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On Nov 21, 2009, Badgertalk Nashville, TN (Zone 6a) wrote:
Three problems - (1) one package of seed was open, when I called the person who answered didn't seem to think this was a problem- they asked me about the number of seeds (2) very poor germination of lettuce - I mark all my plantings by variety, date planted and source. There is no question what came from Park (3) the one live plant I ordered was a rooted cutting - not even a plug - it had one straggely root and did not make it.
No problem with the seed, germination rates, or plants I ordered. Everything was above average or better in quality. I could almost give a neutral rating but for two issues: First, it took 4 separate phone calls to finally receive all of my order. Second, I find Park's prices high in comparison to other companies with the same availability and selection. Summed up: too much work to get my order and the same or acceptable substitute varieties can be found elsewhere for less money. Park Seed is affiliated with Wayside Gardens. I had a much better experience with Wayside, however, I ordered two plants from Wayside versus 60+ packages of seed from Park.
On Oct 7, 2009, SonjaSkyles Elk Grove, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
WARNING! It is extremely difficult to get your money back from Park. I accidentally ordered the same thing twice, an Alstroemeria collection. My American Express card was charged $38.14 on 6/24/08 for order #5385329 and $38.14 on 8/11/08 for order #5422549. After writing to them about the mistake on 12/6/08, I received a credit to my American Express card of $38.14 on 4/2/09. I e-mailed them 11/17/08, that I had not yet received order #5422549 and was told, that it would be shipped in the spring. On 4/23/09 I wrote again requesting shipment of order #5422549, and I was told that it had been cancelled, because it was a duplicate order and my account had been credited $38.14. They had cancelled both orders, but only returned the money on one of them! On 4/28/09 I was told, that the Alstroemeria collection was no longer offered and I would get the credit for the other order within 7 to 10 days. On 7/30/09 I was again promised a refund. That was the last I heard from them.
On September 25th, 2009, SonjaSkyles added the following:
After I made this comment, I also sent another e-mail to Park, and received a reply, that I would get my refund within 30 days.On October 7th, 2009, SonjaSkyles added the following:
On 10/5/09 I finally received the credit for the second order. I may order from them again, if they have something I want badly, but this was still a bad experience.
On Sep 10, 2009, willmetge Spokane, WA (Zone 5b) wrote:
Very misleading description of Heteropappus meyendorfii (Blue Knoll). The photo is totally doctored. I've grown this variety for years and it looks nothing like the photo. The information provided is very misleading and contradictory. The subheading says "Neat little cushion of lavendar blue" and the description refers to it as "powder blue". I would consider it a soft blue violet that is definately not a "neat little cushion".
The description says "in late summer, when all the summer annuals are fading and the fall color hasn't yet got started, it is nothing short of amazing" and then states at the bottom "sow seeds in January or February for October and November bloom". It always is the last thing to bloom for me, even after the garden Mums. I have never had it bloom even close to summer.
Not only am I fed up with the "Oops, that's out of stock and won't come in until growing seasons is half over" garbage, but the products that do show up are lousy as well.
I ordered white cucumbers that are in actuality plain, boring green. They're also covered in cactus-like needles that gave me hives from picking them.
I ordered multi-colored packs of bell peppers that are--you guessed it--green. I've left some on the plant until they started to rot, and still they haven't changed colors.
I ordered rose seeds that didn't even germinate. Every time I called, they told me to "give them some more time". Is four months long enough, boys?
I am so over Parks. There are plenty of companies out there who actually stock the products they advertise, and whose merchandise fulfills its basic description.
This company used to be very good but they are now unreliable and will not receive any more orders from me. My complain is like many others -- they stall and stall on issuing refunds for merchandise they never shipped.
I placed an order on 4/30/09 and while the full amount of the purchase was charged to my credit card, only part of the order shipped. After repeated calls, I was informed that the product was out of stock. I requested credit to my credit card account and they said it would be posted immediately. That was 3 months ago and with every phone call, they say the same thing "Oh we are sorry that has not been posted, but it will be on your next statement". I can check my credit card account on line and see daily posting and the credit is never posted. Unfortunately, I will have to file a complaint with the BBB and my credit card company, something I have never done before for any merchant.
I ordered two different varieties of Thai Pepper plant seeds. When they arrived, I followed the directions printed on the packets and soon had two sets of plants growing. I repotted them when they were larger, but soon had concerns because the thai pepper plants that I'm familiar with normally have woody stems/stalks, and these were green and sagged easily (I needed to brace them). Now that they are larger, and I actually have fruit growing, I see that what they sent me were varieties of tomatoes. Not Thai Pepper plants. I would never buy from this company again if they can't keep track of their seeds. I pity the person who ordered tomato plants.
On Aug 6, 2009, sfeldman2005 Santa Cruz, CA wrote:
Today I received seeds I ordered so long ago, I'd forgotten they were on order. Now it's too late to plant. Meanwhile the veggie and herb seed packets I did receive last spring didn't have any growing information on them, the number of seeds inside were skimpy and germination rates were not great, even for items that are so easy to grow like the mesclun mix lettuce. Not a successful experience.
WARNING WARNING WARNING...STAY AWAY FROM PARK SEED AND OR ANY AFFILIATES...I only wished I had known.
4 internet orders placed in early spring I had to cancel due to being laid off from my job (company has since filed bankruptcy) Orders totaling $447.40 were all billed to my credit card prior to shipment. When I called to cancel all orders due to job status I was told no problem, cards would not be billed. I have spent countless hours documenting, and calling Park Seed to obtain my refunds. Closest thing I have received is 4 post cards with a credit certificate number to apply to my next order. NO WAY!!! This was my first and will be my last experience with Park Seed. I want my money refunded and have now posted an official inquiry/complaint through the South Carolina Better Business Bureau (easy to do online at website). SAVE yourself a huge headache and just steer clear from this company and it's affiliates. BBB matter is still pending. I'll let ya know how that comes out.
Stay away from this company. I have nothing wrong with the products they sell, but I have a HUGE problem with the way the company treats its customers. First, they sent my order to the wrong address and overcharged my credit card. You will not be notified of any products unavailable at the time, until you receive your items in the mail. The customer service is exceedingly unhelpful when getting refunds. Don't waste your time trying to get your money back through them. I would call the customer service to confirm the amount you need refunded, then go to the BBB for help. Here's the website to help you get started: [HYPERLINK@odr.bbb.org]
My experience was so similar to Clairemonts (May 18) that I took that advice and contacted the Better Business Bureau.
I had ordered seeds and equipment online back in early March. Turns out both items were on backorder but website never disclosed this fact. After multiple emails w/no reply and and multiple phone calls where very pleasant company reps promised delivery dates that never came true.. I finally cancelled the order on 4/14. At that time I was informed that my credit card had already been charged which infuriated me further and that it would take 30 business days for a credit to be applied to my VISA. When I complained about that too, Park supervisor said that she expedited a credit and it should appear in 4-5 days. It didn't ! So I lodged a complaint with BBB and finally rec'd a credit on 5/20. Run... don't walk away from this company.
By far the WORST online seed shopping experience I have ever had! It took them over 2 weeks to ship order. The packets had no plant description and were no longer listed on their website, so such things as flowers were difficult to identify. The vegetable packs, such basic items as corn, beans, tomatoes etc, were from China origin and other foreign sources! Now, I would expect exotic flowers seeds to be imported, but common vegetable seeds? I would like to know they are selling me imported vegetable seeds before I decide to buy. I returned my order with a tracking confirmation number from the USPS. My return arrived at their facilities on May 7th. It took them, 3 phone calls, 1 email to customer service, and over a month to refund my credit card! Last call made was on June 8th and I finally saw a credit posted 3 days later! Would NEVER buy from this company again!
I ordered a number of plants from Park seed back in Feb. 2009. The catalog said the plants would be delivered at the proper time for planting in my area (zone 6). By mid-May I had received nothing. I called customer service & spoke with a very nice lady who said the plants would be shipped in the next couple of weeks. The end of May some of the plants arrived. Interestingly, my credit card was billed at the time of my order in Feb. I emailed the company & asked where the remainder of my order was. I received an email a few days leter explained the remainder of the plants would arrive shortly. They did arrive 1-2 weeks later - in mid-June. Needless to say I was disappointed with the timing & the lack of communication about my order, especially since I had already paid for the plants. All the plants have survived. But normally I would have expected these plants to have been received much earlier than late-May & into June. Especially since all the garden centers had all their plants out for sale in April! I will hesitate before ordering from this company again.
On Jun 2, 2009, topofmurrayhill Flushing, NY (Zone 6b) wrote:
I enjoyed gardening until I had to give it up for many years in favor of an urban lifestyle (midtown New York City). Last year I was finally in a position to go back to gardening again, so I started by ordering clematis and roses from Park, because I was familiar with the brand from way back.
This order caused me more anxiety than it should have. The plants trickled in over the course of about two months. The clematis were delivered in a more timely manner than the roses, but were quite small and required a lot of TLC to make it through their first season. There was one arbitrary substitution of rose varieties and all the plants arrived much later than optimal for bareroot planting. This made them easy prey for aphids and very vulnerable to hot weather. The last to arrive had to endure a heat wave shortly after starting to leaf out.
All the plants ultimately survived and are thriving in their second year. However, the service I've received from other suppliers has been so much more timely, the communication much better, and the service more personal. Now that I'm getting familiar again with the world of suppliers, I don't see any reason to order plants from Park ever again.
On May 29, 2009, crashbandiscoot Springfield, OH (Zone 6a) wrote:
This spring and last, I have ordered seed from Parks. I primarily just want to purchase annual flower seed. I have found their germination rates to be poor. I spend anywhere from 2.00 to 3.00 dollars for a package of easy to grow things like zinnia, marigold, ect. Flowers I can direct sow. And for two years now, I am just maddened by the very poor amount of seed that actually makes flowers!
I have found I can pick up a pack of .79 cent seed at the drugstore, get a whole lot more and better seed. I always want to order seed from their website in January and Feburary, because everything looks so enticing that time of year. I will not be doing that again.
I thought it was me. Park Seed Company has to be the worst experience I have ever had with a seed order. Most of the Items were back ordered and arrived late for planting. All the packets were short seeds. When you are paying $4.00 for 20 seeds and nothing exotic mind you that is pretty pricey. Every packet was short 4-5 seed short and that's 20- 25%. I complained to customer service telling them I was not looking for my money back but was trying to make them aware of the problems. I got no response. I used to be a wholesale grower and purchased a lot of my seed from Parks and never had a problem. Of course that was 25 years ago. How times have changed. I will be looking for a new vendor for next year.
My 1st order with Park Seed was for 20 crowns of Jersey Knight Asparagus, an all male cultivar that rarely produces female plants. My shipment arrived late for my zone, out of dormancy and every crown is now flowering/has berries on it-all female plants. The wrong product was obviously shipped.
Complaint by phone was well received. Money to be refunded back to card, not including shipping amount. Offer was made to replace asparagus except I only need and have room for 20! I expected the correct item sent in a timely and dormant condition the first time.
I ordered a blueberry plant through Park Seeds for my mother, for Mothers Day, but my mother never received it. Instead of sending another plant, they told me to contact UPS. UPS claimed it had delivered the package, but would investigate. If they were found liable, in their own investigation, they would reimburse me.
So instead of taking some small amount of responsibility, which would have retained my trust in the company, they just passed the blame on to another company.
I tried Park Seeds because one of their competitors did the same thing the last time I ordered plants online.
On May 19, 2009, imagal49 Monterey, TN (Zone 6a) wrote:
After years of dealing with Park's, I happily placed my order in early January of 2009. I was miffed at the tacked-on 'fuel surcharge' which they hadn't rescinded even though fuel prices had bottomed out at around $1.75 a gallon. Ok, I'll give them that one. My initial reaction after waiting 3 1/2 weeks was, where's my order? I'd received no communication from them, and checking their website for status is an exercise in futility. Another 1 1/2 weeks went by, and I received part of my order. As with other comments here recently, the balance dribbled in 1 and 2 packets at a time. As planting time arrived, I was surprised to find that many packets labeled '50 seeds' contained, in fact, 20-25 seeds. What's up with that? In all fairness, I have to give them kudos for the asparagas roots - though pricey, they were huge, clean and worth the price. Even so, I've definately crossed Park's off my list of future seed suppliers!
YOU CAN GET YOUR MONEY BACK FROM PARK'S. Here is how.
My experience with Park's is dismal. After more than 40 years as a regular customer, this was my final order. My story is similar to everyone else' on here. After dealing with Customer Service on the phone and by emails, the promises never materialized. Eventually I received a merchandise credit which I would never use after their downfall. I reported this to the BBB which is a very easy online effortless way to complain. Within 4 days, my credit card account was credited. They do respond to the BBB since they are a member.
It is illegal for them to charge you until the items are shipped. That is the law. Read their guarantee. Make them honor it. You will get nowhere with Customer Service, although pleasant people, their hands seem to be tied. Complain to the BBB and you will get results. Do not accept a merchandise credit. Demand they refund your money. If you hit them where it hurts, eventually they will either go under or be forced to improve. With the current ownership, I'm betting my money on them going belly-up.
Do not allow them to rip you off. Take action and report them to the BBB and your credit card company. You will get the proper results. Justice is sweet.
Be warned this company is practicing unethical (possibly illegal) practices holding your money while they never plan to ship your merchandise & then taking forever to refund your credit card. **** Buyer Beware ****
I ordered some seeds on 3/2/09 on the internet. It informed me that they would ship in the next 2 weeks. When 2 weeks passed I checked the online status and it said "shipping soon". I called them and they said it was back-ordered and would ship Friday. 10 weeks later they are still saying the same thing. They did ship the "free gift" right away so that they could charge me the shipping and order fee right away while I endlessly wait for the product I really want. When I called on 5/18/09 to cancel my order since I was never going to receive it they said it would take 30 days for my credit card to be refunded. Can you believe this for a product that was never shipped. I am notifying Visa of this practice and encourage everyone to do the same. The best way to prevent a company like this from operating is to keep Visa/MC from allowing them to use their credit cards. http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/contactus/merchantv...
On May 18, 2009, gardnbug Travelers Rest, SC wrote:
I wish I had known about this website before ordering from Park Seed!! They are giving out incorrect information regarding planting times. My local extension office advises planting potatoes mid to late March - when I did not receive them by the first of April I called customer service. They said I would receive the potatoes "at the proper planting time for your area, which is mid to late April". It is unbelievable to me that a large company like this would make such a major error. I cancelled my order and asked for a refund, which I have still not received. It has been well over a month ago. It also took me 2-3 months to get some of the seeds I ordered. In fact, I ordered some seeds in February that I still have not gotten! I emailed customer service about this also, since the website said the seeds SHIPS NOW, and she actually told me that SHIPS NOW means AVAILABLE FOR SPRING SHIPPING. What?? Also, I ordered Jersey Giant asparagus, which are suppose to be 99% male, and at least 30-40% of my bed is female. And, I also received my onions a month late and they are looking pitiful in my garden. I will never order from Park Seed again, which is a shame since I don't live very far from them and would like to be able to support a local company. But not anymore.
On May 15, 2009, skooby Connellsville, PA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I should have checked Gardenwatchdog for ratings before ordering from Park seed. First of all, my order took 3 weeks to recieve. How hard is it to stuff seeds in a mailer and send it?? Second, I have been gardening all my life and growing professionally for 5 years. I have germinated the hardest of seeds to germinate, including passionflower. I paid almost $5.00 for 35 seeds of the Kossak kohlrabi and another fortune to have them sent. Only 4 out of 35 germinated.....I am displeased to the fullest and should have known if they were affilliated with Wayside gardens, (I have had a bad experience with them as well) I would have RAN WAY FAST!
Wow, I wished I'd have read the reviews before I purchased from Park Seed. I ordered about $40 of seed from them on April 11th, 2009. I called them directly because every time I tried to click the "pay now" button on their website, I would get a message saying my cart was empty.
They told me on the phone that the begonia seeds weren't expected in their warehouse until the 17th, so they would ship in a second shipment. By the end of April, I still had not received any of my seeds, so I called again. I was told by a lady that they were packed and ready to be shipped, but for some reason they were just sitting on hold. She said she would release the order.
By May 8th, my seeds had still not arrived, so I called again. I was told that my debit card had been declined and that accounting had a hold on my order. My card couldn't have been declined, it's had plenty of funds, but I was told by the nice rep that she would make sure my card info was correct and get with accounting to release the hold that day and the order should be shipped ASAP and should get here by Tuesday. They did however, remove my shipping charges after I repeatedly asked to speak to a supervisor about getting my order at least SHIPPED free of charge in exchange for their poor service.
It's May 13th and they promised my 2-day priority service. When I called them today to inform them that my seeds had still not arrived, they said they were awaiting packaging in the shipping department and would ship "in the next couple of business days. I should have them "by the weekend." If they come before Memorial Day weekend, my traditional weekend to plant, I will be surprised.
I ordered about 10 different kinds of flowering seeds from this company more than 2 1/2 months ago. It took them longer than a month to ship the seeds, which was really disappointing since I wanted to get a head start on planting the seeds indoors. Since they took forever to ship the seeds I had to directly sows them in the ground. I just planted them last week, so we will have to wait and see if anything grows. I can understand not shipping plants out right away if its not time to plant them outside yet. But seeds, who cares? Why do you have to wait until growing season? A lot people like to start there little seedlings early. I probably wont order from them again, because I dont like waiting months for my order to be processed and shipped out to me.
On May 6, 2009, StellysPapa Dothan, AL (Zone 8a) wrote:
I had placed an order on March 5 2009 for 5 different species of ferns. Today, May 5, exactly 2 months later, I get an e-mail saying that 2 of those ferns shipped today, and the others will be " Shipping Soon ".
What I can't understand.....I realize that a lot of these nurseries get their plants and seeds from other growers and therefore they can't fill orders till the growers send the plants. But, don't the growers use greenhouses to grow these plants in ? So, therefore, saying that the winter was exceptionally cold and or wet etc.etc., should not be an excuse for delay. But maybe they use that excuse, thinking that we are too stupid to know better. There is, in my opinion, no excuse for it taking 2 months to get part of an order, and will probably take another two months to get the other part.
On May 8th, 2009, StellysPapa added the following:
Got the rest of my order today, May 7. The plants were all in good condition and had buds on some of them. But I still say 2 months is too long for an order to be shipped.On July 4th, 2009, StellysPapa added the following:
On June 5, 09 I received a post card from Parkseed saying that I had a credit of $38.94, to use with my next order. Today, July 4, I go online to their website to view their fall merchandise. There was an item I was interested in and placed the order, total came to $45.00 plus shipping. On the order form, it asked for any special codes, or gift certificate. I entered the credit certificate number, but it was rejected. I tried 3 times, and each time, it was rejected saying it was an invalid number.
Bottom line, Parkseed is not even honering their own certificates. Best anyone else just stay away from them. They are nothing but liars and cheats.
Placed order in mid February with hopes to plant bulbs in the beginning of March - perfect for Florida! 1/2 way into March, no shipment. Decided to cancel 6 weeks after order was placed and found out that they issued me a "credit." I called and asked for a refund. Three weeks after that call, still no refund. I was told it takes 30 business days (6 weeks!!!) to issue a credit. If they can do that with enough customers, they can make some serious returns in 6 weeks. I've never experienced such poor customer service with any web vendor before. Extreme ship times and extreme refund/credit times.
On May 4, 2009, CRCgardener Minneapolis, MN wrote:
I ordered seeds through their website in February. It's a very nice website, easy to use. I found varieties other companies didn't have. The order was quite large and I needed the seeds for my job as a gardener for a private estate. I thought I could trust a name like Parks. I have a greenhouse to start the seeds in and the website said "ships now". I even added the comment I wanted them shipped right away since I had a greenhouse to start them in. All seemed well, I thought, a few days, maybe a week and I'll be starting seeds...nope. After a couple weeks I checked on my order and was told they would be "shipping soon". What's soon? I don't remember the exact words, but something like, we have 3 weeks from the time of the order to ship. Really!? That was news to me! The website states, "SHIPS NOW" no where did it say, we can hang onto your money for 3 weeks and ship at our lesiure! I did FINALLY, after 3 weeks, recieve my seeds. The order was mostly correct and the seeds performed satisfactorily. But, I will never order from Parks again. Seeds? 3 weeks to ship seeds! Why? I thought these were plant people who understand plants and the need to start seeds in a timely manner. I guess not. And no, I won't plan accordingly and order 3 weeks earlier. Their job is to ship when the order is placed and it can be filled.
On January 22, 2009 I placed an order for the Park Seed Victory Garden collection of seeds. I finally received the seeds on April 28, 2009 - 3 MONTHS after placing the order. And this was for SEED. Further more, two of the seeds were replaced with different varieties than what they said the collection would contain (cucumber and pepper). It's now to late to plant the peppers and tomato in my area. Those needed to be started indoors several weeks ago! A seed company that takes 3 months to deliver seed....I don't think so.
On Apr 28, 2009, elaineq New Cumberland, WV wrote:
On April 4th 2009 I received 2 sets of plants out of 9 sets of live plants and bulbs that I order in early Feb. Invoice said other items ordered are sold out. I called Park Seed and requested a refund as I did not want other items from them. Customer Service was nice and said yes of course refund to be sent out with in 30 days. In one week I received notice of a credit to my account. After more phone calls and a bump up the line to accounting. I was told my refund (93.71) would be issued with in six weeks. Unacceptable and one more bump up the line, I was promised check with 7 to 10 days. I received it yesterday. Last time I will ever purchase from this company.
On Apr 28, 2009, ballymurphy Finleyville, PA wrote:
I ordered seeds and live plants on March 2, 2009. As of April 27, 2009, I have not received my completed order. Its almost two months waiting on seeds and live plants. I have a small greenhouse and would like to get the seeds started before it gets too hot. When asking via email for shipping dates and items, the reply is "Shipping Soon". This is an acceptable and unprofessional answer. They may need to hire more people to handle their "busy time of the year". I know they will not be busy next year with my business.
After having ordered last year with a small seed ordered, I reordered this year in January 2009. When I received my order, about 30 percent of the order was missing. After checking the website which stated it was waiting to be shipped and many many phone calls, it took until the middle of March before I saw most of my order. I finally ended up cancelling what had not been delivered as those in customer service could not tell me when the seeds would be shipped. Some of the missing packages were for early spring sowing (hence the Jan. ordering) and I was nearing the end of planting time for these varieties. I cancelled the remainder of my order because I was told it could be several more weeks before they would ship. Although I have ordered from Park's in the past, I had so much trouble getting my seed order this year, I will not be ordering from this company again.
On Apr 27, 2009, nina0113 Fredericksburg, VA wrote:
I ordered, among other things, bean rings (a support system for pole beans) in January. I received confirmation on January 9th that they were SHIPPING NOW. My credit card was charged at that time. The rest of my order was delivered promptly, but not the bean rings. I have called and emailed repeatedly and have been assured over and over that the bean rings would be shipping shortly. Wednesday, April 22 (already 3 1/2 months late!) I received yet another email that they had shipped. Friday I received a package containing the bamboo-stake supports for the rings, but not the actual rings themselves. I have requested a complete refund and will never do business with Parks or anyone associated with them again. I used to trust them. No more.
On May 11th, 2009, nina0113 added the following:
While the person I spoke to on the phone assured me that they would refund my money, they did not do so. It took an official complaint to the Better Business Bureau to get it.
On Apr 27, 2009, Rick_Cortese Los Gatos, CA wrote:
Even if I eventually get my order it is to late to be a positive experience. My wait trumps most people: Over 3.5 months from Jan of this year. Every time I checked web site I got 'shipping soon'. My mom wanted a picture of the fig I bought her so I went back to the web site recently and sure enough, it is labeled "Sold Out". So I phoned a nice woman in CS, gave her my order number and was told; ~'Your order was never transferred from the web site'. This is ignorant fertilizer to tone it down a bit. While I am a chemist by trade I had enough book keeping to almost use it as a minor. This just doesn't happen in a double entry book keeping system. That is, you close out the books, prepare income, accounts receivable, and balance sheets et cetera on a monthly basis if not more often. When I did some moonlighting as a bookkeeper we balanced the books to the penny every day. There are things like inventory tax, quarterly withholding, and income taxes!!! No book keeper worth spit would not see the discrepancies.
So I tell the woman "I see on your web site that this is Sold Out. I guess this means I won't be getting my fig tree?" She replies `"Well it is coming up as in stock on my computer. We will ship it our as soon as possible." Needless to say it is not here yet and my order is listed as 'Shipping Soon' on the web site.
None of this rings true, especially in light of the other problems people are having.
I filled in the "Negative" button above, but the truth is that my experience has been RIDICULOUS!
I ordered azaleas in June 2008. After giving me the runaround for NINE MONTHS, the clueless Customer Service at Park Seed told me that they weren't going to send me my shrubs after all, although they had charged me for them nearly a year ago.
Not that they had bothered to let me know this — I had to call them a dozen times to find this out.
So I said, "No, I don't want store credit. I want my money back!" And I should have demanded interest, but whatever.
That was a whole month and a half ago. They told me initially it would take 2-3 weeks to get the money back in my checking account, but nothing happened for 4 weeks. When I called them back, they acted concerned and said it would take only 2 days more. I waited a week and called back. Same story.
Let's just say I've probably called them a total of six times AFTER they told me they're not even sending my plants, and I still haven't been refunded.
Plus they are only giving me back the price of the azaleas, not the shipping and handling they charged but didn't even use.
This company is a joke. They're quick to take your money but won't give it back.
PLEASE AVOID! It's not worth the hassle to even gamble on such a disorganized, sleazy business. They need to get their act together.
Here's a start — stop charging people before you've even shipped their plants!
Very poor order fulfillment this year (2009). Ordered flower seeds, wooden plant markers, and seed starter trays 2/17. Got the seeds over 5 weeks later; got the markers after 7 weeks; still don't have the seed trays over 2 months later. They're using "supplier problems" as an excuse. Pretty sure that translates into poor management or financial problems. The other 5 seed companies I ordered from this year had normal shipping times - about 2 weeks. Won't be using Park Seed again.
On Apr 18, 2009, listerjen Perryville, MO (Zone 5b) wrote:
I had placed an order 3/10/09 for 4 seperate flower seeds and 2 groups of seeds for children ( unique plants for children).
Have gotten my flower seeds.
I have not recieved the seeds for children. Which has been a BIG disappointment for me and my daughters class. I had talked with her teacher before order and we thought it would be neat for the children in her class. No show on seeds as of today and I have made 3 calls.
Call 1: 3/20/09 The seeds are in the bin and would be sent shortly.
Call 2: 3/24/09 The seeds should be in Friday and since they were for a class would be put on priority.
Call3: 4/6/09 Final call having problems with suppliers. Would ship very soon. Again priority because of class and my complaining.
Checked and was charged for these seeds on 4/13/09 even tho' I have been told they can not deliver.
Oh yea that class I need them for are handicapped children and they were told this.
I wanted an early start this year and ordered from Parks. I did not order any live material, only seeds and supplies. It took 1 month for my order to arrive. No notification was given to me about the delay. I will not order from them again. On the positive side I love their BioDomes, but the price has gone up $5 this year.
I placed my order with them on February 28. I got a shipping confirmation without a tracking number on March 6. The seeds came today, on April 13, more than a month later. Way too late for my plans.