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Ordering by Mail
Copyright (c) 2002 by Connie Krochmal
Should I order native phlox or hostas for that spot under the black walnut tree? Once I've decided, placing the order is easy.
Filling out the order form
Fill out the form legibly, and answer every question. If you don't want substitutions, say so. Write in the correct name, catalog number, and price for every item you're ordering. Give your daytime phone number. Provide a street address for UPS and FedEx shipments. List your preferred shipping date. Otherwise, your plants will arrive at the proper planting time.
What about shipping and handling costs? Follow the instructions.
Double-check your figures, and make a copy of your order. If necessary, just copy the information to another form. Complete the form for phone and online orders. This gives you a record. For phone orders, make a note of the clerk's name.
Careful - watch for these common mistakes. Donna Lowman, shipping manager for Johnson Nursery, says customers sometimes "don't calculate the shipping costs correctly. Or they give a post office box (we ship UPS). They want their plants in the fall, and we don't start shipping until mid-December. I just call them and straighten things out."
Payment
Credit cards are convenient. In the event of problems, you can dispute the credit card charges. Some nurseries wait for personal checks to clear before shipping. Never send cash by mail. Of course, you already knew that.
Mailing lists
Some mail-order nurseries sell their mailing lists. However, certain ones let you decide. Avoid junk mail by writing "No" in the appropriate space.
Tracking the order
Some nurseries acknowledge orders. Is this important to you? Before ordering, contact the company to learn their policy. You won't need one from Johnson Nursery. They call customers to reconfirm and go over the order before shipping.
Avoiding a rip-off
Be a smart shopper. Buy from reputable, established mail-order nurseries. Check up on the company before you order. Use books, software, catalogs, and other sources. Contact the Better Business Bureau or the consumer protection agency in the city where the nursery is located. Feel free to place a small trial order just to see how a company performs.
How is mail-order shopping different than going to local nurseries? It may seem impersonal. That can make you feel insecure.
"Look for a mail-order nursery where you can talk with a real person", says Nancy Mencke, owner of No Thyme Productions. "The phone number, mailing address, and email should be readily available," she says.
Understand the guarantee. She cautions, "Unless you have a way to easily implement it, it is virtually worthless."
Incredibly low prices? Buyer beware. Catalogs should list the bulb or plant's age or size, or the container size. Seeds should be sold either by weight or by count.
Avoid disappointment. Know what you're buying. Common names of plants can be confusing. With Latin names you know exactly what you're getting.
Are gardening websites secure? Check their security statements. One gardening website touts its shopping cart as "100% secure", while its Security Statement says security can't be ensured. Secure sites use the latest encryption systems. If persistent hackers succeed, you're responsible for the first $50 in fraudulent charges on your credit card. Order by mail or phone if this concerns you.
Shopping by mail is considered safe. The U.S. Postal Service vigorously pursues mail-fraud cases. Federal laws cover phone, fax, mail, and Internet orders. Your state's laws apply to in-state mail-order nurseries.
For the best shopping experience, do your homework first.