The scoop on 'Specialty Perennials'

Feedback History and Summary   27 positives 5 neutrals 19 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Negative TigerMouth61 (1 review) On August 23, 2008, TigerMouth61 Winchester, MA wrote: I ordered from Hardy Plants (aka Specialty Perennials) on 5/31/08. Now it is 8/23/08 but have not received the seeds and plants even though 3 months have passed. I called several times in July and left messages, but they didn't return my calls or send the product. Today I called my Visa company and we are going to dispute the charge made to my account. Neutral Menk (9 reviews) On August 1, 2008, Menk Darling Downs (Australia) wrote: Slower than a wet week! Also, they won't reply to my emails. Only thing that has happened fast was the withdrawal of funds from my credit card, and that was instantaneous. If there is some hold up in obtaining seed, a courtesy email explaining the delay and giving an estimate of delivery time would be of benefit to the customer. It is a shame, because they have a lot of uncommon species on their lists that are hard to obtain elsewhere. However, the long delays suggest they may not actually have all the seeds available as advertised and have to harvest them or obtain them from third parties. Again, a courtesy email explaining the situation to customers would go a long way towards improving their customer relations. On August 19th, 2008, Menk changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: One thing about this company is they do eventually deliver. Their packaging and invoicing is all very professional, but I note that two of the seed packets are old seed well past their recommended planting date. Hopefully it will still germinate and my long wait on this seed will have been worthwhile. Neutral mbhoakct76 (4 reviews) On July 30, 2008, mbhoakct76 Winsted, CT wrote: What was I thinking not to check up on this company through GWD..... Thinking it had been a while i sent a email to check if the order was sent, of course i didnt get a response and after reading everyone elses comments- i dont expect a response. Its only been a couple of weeks so i am willing to wait another week before i call this a dud order. This is not a very professionaly run company , it shouldnt take that long to ship a 4 small pkg of seeds, and not responding to email for a internet based buisness is not acceptable imo!! Dont waste your time ordering from this place, it will be winter before you receive your order. Negative appublic (1 review) On July 24, 2008, appublic Belton, MO (Zone 5b) wrote: My first mistake was not reading about Specialty Perennials / HardySeeds.com here, before ordering. I'd like to think I wouldn't have ordered then. My order was placed May 12th. The site said to allow 2 weeks for delivery, which I did. No seeds. I sent an e-mail inquiry on May 30th. I got no response. On June 11th, I sent a message with the subject "CANCEL MY ORDER" in all caps, hoping to get his attention. Again, no response. Then, out of the blue, on July 3rd, I receive a message that my order has shipped. I was unhappy because this was done weeks after I canceled my order, but happy to think I might finally get these hard-to-get seeds. Well, it is now July 24th, and I still have no seeds. I inquired about this phantom shipment on July 13th with-- of course-- no response. On July 15th I sent a message "Garden Watchdog: Should I file a negative report on you?" I thought maybe THAT would get his attention. Nope. Clearly, this guy doesn't care about customer service or customer opinion. Each of these times, I have waited longer than I felt was necessary, trying to be reasonable. I'm done being reasonable. This morning I called to find out about my order but, not surprisingly, reached only an answering machine. I've left a message but I doubt I'll get a response, much less my order. My next steps, like the others have done, are to call the credit card company and file a complaint with the BBB. It's your money to take a chance with, but I strongly advise you to think twice before ordering from this guy. My experience is not the exception but rather the norm, if you read these other reviews. On August 12th, 2008, appublic added the following: Update 8/12/08 I made phone calls on July 29th and 31st. Both times talked to the man who isn\'t Paul who expressed surprise that I hadn\'t gotten my order and said it must have gotten lost in the mail. (Just like all the lost orders reported here? It\'s amazing how frequently the post office loses this company\'s shipments). I was promised a return phone call from Paul both times and, not surprisingly, did not receive one. On August 7th, I received and e-mail telling me that my order had shipped. I had gotten an e-mail like that a month ago, so I was skeptical. My order did actually arrive on the 11th, \"just\" 3 months from my time of order and too late to be of use to me this growing season. I\'m trying to be honest and accurate in my experience with Specialty Perennials, so let me tell you about the order, as well. I ordered 14 packets of seed. One was sold out. I received 22 packets of seed, some of which were individual varieties of the sold-out mix. I did appreciate that. I do not believe Paul reads his e-mails and so is not aware of our requests for information, etc. It\'s a very poor way of doing business. Negative klhgrammy (1 review) On July 14, 2008, klhgrammy Kaukauna, WI wrote: ordered and paid on March 31st. To date have received no response to emails. It is now the middle of July and LONG past an acceptable period of time to have sent my seeds. very disappointed and will never deal with this company again. I am going report to Better Business Bureau and look into possible Internet fraud. I have never had any negative dealings on the internet with any gardening related company before and am extremely angry. klhgrammy Negative hearthecatsmeow (1 review) On June 26, 2008, hearthecatsmeow Camden, NC wrote: I have been waiting for almost a month now for my seeds. I ordered from select seeds because of their great selection. I own my own small business and it is holding up my business while not worried about taking my money. I have emailed three times with no answer. I would call but do not know who to call. If there is a problem, they could email me and I would probably understand. But hearing nothing makes you extremely angry and frustrated. I would certainly appreciate it if someone would call me. I will not leave my name but will leave my # Reference Number: 0002497112119875660000003332. I would be very glad to hear from Specialty Seeds so please send them a copy of this. Also, if anyone has the number of this person I can call please email me at [e-mail:hearthecatsmeow@yahoo.com]. Specialty Perennials if you lost my email this is the one for you to use also. Thanks so much. On July 15th, 2008, hearthecatsmeow added the following: I am very frustrated. After many calls I reached them. Of course, It was the same old I\'ll tell my son I can\'t do anything. Called back 2-3 times a day for three days. Finally, they said my package was sent on July 1. Well, it is now July 15th and I still don\'t have any seeds. I called again and now they are saying my order must have gotten lost but will not give me another ship date. I am ready to do whatever is necessary to set this straight. I will call the credit card company and report credit card fraud if it necessary. My card was charged 7 weeks ago. Better Business bureau here I come. Negative chaosmosis (1 review) On June 11, 2008, chaosmosis Chattanooga, TN wrote: Order submitted April 24th 2008. Almost 7 weeks later and no seeds and no response for multiple email inquiries. At least respond to emails if there is a delay. Positive suse (3 reviews) On May 12, 2008, suse Bretten (Germany) wrote: I have ordered twice. The first time at Dec. 31,2007 and obtained all I have ordered about 6 weeks later with many additional seeds. The second time I have ordered at March 27,2008. The seeds were sent to me at April 21. all of it's best. Many thanks to Paul, once more. Negative cmmwiebe (1 review) On May 11, 2008, cmmwiebe Saskatoon, SK (Zone 3a) wrote: Order sent and confirmed January 28th. 2 emails or 3 sent to enquire. No response but for sure the charges went through my account! And no seeds to date. I would just like to have some acknowledgment of my emails at the very least. Positive gracepete (1 review) On March 8, 2008, gracepete Albany, OR wrote: I say positive because my seeds are finally in front of me. It was a definite negative during my very long (and painful) wait. I began to think I'd been duped. I placed my order on Jan. 28, 2008. By mid February I started sending e-mails that got zero response. One day when the weather nixed my garden puttering, I did some browsing on line and came upon this website. (I'm a newbie here.) I was so relieved to hear similar testimonials. I called Harvy, left a message. He promptly called me back and gave the familiar platitudes, but he was so nice I couldn't be mad. Gardeners don't get mad, do they? The next day I got THE long awaited e-mail. "Your order has shipped." Four days later voila, seeds! I also received bonus seed but it wasn't for petunias or some other banal leftovers (sorry), it was more packets of the things I ordered. After pondering, I'm not sorry for trusting SP. My advice: Be prepared to wait and nag. Harvy doesn't seem to mind. Now, I've got to get busy. Positive Debsroots (19 reviews) On March 3, 2008, Debsroots Northwest, MO (Zone 5a) wrote: Took a little longer than expected to receive my seeds, but am very impressed with the seeds I received and the customer service. I will definately order from them again. Positive mashley18 (1 review) On February 19, 2008, mashley18 Asheville, NC wrote: positive, but nervous. I placed an order 4 weeks ago, recieved an order confimation email and my account was charged. Haven't heard anything yet but I really loved the selection of seeds on their site (especially dianthus!), so I hope everything goes well with my order. Will update upon receiving order... Positive flowerhead410 (1 review) On February 1, 2008, flowerhead410 Nelson, NH (Zone 5a) wrote: I did find that it took about 5 weeks for the order to come, but I LOVE their selection and find the wait worthwhile! Neutral earthtiller (1 review) On January 24, 2008, earthtiller Wichita Falls, TX (Zone 7a) wrote: My order for $33.50 was placed on 11/24/07. My credit card was charged on 11/26/07. After reading the bad reviews, I decided to send an email to the company on 12/12/07 to check on my order. I did not get an answer. The next week, I called the business phone number and had to leave a message. No return call. On 1/11/08, I called back and spoke to Harvey Henjum. He said that he would check on my order and get it sent out if it hadn't already been mailed. I also told him about the bad reviews his company was rec'g on DG Watchdog site. On 1/14/08, I called back to follow-up. No answer, so I left a message. On 1/15/08 (at 6:30am) I call and spoke to Harvey. Once again, he stated that he didn't know what was going on with my order and that hew would have to 'check'. (He couldn't check on it at the moment.) He said that he or his son would call me back. I sent an email to follow-up on the order. I have figured out by this time that the company is a small, family business ran by Paul Henjum and his Father, Harvey. It seems that Harvey handles the phone calls and Paul handles the packaging and mailing from a different residence. At this point, I am starting to feel jaded and sad that I wouldn't be getting my order. These were seeds that I hadn't been able to find anywhere else. I am also getting concerned that even if I did cancel the order, I wouldn't get my money back. I researched everything I could on the internet about this company and the two owners. I called the BBB in their city and found out that they had 4 unresolved complaints on file. On 1/16/08, I called Harvey at 7:30am (early morning seems to be the best time to get an answer). He still didn't have any information on the order other than "they would have to re-send it". I was nice and told him that I would call back tomorrow to check up on it. That evening, I received an email that my order had shipped! I was in shock! I didn't want to get too excited until I actually had the seeds in hand. The seeds got to me on 1/22/08. They were well packaged and 10 extra seed packages were included. I don't know if I will order from them again. I hope that Specialty Perennials can get their act together and start redeeming themselves. I like the seeds that they offer and the prices are fair. My advice to those of you who are still waiting on seeds is to call the company instead of sending an email. Negative teenybopper (2 reviews) On January 21, 2008, teenybopper Loomis, CA wrote: They have sent me and charged me for a second order of the seeds I ordered. I did not make the second order. NO response to my e-mail when I wrote to tell them of their mistake. This company is BAD news. Positive ntl059 (1 review) On January 18, 2008, ntl059 Roca, NE wrote: Placed seed order 01-08-08 and received them today 01-18-08, nicely packaged. Additionally, I received an e-mail from them several days ago indicating the order had been shipped. This was one of a few vendors who offered seed of one of the varieties I ordered. Would order again from them assuming germination rate is good. Neutral SonjaSkyles (5 reviews) On January 9, 2008, SonjaSkyles Elk Grove, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: I ordered seeds on 7/1/07, and my American Express account was charged $33.08 the same day. On 7/24/07 I asked them by e-mail, when my order would be shipped. A few days later I called them and left a message, but they did not call me back, and I did not receive an answer to my e-mail. On 10/14/07 I sent another e-mail, but I have not received a reply from them. I'm still waiting for my seeds. My order number was 2999. On March 4th, 2008, SonjaSkyles changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: On February 19, 2008, I mailed a copy of my order to Specialty Perennials, and I also called them to inform them, that it was coming. I was told, that they would send me the seeds, when they received my letter. On February 28, 2008, I received e-mail from them, that my order had been reshipped, and today, March 3, I got my seeds with five packages of extra seeds. Even though it took a long time, I\'m changing my rating to Neutral to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was really lost in the mail the first time. Positive timeinabottle (4 reviews) On December 17, 2007, timeinabottle Louisville, KY wrote: I have just recieved my second shipment of seeds from Specialty perennials, and on both occassions I have been very pleased. They had some problems with their computers recently and had to search for my order , but then they sent them right along. They are a source for seeds that can be found no where else. Positive desertluver99 (1 review) On December 11, 2007, desertluver99 Mobile, AL wrote: ordered several types of seed...small yellow envelope arrived in about 14 days...all seeds within...thanks Neutral jenf (4 reviews) On October 2, 2007, jenf Qualicum, BC (Zone 7b) wrote: Ordered seeds Aug 15th, credit card was billed. Have not received anything, same experiences as others in trying to contact them. Contact a man who says he will have his son deal with it. Never get return calls or e-mails or seeds. DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY On October 24th, 2007, jenf changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: Finally received seeds after many calls made, almost 2 months later. On a positive note extra seeds were included and unavailable seeds were refunded. Positive gloriag (5 reviews) On September 22, 2007, gloriag Floyd, VA (Zone 6b) wrote: Specialty Plants has a tremendous variety of seeds. I have dealt with them for several years, and I love the varieties. Today I received my order for primrose and campanulas; it was delivered promptly and they even included about three extra. I will make a second order shortly so that I will be ready for winter sowing. The prices are low compared to some catalog companies. I really appreciate that too. Negative PrairieOgre (1 review) On September 12, 2007, PrairieOgre Morton, IL wrote: I placed my order in mid-July and they charged my credit card at that time. I have sent them 3 emails asking about the status of my order with no response. I've called and left 2 messages and I've spoken to a gentleman that claimed to be the owner's father. He said that he would have his son contact me. It hasn't happened yet. The father suggested that orders with multiple species and small quantities were harder to fill and that might be what's causing the delay. If they are overwhelmed or behind, I wish they would offer the simple courtesy of letting the customer know either by email or via a message on their website. If I don't get a response soon, I will contact my credit card company and contest the charges. I'm also considering reporting them for internet fraud with the Minnesota Attorney General. Buyer beware! Negative georgiehopper (1 review) On August 21, 2007, georgiehopper Pleasant Valley, MD (Zone 6a) wrote: Placed $81.00 seed order on July 16th 2007 and paid the same day. 7/25/07 I emailed them about this order and received a reply that the seed would be shipped soon. 8/7/07: emailed them again and no reply Then I started calling. Left a message the first time, but received no follow up. Got a person the second time who said they were a little behind. Got no follow up the third time. Got another person the 4th time, who said this was his son's business and he'd follow up with me... NEVER HAPPENED! I emailed again and then again...telling them that I now want a refund since I've not even been given the courtesy of a reply. Still no response. Then emails started coming back to me saying that the mailbox was no longer available. I contacted my bank today who is going to dispute the $81.00 charge. These people are either in financial trouble or they are scammers. Stay Away From Them. On September 23rd, 2007, georgiehopper added the following: Here it is September 23rd 2007. A few weeks ago they left me a message saying they would refund my $$. I also contacted the better business bureau. I have still NOT RECEIVED MY REFUND! I held off on disputing the charge thinking I\'d get my money back, but now, since they are once again ignoring me, I am going to the bank on Monday to dispute the charge. These people are extremely unprofessional. Positive Chewster (2 reviews) On August 20, 2007, Chewster Three Rivers, MI wrote: I placed an order on the 4th Of this month and received an email confirming that my seeds were shipped on the 13th and received my seeds today (20th) The packageing and labeling was awesome and I loved the seed selection that was offered. I placed an order with this company last year and had a fantastic germination rate. I give Specialty Perennials a very positive feedback. I am very pleased with my order and I will order again. Susan Negative Phloid (2 reviews) On August 18, 2007, Phloid Candler, NC (Zone 6b) wrote: Some weeks ago I placed an online order with Hardy Plants and when the final order came up, it was listed as Speciality Perennials. I join those who who where lurded to order from Hardy Plants, aka Speciality Perennials, by their great selection and great prices; however I also join with those that have had a very negative experience. I placed an order and after 3 weeks of no items received or any correspondence sent me, I made an friendly email inquiry and left a message to their telephone. The business replied to neither. This is unacceptable business practice. I did not have the problem that they had already charged my credit card so I closed the card account used and will refuse any items sent me. I encourage the gardening community to boycott this shady business. Negative lorettamar (1 review) On August 14, 2007, lorettamar Southold, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: 6/21- I ordered seeds on-line and my credit card was charged the same day. 7/6-I emailed them to ask when I could expect the seeds. No response. 7/25-I called them and was told that the seeds "should be going out now." 8/14-still no seeds received and no communication from them. I contacted my credit card company. Negative joellehamel (1 review) On July 27, 2007, joellehamel Bel Air, MD wrote: I made a purchase at the beginning of June which the company immediately charged me for. As of today, July 27th, I still have not received my order nor have I heard back from the many emails I sent. A week ago, I contacted my credit card company and reported this. They are investigating the charge. I wouldn't recommend this store to anyone. Negative Hostafarian (14 reviews) On July 26, 2007, Hostafarian Etna, CA wrote: Gardening Bro's & Ho's, beware of dese folks. Their website says anything listed is in stock and will be shipped within 3 weeks. I placed an order on June 6th and after 2 mailings and no response am starting to feel like, you know, 'RIPPED OFF'. A hex on dem from da Hostafarian. Negative hugeposiepatch (7 reviews) On July 25, 2007, hugeposiepatch Clearfield, PA (Zone 5a) wrote: I ordered seeds June 3, 2007--I still am waiting on my seed order--I called them a couple of weeks ago and still no seeds. I have since emailed. A person can only take so much. On August 14th, 2007, hugeposiepatch changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: Well, here it is the middle of August and still no seeds. They took my money out of my bank on June 3, 2007. Are they OUT OF BUSINESS or just CROOKS????? Negative sswayze (2 reviews) On June 26, 2007, sswayze Lexington, KY wrote: Ordered a variety of seeds & was very excited to see their selection. Unfortunatley, after a month did not receive them, although my credit card had been billed on the day of my order. I sent numerous emails which were all ignored until I threatened to go to my bank, then they sent me an email back apologizing and saying my order had been sent out. Over a month later, still no seeds, and no responses to the numerous emails I've sent. Do not order from these people. They will cheat you. Positive Ruth_MI (2 reviews) On April 22, 2007, Ruth_MI South Monroe, MI wrote: Found some seeds I couldn't find elsewhere -- reasonable prices, arrived in a reasonable amount of time. I'd order from them again. Positive karenhane (15 reviews) On April 20, 2007, karenhane Manchester, CT (Zone 5a) wrote: very positive! i ordered seeds on 3/31. a couple weeks later i got an email stating the company was very sorry for the delay in sending the seeds. they also stated they would send extra seeds and additional seeds along with my order. everything was packaged nice and tidy with planting instructions on each little package. i cannot vouch for the germination as i have yet to plant them, but the service is great and this company has seeds i have not seen else where. Positive Erynne (10 reviews) On March 21, 2007, Erynne Erin, ON (Zone 5a) wrote: I have placed 2 orders with this company in the past year and have had no problems with their seeds with regards to germination. The shipping took 2-3 weeks each time but I expected this as I am in Canada. I love the selection of seeds that they carry and the prices are very reasonable. They included bonus packs with each of my orders which I thought was very nice. I will definitely place more orders with them in the future. Positive podster (2 reviews) On March 15, 2007, podster Deep East Texas, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: Order placed 2/28 and rec'd 3/15... I was a little impatient to receive as our growing season begins earlier but realized this company was under blizzard conditions during a portion of this time. I was well pleased to find my order as shipped, nicely packed and info included. They have an easy to navigate website and a varied selection of plants. I would shop again... pod Positive JodyC (7 reviews) On January 10, 2007, JodyC Palmyra, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: I sent out for 3 packs of seed about 10 days ago...I received today..I also received a bonus and growing instructions..I'm Very satisfied with the order...I will be back...:-) Positive declfi (27 reviews) On September 24, 2006, declfi Fenton, MO (Zone 6b) wrote: 3 orders worth of seeds with out a hitch Positive tiffanya (5 reviews) On July 4, 2006, tiffanya Sumner, WA (Zone 8a) wrote: Order arrived within 3 weeks of order placement. Three violas were not in stock, but a cash refund was included with the remainder of the seeds (value $7.65 / refund $8.00). The seeds are well-packaged and came with detailed planting/germination instructions. Easy online shopping experience. Positive tabasco (12 reviews) On February 17, 2006, tabasco Cincinnati (Anderson Twp), OH (Zone 6a) wrote: Six days ago I placed an $40 order for a variety of seeds which were difficult to locate on other websites. The next day I realized I had mis-ordered 3 selections and sent an e-mail to correct my error. Today all the seed packets arrived just as I had hoped, along with three gift packets of seeds and a planting instruction sheet for my hard to germinate seeds. Although the seed amounts per packet do not appear to be over abundant, there are more than enough for my needs and the prices were easy on the pocketbook. I wanted to try 'Specialty Perennials' despite their less than stellar GW rating, because of their wide range of offerings, fair prices, and easy to navigate website. Providing I have respectable germination from these seeds, I will definitely order again. On March 10th, 2008, tabasco added the following: Well, I ordered from Specialty Perennials again 2/14/08, nine packets of campanulas and digitalis to wintersow. After two emails and one phone call (to Harvey) I received a response (from son Paul) and my envelope of $22 worth of seeds and four complimentary packets today. I like Specialty Perennials because it is a small operation that strives to offer seeds that the big boys don\'t want to carry, but it is so frustrating to have such slow service from Harvey and Paul. I wish they would hire an organized helper to get the seeds packaged and in the mail in a timely fashion. I know more gardeners would order from them if they could complete the orders in a reasonable time frame. So, my saga is not complete, yet. Being ever optimistic, I placed an order February 26 for $40. worth of seeds and they have yet to arrive, despite my email pleas for them, too. I am holding at a \'positive\' rating for sentimental reasons, but I could easily be swayed in the wrong direction with a bad experience with this last order! Let\'s see what happens. Positive jday4444 (3 reviews) On December 12, 2005, jday4444 Southwest, WI (Zone 4b) wrote: I ordered last year and had great germination. They have an excellent selection of perennial seed. I ordered and had the seeds within a couple of weeks. Good, quick service. I'll order again. Negative Vibeke (1 review) On December 2, 2005, Vibeke Sandved (Denmark) wrote: negative I ordered seeds in the beginning of october. They send me a mail the seeds was send the 29. october. They never arrived. I sent a reminder 11. november and again the 16. Nothing happens. I have dropped them. Vibeke Denmark

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