The scoop on 'John Scheepers, Inc.'

Company Profile   John Scheepers, Inc. Mailing Address: PO Box 638 Bantam, Connecticut 06750-0638 (United States) Phone: 860-567-0838 Catalog Order Page: Hyperlink Paper Catalog Cost: Free » E-Mail them » Visit their website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 1 2 11 Neutral 0 0 0 Negative 0 0 0 This company is affiliated with Van Engelen, Inc. This company offers a variety of bulbs. This company specializes in: Bulbs: Daffodils Bulbs: Spring-blooming

Feedback History and Summary   109 positives 6 neutrals 5 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive EMemphisGarden (2 reviews) On July 01, 2009, EMemphisGarden Memphis, TN wrote: I normally try to avoid ordering plants and other materials through the mail, but I make an exception with John Scheepers. Their prices are competitive, and the quality of their bulbs is superior to anything I've found. I've ordered from them multiple times, and I'm always impressed with the size and health of their bulbs. First-rate. Positive connoisseur (14 reviews) On January 16, 2009, connoisseur Indianapolis, IN wrote: Along with its sister company, Van Engelen, this company has provided high quality bulbs and has promptly replaced the few bulbs that were problematic. Prices are also among the best. Positive tasintuck (3 reviews) On December 19, 2008, tasintuck Pawcatuck, CT wrote: I buy from John Scheepers every year now. The shipments are accurate; the quality, among the best. Oh, sure, there may be a couple of gnarly bulbs, but overall the yield of blooms is among the best, the first year. And the ones they say will naturalize, do, better than bulbs from other sources. Their Narcissus Ice Follies are especially prolific, as our any of their Muscari armeniacum. It is interesting how many bulbs from other sources do not reappear. Dig them up and discover bulb rot in this relatively wet climate even though the soil here is sandy. And the prices are competitive; some items lower than the discount 50% places without having to have such a discount. So I am trying their peonies for the first time. I found in Sunset’s Garden Book to plant them 1 to 2” deep to the top of the roots. I hope to log back on and report how well they have done. Positive artemiss (11 reviews) On December 04, 2008, artemiss Toledo, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: I was quite pleased with the quality and shipping of the bulbs I received, and I will order from them again. Positive ipomoeadude (2 reviews) On November 19, 2008, ipomoeadude Accokeek, MD wrote: Bulbs are generally of excellent quality and properly labeled. Selection is very good. Customer service is polite and responsive. Shipping is at the proper time. Prices are among the lowest. Best of all is their catalog--far and away the best in the industry--well arranged, attractive, and totally worthy of being pored over voraciously all spring and summer till planting time. The only negative I'm aware of is their $35 minimum, which one might expect from their volume-oriented sister company Van Engelen but which must be unreasonably high for many people who only need a few bulbs. Positive rebecca30 (2 reviews) On October 31, 2008, rebecca30 Fuquay Varina, NC (Zone 7b) wrote: I ordered Allium - Ambassador & Purple Sensation. They had the best price on the Ambassador on the net. Good Customer Service reps. Fast shipping. Bulbs in excellent condition. I would order from them again for those hard to find bulbs. Positive celestialrose (12 reviews) On October 22, 2008, celestialrose Belmont, NH (Zone 4b) wrote: I ordered numerous lily bulbs from them this Fall and they arrived promptly, well-packaged, plump and fresh. Their prices are very reasonable and ordering was easy. I am very satisfied with this company and plan on ordering from them again. Positive qbs (5 reviews) On October 20, 2008, qbs Mill Hall, PA wrote: I have been using this company for years. It is the only place where I buy my bulbs. I have never had any problems. The price and quality of the bulbs can't be beat!!! Positive crocus1 (7 reviews) On October 18, 2008, crocus1 Lawrence, KS wrote: I was nervous about ordering from this company as there seem to have been several CS problems. Since I've had CS problems with a top 30 company, I thought a big company would be a problem. But so far no problems. The bulbs seem fine and I will see how they come up in spring before I reorder. There was a confusion about a gift certificate which I sent to a friend. He may have tossed it as junk mail because he never rec'd it. When I called to ask for a replacement to be sent to me directly, they incorrectly sent it to him again. Which was annoying. However, since he's near me it wasn't a big deal. And I will say that a woman actually called me about it later and was very helpful in attempting to get the problem resolved. So it may be that the first line of CSRs are not so on the ball (and who can blame them since they probably get paid $6/hr.... another issue). Positive go_cats (5 reviews) On October 17, 2008, go_cats Wilmette, IL wrote: This was my first order. I didn't receive an immediate email confirmation of my Saturday night order, although I received it Monday, and my order arrived on Thursday. The bulbs are big and healthy, and I'm looking forward to a weekend of planting. I will definitely order from John Scheepers and Van Engelen again. Positive autumn4vajb (9 reviews) On October 16, 2008, autumn4vajb Lenoir, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: fast shipping, good packing, and good size bulbs. great first order will be back. Positive miss_sassy (2 reviews) On May 14, 2008, miss_sassy Milwaukee, WI wrote: Bulb quality: positive Customer service: so-so Overall: positive I placed my first order with John Scheepers last fall after reading reviews on Dave's Garden. I ordered a number of tulip varieties, some hyacinths, allium, and narcissus. The bulbs arrived in good quality and aside from some tulip mixes leaning heavily towards particular colors, I have been really pleased (and even those mixes were lovely). However, I did find that I ordered a Fringed Tulip Mixture and ended up with orange tulips - no mix, no fringe. I sent an email to customer support and received this reply: ...Since we sold thousands of this mix and have had no other complaints on it, we do not know how this could have happened. But, we have given you a house credit in the amount of $12.50 which you may use towards a future order. We apologize for any disappointing flowering results... I am happy with the credit but wasn't thrilled with the first sentence of the reply as it sounds a little accusatory. I called and spoke with a different manager and offered to e-mail pictures and then did so. I wish there were a way to complain without someone being suspicious of my honesty. That said, I will buy from them again and was happy with the quality. That is why my experience is being rated positive. Positive larlienda (35 reviews) On May 09, 2008, larlienda Strasburg, VA (Zone 6b) wrote: This past year was the first time i ordered bulbs from scheepers....i've had a great success rate and some stunning flowers....working on bulb order for this fall :-) lynda Positive MGinTraining (4 reviews) On March 25, 2008, MGinTraining Norwalk, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: I've had wonderful experiences when ordering from both John Scheepers and Kitchen Garden Seeds. I tried KGS after a rather minor problem (bulb variety mix up where all in a mixed bag were same color, I think) with some amaryllis bulbs was made right with a credit. After they bloomed and I noticed the issue, it was naturally too late to replace them, hence the credit. They did not make me send the bulbs back, even though I offered. I had absolutely NO problems with customer service. They said nothing about a minimum order, so that may be a new policy. Instead, I was given the choice of their companies to use my credit, and everything was handled with cheerfulness and attention to the customer. Their customer handling and their products have been top notch in my experience, and I am just about to go to their website to order again. I noticed that most of the negative or neutral reviews seem to have happened close to the same time. Perhaps there was a reason on their end, say a reorg or move, that contributed. I know my experiences with them over the past 5 years have been just great. Positive snation (3 reviews) On February 08, 2008, snation Greenbrae, CA wrote: I love this company. Their customer service is incredibly friendly and prompt, and their bulbs are nice and big and plump. So far, everything I've ordered from them that was supposed to bloom already has bloomed beautifully. My front yard was filled with daffs by late January, and the crocuses and hyacinths are just gorgeous. Can't wait to see the irises and tulips. I only wish they sold spring bulbs, too. I will most certainly order from them again. Positive hibiscus5 (1 review) On December 23, 2007, hibiscus5 Orlando, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I have had excellent results ordering from this company yearly for the past 5 years. I have always ordered amaryllis bulbs and they are the largest bulbs I have ever seen for a very reasonable price. Their shipping methods are oustanding and the bulbs are labelled and in perfect condition. The bulbs always produce huge blooms and 2 and 3 stalks per bloom. The blooms last a very long time. This year I added 'paperwhites' to my order and again the biggest bulbs I have ever seen. All of the bulbs have arrived at the proper time for planting. Positive LostMeadow (11 reviews) On December 22, 2007, LostMeadow (Zone 4b) wrote: Every order over the years that I've placed with Scheepers has been filled correctly and delivered at the proper planitng time. The bulbs always have arrived in good condition and have bloomed the following spring, increasing each year. I gave up on tulips, though, only for the fact that the deer keep eating them....The different varieties of daffodils are so beautiful in the spring. I plan on placing another order with them next growing season. Neutral winterrobin (8 reviews) On December 07, 2007, winterrobin South Dennis, NJ (Zone 7b) wrote: I had ordered, among other bulbs, a muscari mix, and only ONE came up in spring. Scheepers offered a credit to be used on my next order, in the amount of approx. $15.00. When I phoned them to place a new order for replacement of the same bulb mix, for $15.00, I was told that there was a $35.00 minimum for bulb orders. So I wound up paying more than I really wanted to spend, just to get my replacement. Bad policy. Positive Rene10 (2 reviews) On November 10, 2007, Rene10 Wauchula, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: My DS & I ordered Amarylla bulbs from them. They are very large bulbs & were shipped very quickly, will order from them again. My only complaint is they sell out too quickly! Positive mattsmom (14 reviews) On October 16, 2007, mattsmom Tomah, WI wrote: My order arrived perfectly packaged, at the proper planting time for my area. Bulbs were a very generous size & the prices are great. Positive nitzi1944 (3 reviews) On October 14, 2007, nitzi1944 Kings Park, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: I just received my tulip bulbs. They are gigantic, much larger than anything i've ever bought in a local nursery. They were well packaged and arrived when they were supposed to. I can't wait to plant them. Thanks, John Scheepers! On October 16th, 2008, nitzi1944 added the following: 10 /16/08. I just received my large order. Everything is in tip top shape. The size of the bulbs is enormous! Everything I ordered last year came up and I had a beautiful display. I would highly recommend this compny tom anyone. Positive russellmuegge (3 reviews) On October 04, 2007, russellmuegge Hamilton, IL wrote: I recieved my order from John Scheepers and the bulbs were wonderful condition and quality. This is the 2nd time I have ordered from John Scheepers and I assure you cannot go wrong by ordering from them. It is good to see that there are still trustworthy place to purchase garden supplies. Positive kwiggles (1 review) On August 10, 2007, kwiggles Hulls Cove, ME wrote: I have been buying bulbs (primarily lilies and amaryllis) from the John Scheepers Company every autumn for about 10 years now and have had only good experiences with this company. The bulbs are consistently larger, fresher and in better condition on arrival than any other mail-order I have purchased from, and I have never had any problem with their shipping or customer service. (And their selection of bulbs is outstanding!) Be aware that new introductions often sell out- get your order in early. And it may be of interest to potential customers to know that this company has "friends in high places". A few years ago, the UPS truck pulled into my driveway to deliver my 2 boxes of bulbs and I noticed he had an emormous mountain of John Scheepers boxes on the truck for a local delivery. I said, "wow, somebody's getting a big bunch of bulbs" and he replied, "yeah, those are for Martha Stewart" (she has a summer house in the area). So I guess, when it comes to the John Scheepers Company, "It's a good thing"! Positive wetdogfarm (2 reviews) On July 12, 2007, wetdogfarm Eveleth, MN (Zone 3a) wrote: I ordered bulbs in the fall of 2006...good experience, nice bulbs. I just went online to order bulbs for fall 2007 (mid July) and I wanted to say that the Scheepers online catalog and shopping cart system are the best I have used in 5 years of internet shopping. Intuitive, thorough, quick, easy to navigate, just as quick as using a paper catalog. Thanks Scheepers...kudos to your web designer! Positive tanky26 (1 review) On June 05, 2007, tanky26 Wixom, MI wrote: I order hundreds of bulbs each year and never have a problem. Their bulbs are top quality and the flowers absolutely beautiful. Their customer service staff is very friendly and helpful. Ordering online is a breeze. I rarely buy bulbs anywhere else. Positive macpams (5 reviews) On May 09, 2007, macpams Bethlehem, CT wrote: My first order, consisting of 4 different Tulip varieties, with this company. All are blooming beautifully now in CT; all are as described; no underachievers nor comminglers. I'm delighted and plan to order from them again this year. Positive elfeik (21 reviews) On February 04, 2007, elfeik Near Kansas City, MO (Zone 6a) wrote: After dealing with close to a dozen others over the last 20 years John Scheepers is the only bulb company I do business with now. Best selection, prices & quality, if there is a problem they make good without giving you the run around. Last year about half of a bag of tulips were the wrong type and they replaced al of them at no charge. Positive marianne92 (1 review) On January 15, 2007, marianne92 Bayonne, NJ wrote: I ordered 7 Amaryllis bulbs at 11 PM on Wed, Jan 10 and received them Fri afternoon, Jan 12. How's that for quick service? I know these bulbs were mostly for Christmas and the rush was over, but stiil...5 of the bulbs were great, huge and beautiful! 2 were not, 1 grew in bag and 1 had soft black area, again, probably because it is so late in the season. I emailed customer service Friday night and Monday they emailed me to tell me they had shipped 2 replacement bulbs. The prices are GREAT, half of what I paid for similar Amaryllis bulbs at Dutch Gardens and White Flower Farms (8.75 vs 18.00) and the shipping is very reasonable (6.00 for 7 large bulbs). I will be buying exclusively from them next Christmas, for myself and for gifts. They are one of the best companies I have ever dealt with. Wish I had more room in the yard, their spring bulbs look great too! Positive Audrey (14 reviews) On January 08, 2007, Audrey Hadley, PA (Zone 5a) wrote: I was very impressed with the Exotica amaryllis I ordered from Scheepers this year. It produced 3 stalks and--since the first one had five buds--a total of 13 flowers! The other bulbs I received were very nice too. Positive declfi (29 reviews) On December 28, 2006, declfi Fenton, MO (Zone 6b) wrote: Great bulbs and prices . AAA+++ Positive ku9296 (2 reviews) On December 08, 2006, ku9296 Cambridge, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered crocus, snowdrops and muscari from John Scheepers at the end of the summer and I was satisfied with everything they sent me. The bulbs were all in good condition and I liked their customer service. Great pricing too. I'll definitely order from them again. Positive jspeers (2 reviews) On October 31, 2006, jspeers Arlington, VA wrote: I ordered from this company for the first time this year, because I needed a fairly large number of bulbs, and I couldn't find the full selection of what I was looking for at my usual supplier (Brent and Becky's). Now B&B sets a pretty high standard for high quality bulbs and good service, and I was very pleased to receive equally good bulbs for a very good price from Scheepers'. I am a MG and needed to have my bulbs a bit earlier than the usual shipping time for Scheepers'. I am going to be doing a hands-on bulb planting demonstration for a new gardening club, and I wanted to have enough bulbs to let apx. a dozen people plant their own bulbs and take them home after the meeting. When I explained this to the sales staff, they were very accomodating putting a rather large (over 1,200 bulbs) into the mail the next day as promised. It arrived 3 days (including Saturday) after I called to expedite the order. The bulbs were extremely well packed and appear to be in excellent condition. I am now including this company on my list of sources. Positive amylavy (8 reviews) On October 29, 2006, amylavy zanesville, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: I must say, I received my order last week and was in disbelief at how large and healthy all the bulbs were. Comparing them to local stores, who sell bulbs, they were easily double to triple in size. I am so happy with my order that my neighbor and I are putting in another one tomorrow.. I will never again buy bulbs from stores, virtually the same price with just a small amount of shipping and twice the size, you cant go wrong with John Scheepers. Neutral anitadehoff (1 review) On October 26, 2006, anitadehoff Seattle, WA wrote: I placed my very first order 9/28/06, it was with a CS rep over the phone. I got everything I wanted and a ship time that worked for me, arrive by 11/1/06. Everything seemed fine, until today 10/26/06. I was notified that the scilla item I ordered is out of stock, not a big deal, I got a substitute item. Due to their low inventory I bought a more expensive scilla that was not in my preffered color. I asked if I could have a discount on the scilla, I was told no. I asked if I would be getting my items by the date I requested and was told no. But I was really surprised by the excuses they offered, which was that I ordered too late and that the item was out of stock when I ordered, (although the website still had it available and the cs person on the phone took the order anyway). They say they have no record of my delivery date request and didn't offer to do anything to try to get it to me earlier than their standard shipping process. My bulbs will go in a truck some time next week, and when that truck is full, it will take another 8 business days before I get them. They basically did nothing, I'm left with the impression that people in Zone 8 have few options with this company. Neutral Gardner100 (1 review) On October 26, 2006, Gardner100 Santa Monica, CA wrote: Weak on Customer Service: I did order one bulb which is supposed to be 32+cm and was noticiably smaller at 24 cm. It looks like a runt! The supervisor said there was nothing she could do unless I mailed it back at my own cost, and then they would credit me for the single bulb. I explained that I was quite happy with my other bulbs and I wanted this one, but expected it to be 32 cm. I suggested they offer me a partial credit and am waiting 24 hours for a response. I'm beginning to wonder if the slighted, unhappy person below dealt with the same supervisor. I had receieved one rotton bulb from Van Engelen and they said they would issue me a credit. It hasn't happened yet. Now I'm a little worried about the quality of my other bulbs from Scheepers (I ordered about $300 and still have another $90 worth of bulbs to receive). On October 26th, 2006, Gardner100 added the following: I do have to say that I am very happy with the quality of my other Amaryllis bulbs. The one\'s from John Scheepers are significantly larger, and I will be ordering most of my bulbs from them next year, instead of Van Engelen. The problem is, with the way the supervior handled the situation, when they misrepresented the size of the bulb. The supervisor said that the Christmas Doubles ran smaller, but that\'s not what they say in their catalogue. Has anyone else had a similar problem with mail order companies? Positive figaro52 (26 reviews) On October 20, 2006, figaro52 Oak Lawn, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: Excellent company. I received my bulbs exactly one week from the day that I placed my order. Good sized healthy bulbs. I'd gladly order from them again. In my opinion, John Scheepers belongs in the Top 30! Positive adadia (24 reviews) On October 12, 2006, adadia Glenmoore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: My bulb order from Scheepers arrived today, the first I've recieved this season despite a minor billing mix-up (not their fault; I got a new credit card between placing my order and getting billed). The packaging is very nice, the bulb bags being contained in boxes inside the outer box to minimize movement. The bulbs are fresh, lovely, and big, without a single dud. Overall I'm happy with Scheepers and will probably order from them again. Negative lmtsher (12 reviews) On October 11, 2006, lmtsher Saint Paul, MN wrote: As a northern gardener, I am unhappy with my experience with Scheepers bulbs. It is mid-Oct and snowing in my growing area. In late Sept, I inquired about a large shipment of bulbs I had ordered during the summer. Scheepers told me the lillies were held up, but agreed to send out the hyacinthoides in advance. I rec'd the hyacinthoides, but then was charged twice for these bulbs. It's been very inconvenient trying to get a refund as they never canceled these bulbs from the original order. I am told I have to wait to receive them and send them back before I am issued a refund. I am already annoyed to have to plant bulbs in the snow. Several years ago I planted Scheepers bulbs that never came up. Other companies sent bulbs to my zone 4 area much earlier. We need time to get bulbs established in cold growing areas. Positive Hyblaean (16 reviews) On October 05, 2006, Hyblaean Niles, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: Well, got my bulbs from John Scheepers this morning! They were gorgeous, as expected :), but a bit of a surprise since they sent me this email last month: "Thank you for contacting John Scheepers. I have checked in both of our companies, John Scheepers as well as Van Engelen, and I cannot find an order under your name. How did you place your order (web, mail, fax or phone). We would have sent you a confirmation card detailing your item numbers, quantities, pricing etc. We do have you in our system, but there is no activity on your accounts, just that we have sent you catalogs in the past. Sincerely, Edith King John Scheeper, Inc. Customer Service 860 567-0838 customerservice@johnscheepers.com" Made my spouse furious, and me just happy as a clam :D especially since I'd followed up and ordered from Van Engelen as soon as I'd heard that I wasn't going to get my order from Scheeper's. Not really their fault, I should have kept a receipt on my computer with an order number, and I really can't say I'm displeased at all. I will remember next fall to get and keep track of my order number though! That said the bulbs are gorgeous, and I am looking forward to receiving my next order, and ordering with them again in 2007. Healthy fat bulbs!! Positive mt_horeb_garden (4 reviews) On October 04, 2006, mt_horeb_garden Mount Horeb, WI wrote: I ordered from John Scheepers for the first time this fall. The bulbs arrived this past week and they look spectacular. They are huge and in great condition. I am especially impressed with the foxtail lilies. I have planted these before, but I have never seen such huge tubers for this plant. The numerous roots are almost a foot long and the crown is very good sized. I can not wait to see everything I ordered bloom next spring! On March 28th, 2007, mt_horeb_garden added the following: All of the bulbs and tubers that I planted last fall are now coming up. The foxtail lillies are even larger than the established ones I have in my garden. I have 100% success from these bulbs/tubers (allium, hyacinth and foxtail lillies) so far, and I can not wait until they bloom. VERY IMPRESSED with John Scheepers. On June 5th, 2007, mt_horeb_garden added the following: Flowers are absolutely gorgeous! I will be ordering from this company again!!

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