Rob's Calypso BeatThe Violet Barn

 

 

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Customer comments and feedback

We ship out thousands of orders, and tens of thousands of plants, each year.  We take pride in the fact that we send healthy, well-grown and groomed, plants.  These are carefully wrapped and boxed and shipped out as soon as possible--more than 90% of orders are shipped within a matter of days of our receiving them. 

We guarantee safe delivery of all orders, and healthy, properly labeled, and true-blooming plants.  On occasion (about 1 in every 100 orders), we'll have to make good on our guarantee.  Sometimes, plants perish in weather that's too hot or cold, sometimes the post office "squashes" a box and, sometimes, we're to blame for poor packaging or clerical mistakes.  In such cases, we'll reship plants, issue a credit, or refund money (we need to do this on about 1 in every 200 or so orders).  In any event, we always try to please and look for ways to improve our growing, shipping, or service.

Need to contact us? You can send us an email, or a immediate answer to you question, it's always best to contact us by phone (585-374-8592) during normal business hours (12-5 pm EST).

Here's a few of the unsolicited comments recently made by some of our customers.  All appear precisely as written, without editing.  So that the page doesn't become too lengthy, we only reprint those received during the last 3 months.

The "compliments":  Some of our recent satisfied customers speak.....

From Jeanie, in CA
 You guys are amazing!  I received my package today and am so impressed with the care you take to ship these beautiful plants.  The package arrived beautifully and all plants are in tip top shape.  Thank you so much.  I look forward to many gorgeous flowers in the near future.  December 16, 2009

From Don, in CA
My plants arrived today safe and beautiful.  As always, excellent quality products and service.  December 16, 2009 

From Barbara, in NJ
Thank you, thank you, thank you!  The website is easy to maneuver and informative.  The pictures of the separate plants was very helpful.  I will definitely buy from you again and recommend you.  December 18, 2009

From Cara, in FL
Received the plant (very surprised at how quickly you shipped it) but very happy you did.  It arrived before my friend's birthday, so it was perfect!!  Look forward to doing business with you again.  December 19, 2009

From William, in TN
I just wanted you to know how pleased with my new plant of 'Rob's Dandy Lion'.  I have planted it in my vivarium and it is growing like crazy.  I cannot wait for it to mature enough to bloom.  December 30, 2009

From Karen, in IN
I received my shipment today, and to my surprise, you sent a replacement for the 'Chantaspring' that didn't survive from my last order.  I am a novice at these miniatures, and wasn't aware that I shouldn't transplant that one right away.  It was very kind of you to send another one.  I won't make the same mistake again.  Also, the other two violets were in bloom when received and the 'Chantaspring' had buds.  You folks are absolutely outstanding--totally top notch-- and I would recomment you to anyone without the slightest hesitation.  Thank you.  January 15, 2010

From Anne, in LA
Got them!  They were packed like nothing I've ever seen before--wonderful job.  I have them out and in their new place--haven't had violets in 20 years, forgot how much I missed having them.  These are beautiful plants, can't wait to see how they look in a few weeks.  Thank you!  January 16, 2010

From Dorothy, in CA
I just received my order and it is so beautifully packed.  The plants look wonderful.  I can't belive it came all the way across the United States.  When I find room for more, I can order again.  I want to tell everyone to order from you, they will not be disappointed.  Thanks again.  January 16, 2010

From Russ, in TX
I received the violets last Thursday, right on time and they arrived in unbelievably perfect shape.  I wish I would have ordered more!  Thanks and much success.  January 17, 2010

From Beth, in CA
They arrived today and are beautiful!  I am so thankful you sent some with blooms!  The packaging is impressive.  Thank you!  I hope to be back as soon as I am able to buy more!!  I am sending 3 of these to Houston for birthday gifts to family next month.  I plan to re-use you packaging and send your links, instructions, etc.  Love your care and expertise!! Thanks again, and God Bless to you and all your family and company!  January 20, 2010

From William, in FL
Good afternoon from sunny Florida.  I would like to take a moment of your time to let you know that the violets my wife wanted and ordered have arrived and are in absolutely perfect condition.  Your style of packaging is impeccable and she is peased beyond measure.  Thank you once more and your web site has now been added to our list of where to go when we want the very best!  January 21, 2010

From Fred, in TX
I was impressed when I saw how much care you gave to insulating the box to protect the begonias.  I was "almost" put off when I opend the first one, having to go through so much paper, tape, and wrapping.  I thought that the Tutenkhamen pieces probably didn't get wrapped that securely when they ship to the exhibit.  But when I got to the actual plant, I understood why.  You ARE wrapping treasures!  Thanks.  I'll spread the word among my friends how happy I am with my shipment.  January 28, 2010

From Rose-Marie, in AZ
Just wanted to let you know that the plants arrived in excellent condition--best packing job I have ever seen on live plants!!  Thank you.  February 1, 2010

From Barbara, in OH
Plants arrive this cold February morning in perfect condition.  What a great job of handling and packaging you did.  Thanks.  Great job.  February 5, 2010

From Mary, in AR
I saw that the postage on the box was $2.94 more than you charged me.  Please accept the check for the difference, and thanks for your plant advice, your prompt service, and wonderful streps.  February 8, 2010  Our reply:  Thanks for being so considerate.  However, we realize that postage won't always be the same or what we charge for shipping--sometimes more, sometimes less....returning you check--you can spend it with us later!

From Deborah, in CA
I just received the shipment of mini violets that I ordered and they are absolutely terrific!  They arrived in excellent shape and they are so pretty.  This was the first time that I ordered from your company, but it certainly won't be the last!  February 11, 2010

From Rita, in CA
Just a quick note to let you know the violets have arrived in very good condition.  Thank you--I did not expect any of them to be in bloom.  I am pleased to add these to my collection and look forward to adding more miniatures.  Thank you for your care and attention to the plants you sent, also the prompt delivery.  The bonus plant is very much appreciated.  February 11, 2010

From Tom, in NM
Order came today via priority mail and everything was beautifully wrapped and was completely intact.  I have never seen plants so well protected and I take my hat off to you.  I will tell all my fellow master gardeners here in Las Cruces about you and expect you will get business from them.  Many thanks.  February 18, 2010

From Gayle, in TX
I want to thank you for the time and care you took in packing and shipping my order.  Who would have thought that you would be able to get the order to me so timely, considering the weather conditions.  I picked them up at my home post office last Thursday.  Again, I thank you and your staff for the lovely plants.  I assure you I do want more!  February 18, 2010

From Halina, in MD
On February 26, I received your begonias in wonderful shape.  They were so meticulously packed they could withstand shipment overseas.  Thank you for taking care of it.  Hopefully the begonias grow into nice specimens.  It was a nice experience to deal with you.  March 1, 2010

From Traci, in CA
OMG, they survived and they look FABULOUS!  You did a great job wrapping them, etc...and I am sooo excited to have them now in their lil tea cups!  Thank you again for a wonderful transaction!  March 2, 2010

...and some "constructive" criticism:  Yes, we sometimes get complaints--we guarantee safe delivery on all orders and occasionally need to process a refund or send a replacement plant (our average is about 1 in every 100 orders).  We haven't printed these.  These are the more specific complaints/comments that customers have made--we reprint them so that we have a chance to explain, improve our work and, perhaps, avoid similar problems in the future.....

From Lorraine, in CO
So, 2 of the 5 plants are dead, and because I did not spend enough money in shipping, I am out the cost of the plants?  Unbelievable.  But maybe that's how you do business.  You won't have mine or those that I will share this with. January 19, 2010. Our reply:  Please see the comment below.  We do not make a profit on shipping, only the USPS does--in fact, we lose a dollar or two on every Express order (we subsidize this service to encourage people to use it).  Nevertheless, the choice of delivery method is yours, it is not our money to spend.  It IS the way we do business.  We cannot be expected to bear the cost of shipping, plants and risk--a business that does this doesn't stay in business very long. 

From Catherine, in ME
I received my plants on 12/23 and they were in tough shape when they arrived.  I unpacked them and gave them some water, and then repotted them on the 26th, but they didn't survive.  They were delivered on one of the coldest days of the month, and now that I carefully read your e-mail, I see that they're only guaranteed via Express mail and I guess I had them shipped priority.  You may want to let those of us in the North know when we've chosen the wrong shipping method.  Although it is my own fault for not reading things carefully enough!  Our reply:  Consider it done.  Again, we guarantee safe delivery ONLY by Express mail from November 1 through April 15 (winter shipping).  This is stated on our home page, on the ordering information page, on the order form itself (twice), on the "thank you" page that appears once the order is submitted, and again, on our email confirmation sent prior to shipping.  Surprisingly, many customers do knowingly choose Priority mail during winter, and most have success.  However, the risk IS greater when sent via Priority in winter.  We leave it to the customer to decide what risk they are willing to bear and at what cost.  Our job is to grow and ship plants, not predict the weather or decide how to spend your money.

If you'd like an immediate response, please call us during business hours (12-5 pm EST), since we don't always have the time to deal with letters or e-mails promptly.  We aim to please.  

For questions regarding culture and care of your plants, we ask that you review the web-site first, since most problems and commonly asked questions are addressed here.  If you need a personal response, please call us (again during business hours) since we may need information you hadn't thought of providing concerning your plant's condition.  Again, we haven't the time nor staff to personally reply to all letters and e-mails.