difficult for most people. I agree with Swamper!

[Call_Me_Bob]

at least she apologized. that makes it alot better for me. i dont think i need to email them again now that i know someone knows about it there. plus, im not really mad since she apologized to one person

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by marydaniellesantos

No, her e-mail makes sense, and she did apologize which is difficult for most people. I agree with Swamper!

yes, I agree that she is trying to avoid people getting plants that may be difficult fro them to grow, however many people are experienced growers, and know the requirements of their plants. So - good as far as trying to direct people to plants they can be successful with - but sounds like she can be a bit "snotty" which isn't good ...
BUT - she did reply and apologize which is a good thing

[ericst11]

I just canceled my order and won't work with them again ,i'll take my money else where.

[marydaniellesantos]

I do agree that telling someone what they should do is no good, but as Swamper said, they seem like they're just looking out for their customers, but maybe they care a little too much, if that makes sense???

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

yes, I agree that she is trying to avoid people getting plants that may be difficult fro them to grow, however many people are experienced growers, and know the requirements of their plants. So - good as far as trying to direct people to plants they can be successful with - but sounds like she can be a bit "snotty" which isn't good ...
BUT - she did reply and apologize which is a good thing

Given the price of their Laelias, I can see how selling to a customer where they think the plant has got a good chance of dying might be prudent to avoid.
I tend to get a bit more emotional when one of my $100 plants dies as opposed to one that was $6.99
However, tact is something that anyone in the customer service business needs to master. You might respond with such advice and return her favor "in kind".

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by Eyebabe

Given the price of their Laelias, I can see how selling to a customer where they think the plant has got a good chance of dying might be prudent to avoid.
I tend to get a bit more emotional when one of my $100 plants dies as opposed to one that was $6.99
However, tact is something that anyone in the customer service business needs to master. You might respond with such advice and return her favor "in kind".

Yup. The first time I bought she asked me about my growing conditions. I agree she can be a bit abrasive, but she is the person standing between me and those Laelias. I was willing to put up with that for a minute so that I could purchase.

I won't put up with any abuse, but let me tell you, I have met A LOT of REALLY QUIRKY and rude people down here in Homestead. Sometimes people are having a bad day, and sometimes people are just insufferably rude. Which one is she, I have no idea. All I can tell you is that now whenever I call she recognizes me by my first name and is incredibly helpful.

She apologized, and while that doesn't unring the bell, I will say it takes a lot for a person to apologize.

I suppose you need to decide if those Laelias are worth it. After much internet searching, I decided that they were. Not only are their plants incredibly vigorous, they are from a serious outfit who does virus testing. I know maybe one other grower who has access to the types of divisions you are looking for. The prices he sells them at are stratospheric.

Good luck

[Brotherly Monkey]

Originally Posted by Eyebabe

Given the price of their Laelias, I can see how selling to a customer where they think the plant has got a good chance of dying might be prudent to avoid.
I tend to get a bit more emotional when one of my $100 plants dies as opposed to one that was $6.99
However, tact is something that anyone in the customer service business needs to master. You might respond with such advice and return her favor "in kind".

one thing to consider is that vendors probably have to deal with irate customers who just killed their $100 plant, but don't want to take responsibility for it