Re: Re: Garden Watchdog

Kitty,

I'd say that Hirts seems to be pretty decent, not outstanding, perhaps
overwhelmed at shipping time. If they had something that no-one else had,
I'd order if their prices were fair. ( But not tomato transplants!) .
A side note, if they bought in Canna 'Stuttgart' from a well-known, huge
bulb dealer a few years ago, they're not at fault for no variegation. It was
a common problem in some foreign-sourced product. Would have been nice if
they'd replied to the person who complained, though.  Likewise Greer on the
one complaint. I would have liked to see more on Greer, too.

Having worked at several retail nurseries, and one fortune 500 wholesaler,
as well as being a consumer, I try to look behind the obvious. I agree that
experience from those on this list, and others with recent experience is
valuable. But all it takes is a few bad hires during a busy season, and a
nursery's rep can go down the tubes very quickly. And I suppose that some
nurseries won't ever recover their good name or consumer base from the
bankruptcies a few years ago, either.

Daryl




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kitty" <kmrsy@comcast.net>
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: [CHAT] Re: Garden Watchdog


> Daryl,
> I didn't mean that people ONLY write negative comments, but that bad
> feelings would more readily incline them to write. This is a simple rule
of
> thumb in the marketing world.
>
> Check Hirt's Greenhouse - 17pos - 5 neutral - 16neg
> What would you think of that?
> I gave them a try and I'm very glad I did.
> None of GWD's Top 20 carry Rock Rose plants.  Sometimes you have to take a
> chance.
>
> Take Greer Gardens - 12pos - 2 neutral- 1 neg
> What would you think of that?
> I have a friend who has been going round and round with them in a
nightmare
> of problems.  Myself, I have had mostly excellent quality from them, but a
> few CS problems that if you know how to work with them you can get the
> problems sorted out.
>
> OK, OK, I agree with GWD's X on Michigan Bulb - 354 negatives
> And.....Ta-da!!!  Munchkin Nursery:  13 pos - 0 neutral - 0 negative
>
> I agree with you about some of the negs from newbies.  One needs to read
> these comments and judge the source.  But I'd be more inclined to rely on
> personal references (like folks on CHAT) than on the words of strangers at
> GWD.
>
> Kitty
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Daryl" <pulis@mindspring.com>
> To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
> Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 1:24 PM
> Subject: Re: [CHAT] Re: Garden Watchdog
>
>
> > Kitty,
> >
> > I first thought that most people would only write negatives, too.
However,
> > when I look through and read the number of positive comments on
companies,
> > even when there is only one comment listed, I have to disagree with your
> > premise.
> >
> > And some people that write negatives are obviously newbies to mail
order,
> > and don't understand the differences among liners, bare-root, and the
> large
> > plants they purchase at nurseries. Others don't understand pricing on
some
> > rare or difficult-to-propagate plants.
> >
> > But when people write over and over that calls are not returned, or
orders
> > not shipped, or incorrect plants are sent, I pay attention. And then
> there's
> > the list of the top 20 companies...
> >
> > The comments tell the tale, I think.
> >
> >
> > Daryl
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Kitty" <kmrsy@comcast.net>
> > To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
> > Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 12:27 PM
> > Subject: Re: [CHAT] Re: Garden Watchdog and TyTy Nursery's terrible
> > reputation
> >
> >
> > > I've heard similar about Ty-Ty, but main reason I'd not buy from them
is
> > > price.
> > >
> > > However, as far as garden watchdog (GWD) goes...
> > > Remember that people will more readily enter negative comments than
> > ordinary
> > > positive ones.  When you are reasonably happy with a purchase, you go
on
> > > your merry way and possibly buy again next year.  When you have a
> problem,
> > > you're more likely to speak up.  And many comments on GWD are very
> > > one-sided.  Fortunately, they give the company a little space for
> > rebuttal.
> > >
> > > I wanted to try purchasing from a greenhouse in Ohio and checked GWD.
> So
> > > many negative comments!  However, some of their rebuttals made sense,
so
> I
> > > gave it a try.  I ordered Monday am online.  They called me that
> afternoon
> > > to verify my shipping address (because PayPal had created some
> confusion)
> > > and I received my order Tuesday.  The plants were beautiful and
> > well-sized.
> > > Because of GWD I called the nursery owner and complimented him
directly
> > and
> > > went to GWD to place positive feedback.  But most people with good to
> > normal
> > > results don't bother.
> > >
> > > Kitty
> >
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