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On May 21, 2013, Joeyfornow Lake Hamilton, AR (Zone 7a) wrote:
I was looking for a particular rose (Black Bacarra) and was unable to find one anywhere except at Growquest. I was very leery of purchasing from them because of some of the reviews here on Dave's Garden. I decided to give them a try. I ordered my rose and got an email confirmation right away. The rose took about 12 days to arrive and I admit I was getting worried. I want to note though that my concern was because I really wanted this rose. Their website says not to pay until the rose is received and believed to be ok so I was out nothing. I sent an email to inquire and got a email back asking for a review of their service. A day or so later the rose arrived. It was definitely alive and may not have been the most robust looking plant but it is a bare root and the largest budding canes that it had were white! I had never seen that before but we took care of the bush as they told us and it began to green up and grow after a few days. It is now looking great, has many new leaves and its first tiny bud. We are really happy with the bush and are sending in a check. Thank you, Growquest! I would definitely order from them again.
Ordered a rose in early May. He was quick to respondwith an invoice with shipping charges and instructions to send a check. Mailed check and it was cashed right away by company. Rose was not revieved. When I emailed and inquired about the status, he sent me another invoice with additional $5 for shipping. Inquired what was going on, never received an response, tried calling and got a long babbling answering machine with no way to leave a message or reach Chris. One month later still no rose, I guess I should have researched this company further, if I had I would have seen all the negative complains about him and would never have ordered. I don't expect to receive either a retund or the rose I ordered from them. Growquest is a rip-off--DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM!!!!
On May 18, 2013, jeepstergrower Thousand Oaks, CA wrote:
Posted on April 26, 2013, updated May 18, 2013
Hello, I contacted Chris Gilcrest, Growquest, regarding my interest in purchasing three pistachio trees. Chris came to my house with three very mature pistachio trees that were way larger then i expected. He not only delivered them to my house for no charge, but he walked through my backyard and gave me his advice regarding all my other fruit tree that were recently planted. He spent about an hour and a half giving me ideas and helped save two of my fruit trees. Chris also gave me information on where to plant the trees, where to get soil and what to use in fertilizing the trees.
A month or two later i purchased two avocado trees from Chris. Again the trees were very well priced and showed up much larger then i ever expected. I previously purchased two avocado trees from Barron brothers in camarillo, ca. They were substantially smaller and died. They gave me crap info in taking care of the trees and clearly wanted me to make the purchase and get out the door. When chris brought the avocado trees he also gave me two tango Mandarin trees for free. I have to say i have never seen a grower be so generous. No grower does that.
I know chris has gotten a lot of negative reviews, but he has been incredible for me and my family. The trees that he has provided us are way beyond what i expected. ,About a year ago, i purchased blueberry bushes from a place in new jersey called Dameco Farms. When the bushes arrived they died days later. I was so angry and the owner basically told me to F off. So i know when you order something online you are taking a chance. The owner from Dameco Farms, said to me that if i can get trees from a local grower then i am a fool to buy on line. He said you are always taking a chance when you purcahse on line and the plants/trees are delivered. This was a $100 lesson that i learned.
If you are able to have chris delivery your trees to your house, you will be very happy. I will always do business with chris Gilcrest in the future.
thanks chris for all the advise, incredible trees and professionalism.
steve
On May 18th, 2013, jeepstergrower added the following:
I just placed an additional order with Chris for a Pistachio tree and a blueberry bush. Chris delivered the Pistachio tree (it had numerous large clusters of pistachio's) and the blueberry bush (the blueberry bush was a large bush and was covered in very large blueberries.) Chris also gave me a free beautiful rose bush. I told Chris that it was my son's birthday and he brought two large bags of ladybugs for them. He never charged me for ladybugs or rose bush.
Chris, then gave me additional advice on how much water my fruit trees in my backyard needed. I discovered that many of my fruit trees were dropping fruit due to the lack of water.
I always appreciate the products ad advise Chris has given me. He always returns my email and always provides trees that are substantially larger than the ones the local nursery sells.
I know Chris is busy and has lots of deliveries in multiple states. But, be patient and you will be more than happy with the products and advise he provides.
Avoid doing business with this guy, Chris. He strung me along for one month on an order for an avocado tree. He confirmed a delivery schedule time after time, and never delivered with some reason or another. I followed up by email & phone and got only lies from him.
I am very pleased with my experience. I have been searching for a Honey Dijon rose and Chris made available to me one of his four year old roses. I also ordered a Stainless Steel at the same time. Both roses came very well packed in a wood crate. Both roses arrived in bloom and have not stopped growing and blooming. Will happily use them for future purchases.
Buyer beware: I had prepaid for these roses (even forgot to deduct my "prepay" discount). Even so, they never came. The first time I emailed, I received an immediate response indicating that they would be sent in short order w/ an extra plant. I waited. Still, they never came. I sent several more emails, this time requesting a refund as I had reached the point of giving up on them and never received a response. I'll give them a week to send me a refund.
I have done business with Chris and Growquest for the past 7 years. I have had nothing but good experience with them. In fact, on my latest order, Chris went out of his way and found 6 roses for me to match the 40 roses we purchased from him years ago. I searched all over the country for them prior to Chris finding them for me and personally delivering them. That is service beyond compare. Chris, my wife and I thank you very much. I would recommend you without hesitation to anyone.
On Mar 28, 2013, Sammysgarden Casas Adobes, AZ wrote:
I recently put an order in with Chris from Growquest for three roses. Chris told me that I could expect the roses in about one week. after 2 weeks I called Chris to tell him the roses where not delivered yet. He was very nice and explained that he was very busy but he would get them out this week. I explained that I had a family emergency and would not be home for the delivery and ask him if he could please wait till the following week. Chris did wait to send the roses till the following week. The roses are in very good condition. I,am very happy with the roses and I will definitely do business with Chris again. Thank you chris
I recently placed an order with Chris from Growquest. We were in contact for a few weeks prior to the deliver, he provided great direction on how to plant to the trees and optimize the growth. Although the deliver was delayed one day, I must say I am very pleased with the quality of the 5 15G Avocado trees delivered.
I'll be doing business again with Chris, and hopefully I can reap a full crop of Avocado trees this season. Thanks for the delivery Chris keep delivering a good product.
On Mar 17, 2013, b_arnold1976 High Point, NC wrote:
I ordered 5 roses from GrowQuest.com. I did my research and Chris had the best selection. I wanted certain roses and he had what I was looking for. Also he has some great YouTube videos. I sent my check because I wanted the best price and I knew I would not be home for a C.O.D order. This was in the winter time when I placed my order and I knew it would be awhile before my order would ship. The weather started to warm up and Chris said my order would be shipping soon. I didn’t hear back from him or get the tracking number. I got worried and saw all of the bad reviews. I e-mailed Chris my concerns. He apologized and told me the situation. He shipped my order directly and threw in an extra rose for the delay. The order arrived as promised. Minus the FireFighter rose but his picker said the quality wasn’t that great and he will find a better supplier and ship that one separate. The root systems on these roses were very nice and they looked like nice sized roses. One rose looked like it was taken out of the pot and had lots of nice soil. I’ve looked at the reviews and it sounds like sour grapes. I don’t know the story behind them but I do know that my experience was good. Chris cares about the product and the customer. He only ships when the weather is good. It says that on his site, that is the second reason I decided to order from his site. I could pay $30 plus dollars for a rose at my local nursery and I didn’t want to spend $17 for a dead rose delivered via the mail. Again I was very happy with my order. Be patient, wait for the right weather conditions, send Chris a nice e-mail and he will update you. He is a good honest guy.
I was looking for a non fruiting olive tree at a fair price and Chris came through with an attractive 36" box wilsonii, delivered and at a great price!
I ordered 18 Floribunda rose bushes from Mr. Gilcrest about three weeks ago and he hand delivered them to my home yesterday. The roses exceeded my expectations--the plants were older than I thought they would be, had many, many strong canes and their root systems were large and healthy. The plants arrived in a moist condition. Upon arrival of the plants Mr. Gilcrest asked to see the site they would be planted on and I took him to the back yard and showed him the hillside I had prepared for their arrival. He was pleased to see the holes I had dug for the bushes were quite large and would easily handle the excellent root system the bushes had. He then showed me two methods for planting the bushes that was different than I was about to do. He planted a couple of them for me and showed me how to water them in deeply. Using his method I was able to plant all 18 bushes in under two hours. (Since I had previously prepped the holes and the 50/50 top soil and mulch combination.) He states he is going to follow up with me in April to see how the bushes are coming along. He feels they will thrive very well on the sloop and produce a mass of pink Passionate Kisses Floribunda roses year after year. I wish to thank Mr. Gilcrest for his time, teaching and labor he didn't need to do any of those extra things. He gave me excellent prices, also.
I ordered 4 roses on 8/11/2012 and just took delivery on 2/2/2013.
I must say the process was confusing. I placed the order but was not being asked for any payment. I was not sure if it went through or not. Therefore, I ordered a few more from other suppliers.
On 12/31/2013, I received an email telling me that the order was being processed, and they also lowered the price and asked me if I am still interested in this order. I replied that I am still interested and was told that my order would be arriving in next week. But the order did not arrive.
On 1/24/2013, I sent an email asking about the order.
On 2/1/2013, I was contacted that my order was in and they will drop it off the same day that evening and asking me for a payment when it was delivered. I already had other commitment so I left the company a check. But no one showed up and I got another email telling me that it got too late at night and the delivery will happen the next day.
On 2/2/2013, the roses showed up in my front door and they took the check. They also thrown in a free rose. The roses look nice and healthy. Better than the ones I ordered from other online store.
Anyway, it works out ok for me. For some, it might not be acceptable and will give a neutral or even a negative.
On Feb 5, 2013, mebrann Dove Creek, CO (Zone 5b) wrote:
Growquest Nursery, Christopher Morgan Gilcrest, is a total scam. Do not be fooled by their beautiful website. Mr. Gilcrest will gladly take your money. You will never, ever receive your product and you will never, ever receive your order. I ordered and paid for 3 roses, plus shipping in August, 2011. He has been dancing me around since then despite my calls and e-mails. He has finally just stopped responding to me.
Posted on August 16, 2012, updated August 17, 2012
Posted on March 13, 2012, updated August 16, 2012
Posted on March 12, 2012, updated March 13, 2012
Hello Everyone,
I can't beleive all the the negative things that I have read. My name is Chris and I just placed an order from this company for one large strong Hass Avocado tree. One hour later, I got a call from Chris (the owner), he was very professional, nice and very pleasing to deal with. Here is what he did for me. He told me that he will give me two trees one "A" and one "B" to pollinate the other. He looked up my address on the google maps, look at the google earth to see my house and backyard, zoomed in and he told me how and where to plant my two Avocado trees, what kind he will give me and what I need to do to protect them from the frost. He is sending his driver over to my house tonight to drop my two trees off including some Gypsum powder for the soil. He told me that he will give me the very best strong trees that he has so they will survive the heat and frost that I get at my house. He even offered to come over to my house later this week to paint the trunk of the tree with white latex paint to protect it.
I think Chris is very nice. I work in an industry that I come in contact with over 2,000 people a year, so I can spread the word of how Chris treats his customers and how he goes out of his way to help others.
NOTE: Once I get my product tonight, then I will write him a check, per his instruction. He saved me a bunch of money, instead of shipping the tree, he is throwing in a second tree for the price of shipping cost. Basically, my bill never went up and he is giving me more than I even asked for.
WOW, awesome, business man!! I will spread the word around to buy from Chris at GROWQUEST.COM
Chris, Love your videos, thank you!!
Customer for life,
ChrisJR
P.S. Chris, I hope all your family issues are getting better. I have read so much about it. Urg!!
I stand by you and your products. I think that some people can not ever be pleased in this world and hurt others.
On March 13th, 2012, chrisjr added the following:
UPDATE: My two trees were hand delivered last night at 6:00pm. After placing the order at Noon, I received my order just 6 hours later. I have never had a faster shipment in my life as I did with this one.
I have to say the trees look very good. They both are helathy and strong with a lot of new growth on them. The large tree is over 10 feet tall, I was shocked (in a good way) when I got it. Some nurseries sell crap and small trees for a large price plus delivery. I know, I was taken from another nursery (full refund was given).
I have to admit Chris and his team really came through for me. His driver that delivered the trees was very nice and friendly. He asked me if my trees look good enough and he even wheeled them to the backyard for me. He didnt leave until I was fully satisfied. I appreciate the speedy service and honest feedback that I was given. I will always buy more trees from them. Thanks. On August 16th, 2012, chrisjr changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:
You are right. Chris Gilcrest is a total fraud. He should be in jail or someone should put a stop to him. He stole my money. He is a lier, calls you names and steals from you. He even denys you ave him money. He disconnects his phones from time to time and then adds another address to his business. This LOSER, LIER, THEFT NEEDS TO BE CAUGHT AND IN JAIL. CAN ANYONE HELP???
NEVER USE GROWQUEST GROWERS AT ALL. BE CAREFUL HE HAS MANY WEBSITES OUT THERE.
WRITE TO BBB AND THE FBI LIKE I DID
I have changed my rating because the trees that Chris LOSER sold me was dieased and DIED. I had them checked out by a true professional and he told me that he didnt grow them right and used not only bad soil, but also salt in the water and killed the roots. He is a total FRUAD. He takes your money and sends you dead trees. Many people have stated that he in fact stole their money. Now the FBI is onto him. read it all online. Check out BBB. Its all there. Last night he called me 5 times cursing me out like a littel child over and over again. Then he emailed me over and over again, which I called the police, filed a report and wrote to BBB what he has done. I also called the FBI and filed a complaint. I sent the police all the emails he sent me. He is very RUDE, NASTY, UNPROFESSIONAL, LIER THEFT AND NO GOOD LOSER. HE IS NOT A MAN AT ALL, BUT A MENTAL ISSNESS CASE. Serisouly someone needs to put a stop to him. I will not be insulted at all. I am blogging everywhere. Its called freedom of speech Chris, so take that LOSER!!! He will steal your money and send you plants that will die. Good luck!!! BBB has an alert out on his company that is run from an apartment and garage. BE CAREFUL!!! Read some forums, I beleive their is a class action suit that is filed. I will jump onto that. On August 17th, 2012, chrisjr added the following:
Chris Gilcrest is a total fraud. He should be in jail. He stole my money. He is a lier, calls you names and steals from you. He disconnects his phones from time to time and then adds another address to his business. He bounces around from place to place after he got kick out of Tulare country. Now he is in Ventura Country. This LOSER, LIER, THEIF should be in jail. Someone needs to put a stop to him.
NEVER USE GROWQUEST GROWERS AT ALL. BE CAREFUL HE HAS MANY WEBSITES OUT THERE. WRITE TO BBB AND THE FBI LIKE I DID. When you call his bluff or write something bad, he will get very mad at you, call you names and treats you like a child. Something is totally wrong with him mentally. Seriously many people have stated this.
The trees that Chris LOSER sold me were diseased and DIED. I had them checked out by a true professional. The trees he sent had too much salt, bugs and was root bound. I found out that he never grew this himself. These are knock off trees from a discount place. Basically, these trees were trashed and he sold them to me. He doesn’t even ship them to you, but throw them in an old crappy van laying down in the hot sun. He damaged these trees. It is on purpose. Check out BBB. Don’t buy from him!! HE CHARGES YOU FOR UPS SHIPPING BUT NEVER SHIPS THEM. THIS IS BAD!!!
He has many you tube videos that shows his plants, DONT believe it. Look at all of them, every video is from a different nursery. He goes around taking videos, post them on You tube as his own, which is a crime and then he sells you crap. He doesn’t sell you these trees at all. What a TOTAL JERK AND SCAM.
HIS BUSINESS IS MAINLY FROM YOU TUBE SO PLEASE DONT BUY FROM HIM AND IN FACT CHECK OUT WHAT TRUE CUSTOMER POSTS.
I KNOW HIS GAME. WHAT A TOTALL LOSER AND JERK.
I know his game well and here is the story. You can confirm everything by going to you tube and reading all the negative things about him. None of this is made up at all by me. THIS IS THE TRUTH. READ ON.
This guy is a thief big time. He has no nursery at all. He works out of a garage with an apartment. He drives around from nursery to nursery taking videos and then post them online to sell you items. His wife left him. His family is mad at him. His children, well, I won’t go into that. Recently his brother is in trouble. Chris Morgan Gilcrest has been in jail, and has to pay a fine. He was required to cease and decease order by the FBI. Now he is being investigated by the FBI and BBB. BBB also has alert out on his business and name. Please look online, you will find everything. I am not making any of this up.
He will either send you trees that will die or not send you anything at all. My job is to stop him and post whatever and whenever I can. There are many customers doing the same thing. We have the right to as freedom of speech. In fact what he is doing is breaking the law and is a federal crime, since he stole over $1,000.00 from customers. I hope he is jailed. I have called the FBI and BBB.
CHRIS LOSER GILCREST, I HOPE YOU READ THIS, LOSER. YOU KNOW ALL THIS IS TRUE. DONT DENY OR LIE. BE HONEST AND BE A MAN. YOU ACT LIKE A CHILD.
Well, all i can do is share my very positive experience with Growquest.
I've made 3 orders for total of 4 avocado trees and am very pleased. Ironically I probably would not have ordered if I would have read all these posts but alas, I did and would not hesitate to order again.
Chris actually came by tonight personally to help me plant the last one - a 24" Sir Prize.
I now have:
Oldest to newest
Hass
Multi avocado
Lamb Hass
2 Sir Prize
These trees look so much more vibrant and healthy than the ones I've seen at Home Depot..
Chris, if you read this, thanks again and it was nice meeting your family. I pray things get better for you brother, everyone deserves a second chance.
Anyone who reads this please contact me if you have any questions.
On Jul 24, 2012, karentom2174 Ingleside, TX wrote:
Posted on July 9, 2012, updated July 24, 2012
Posted on June 28, 2012, updated July 9, 2012
Posted on June 23, 2012, updated June 28, 2012
Posted on June 21, 2012, updated June 23, 2012
Posted on June 4, 2012, updated June 21, 2012
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated June 4, 2012
Posted on June 3, 2011, updated June 4, 2011
Like many others, I ordered, paid, and have not heard from Chris or Growquest since, except for additional invoices of varying amounts. I have filed an FBI complaint ( cybercrime and interstate fraud ), so anything I say here is a matter of public record. CHRIS: send me my money or my trees, and I will cancel the federal felony complaints.
On June 4th, 2011, karentom2174 added the following:
Chris: Have you ever heard of the " 3 strikes and you're out law? Is 50 years of your life spent behind bars worth it to you to stiff me on 2 trees?On June 4th, 2012, karentom2174 added the following:
6/3/2012. STILL NO RESOLUTION FROM CHRIS OR GROWQUEST. Instead of name calling or further venting, I will point out that anyone who is willing to wait 14 months or more for a refund or thier order should feel free to order from Growquest. If you want customer service, adequate response time, and/or a resolution, go elsewhere.On June 21st, 2012, karentom2174 added the following:
Chris sent me a few e mails, but still no trees or refund. WHY, CHRIS? YOU HAVE HAD MY MONEY FOR WELL OVER A YEAR< GIVE IT BACK OR SHIP MY TREES!On June 23rd, 2012, karentom2174 added the following:
When I logged in at Growquest, I find that now they have no record of my order, even after I sent them a copy of my cancelled check with my order number on it. ( 10011987 )On June 28th, 2012, karentom2174 added the following:
O.K. EVERYONE, GRAB A PEN AND PAPER!! CONTACT THE FBI ON E MAIL, REFERENCE INTERSTATE CYBERTHEFT COMPLAINT# 110527045956812, LEAVING YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, ( INCLUDING STATE), INVOICE # AND PARTICULARS. LET"S SEE HOW CHRIS LIKES A 50K FINE, AND 15-25 YEARS IN A FEDERAL PEN!On July 9th, 2012, karentom2174 added the following:
HEY CHRIS: CHECK OUT YOUR KID'S VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE!! I BET THEY'RE REAL PROUD OF DAD!!On July 24th, 2012, karentom2174 added the following:
Hey Chris: We have reported you to YouTube's legal dept. to get all of your video's banned, just like HGTV. Next up, I will format all complaints into the FBI complaint that I listed. Care to guess how many charges you'll face?
On Jul 19, 2012, scottishgent Conroe, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:
Order placed 3/19/2011, for 5 bare root roses, paid this character $140 w/cashiers check, after sending him a Chase Quick Pay which he never picked up. No plants received, but several e-mails were received:
On 3/26/2011:
YOUR ORDER Has been processed & adjustments have been made based upon current market place prices, seasonal & availability issues.
One 3/30/2011:
Sorry I got married and went on my honeymoon and I have been back at work for a few days, but I am not going to be able answer you specific email because I have fallen too far behind with emails and my packing and shipping. ..........
And, on 7/28/2011:
I am contacting because I am missing a lot of records for orders from this last winter and spring.
If you made payment to Growquest for this order please E-mail back the amount of the check or electronic payment you made. Remember that I do not charge credit cards.
I am in the process of personal reorganization this summer. I am taking the this time off right not to compile a list of refunds needed.
I have a large supply of olive, citrus and avocado trees at this time if you need those plants. I am not processing new orders for roses and not shipping old orders of roses at this time due to weather.
Please get back to me ASAP so I can get compile the list of shipments and refunds needed and act on it right away.
Thank You
Chris Gilcrest http://www.growquest.com
and the guy even has the nerve to have a page on Face Book :)!
I tried getting help from the authorities, federal and local in Santa Paula, CA; no one responded.
First bad experience with a plant or related vendor, and the last !
Filed a complaint on theripoffreport.com and an ex-employee replied and stated this guy has been doing this for years, and that he had very few actual plants in stock.
Obviously, stay way away from this character and business !
I HAVE BEEN ROBBED OF $262 I CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE!
I TRIED TO ORDER FROM GROWQUEST EARLY IN 2011 AND COULDN'T EVEN GET ME ORDER TO PROCESS BUT AT MY END IT SAID IT HAD, SO I THOUGHT THE ORDER WAS PLACED AND I WOULD BE BILLED, EVERY EMAIL I SENT WENT UNANSWERED AND BY THE TIME I FIGURED IT OUT IT WAS TO LATE TO ORDER FROM ANYWHERE ELSE. IT WAS A DISASTER BUT NOTHING COMPARED TO THIS YEAR.
OUT OF SHERE DESPERATION I PLACED AN ORDER WITH THEM ON 1-6-12, THE ORDER WENT THROUGH AND MY CREDIT CARD WAS CHARGED TO RESERVE MY ROSES. MY 1ST CLUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN WHEN I SENT CHRIS AN EMAIL TELLING HIM WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR THAT I WAS GIVING HIM A SECOND CHANCE AND NOT TO REPEAT WHAT HAPPENED AGAIN, HIS RESPONSE WAS RUDE, UNAPPOLIGETIC, AND BASICALLY TOLD ME TO ORDER OR NOT, HE DIDN'T CARE.
LIKE I SAID I WAS DESPERATE. IN APRIL, 3 MONTHS AFTER MY CREDIT CARD HAD BEEN CHARGED I STARTED CONTACTING CHRIS TO SEE WHEN MY ROSES WERE SHIPPING. EVERYTIME I CONTACTED HIM, IT TOOK 2-3 EMAILS TO GET A RESPONSE AND THEN HE WOULD GIVE ME A SHIPPING DATE, WHEN I STILL HADN'T RECIEVED MY ORDER A WEEK AFTER THE SHIPPING DATE I WOULD CONTACT HIM AGAIN, AFTER 2-3 EMAILS HE WOULD ANSWER AND GIVE ME A NEW SHIPPING DATE. THIS WENT ON FOR 2 MONTHS. I TRIED TO BE NICE AND UNDERSTANDING, I NEVER SAID A CROSS WORD TO HIM, SO I WOULDN'T BE GIVIVNG HIM ANY EXCUSE TO TREAT ME BADLY. IN JUNE I GAVE HIM A DEADLINE, EITHER SHIP THE ROSES BY DATE X OR GIVE ME A FULL REFUND, THAT I COULDN'T KEEP DOING THIS FOREVER, THAT I HAD BEEN THE IPITOMY OF PATIENCE AND TP PLEASE DO RIGHT BY ME. I GOT AN AMAIL THAT SAID HE WAS GOING TO SHIP THE ORDER ON HIS SCHEDULE AND HIS TIME! THAT I WOULD GET MY ORDER, MAYBE IN JUNE MAYBE IN SEPTEMBER! I WROTE BACK TOLD HIM I WASN'T WAITING UNTIL SEPTEMBER, THAT THE JUNE DATE I GAVE HIM WAS MY LAST DEADLINE AND THAT I COULDN'T BELIEVE HE HAD TAKEN THAT ATTITUDE WITH ME. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE ORDER NEVER CAME AND I NOW TRIED TO GET A REFUND. IT BECAME EVEN HARDER NOW TO GET AN ANSWER FROM HIM, WHEN I FINALLY DID CHIS SAID "I AN SENDING YOUR ORDER AND THAT IS IT!" TRYING TO BULLY ME. I TOLD HIM I HAD HEARD THAT BEFORE THAT I DIDN'T TRUST HIM, THAT IT WAS TO LATE AND TO HOT TO PLANT THE ROSES, THEY WOULD DIE AND I WOULD LOSE OUT ON MY MONEY, I WOULDN'T ACCEPT MY ORDER EVEN IF HE DID SEND IT, WHICH I DIDN'T BELIEVE HE WOULD AND TO GIVE ME A FULL REFUND. HE HAS SINCE STOPPED ANSWERING ALTOGETHER. I THINK HE DID ALL THIS TO DRAG IT OUT BEYOND THE 6 MONTH DEADLINE WHEN CREDIT CARD COMPANIES DRAW THE DEADLINE TO DISPUTE A CHARGE AND TYPICALLY WON'T HELP YOU.I HAVE A GOOD CREDIT CARD COMPANY WHO MAY HELP ME BUT I STAND TO OUT AND OUT LOSE $262 AND FOR SOMEONE WHO IS DISABLED WITH 2 SURGURIES A YEAR AND BILLS THAT PILE UP FOR DRS , SPECIALISTS AND MEDICINE, I CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE THAT MUCH THAT I SLOWLY SAVED AND SHOULDN'T HAVE TO JUST BECAUSE I TRIED TO BE NICE.
THIS GUY KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING. TAKE IT FROM ME DON'T BUY FROM HIM, AND DON'T RECOMEND ANYONE BUY FROM HIM UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE THEM SUFFER AND ROBBED, WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN. I CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S ALOWED TO KEEP HIS WEB-SITE UP WHEN ITS KNOWN HE IS DOING THIS: ROBBING PEOPLE! BUT HE'S BANKING THAT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE HIM TO COURT OVER THE AMMOUNT HE ROBS FROM US AND HE'S RIGHT.
I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THERE WERE THESE KIND OF REVIEWS ABOUT GROWQUEST AND CHRIS SPECIFFICALLY BEFORE I ORDERED. NUMBERS DON'T LIE. LOOK AT THE % OF PEOPLE HE HAS OUT AND OUT ROBBED!
Posted on July 24, 2009, updated June 18, 2012
I can't believe any of the recent posts that give Chris Gilcrest a positive rating. I notice that many of them are posts placed the same day as the username sign up so my guess is that he is on this website posting false positives. I joined just now to post a true negative rating. This guy ripped us off of our money, was the rudest person ever on the phone, even before it was stated I was looking for my money back - what kind of a businesss is this guy running. I know he is checking this site based on the positive comments so let me add - Hey Chris, did you notice your HGTV online story is gone - that is what bad business, no let me restate that as stealing people's money, will get you.
On June 18th, 2012, robbed added the following:
Unbelievable that this company still exists - hundreds of bad experiences, trouble with authorities over false sales, and he is still in business???????? how?
do not buy from Grow-tesque (growquest) growers.
complaints date back years now. this is ridiculous
DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THIS SCAM ARTIST! I placed my order and paid for it in March and have yet to see a plant or a refund. I went around and around with this jerk for over a month hearing about broken transmissions, lack of personnel, and even being cursed at via email (Oh yes, Mr. Gilchrist- I have saved every one of them). He kept telling me that I needed to get my refund from Intuit. I kept telling him that HE has my money, not Intuit and HE needs to refund it. I email him on a daily basis and have contacted the BBB, the FTC, and the IC3. I now have a call in to Catherine Mano of the Ventura CA DA office 805-662-1703 asking to be added to the impending case against him (case # 9:10-BK-16202-RR). I suggest anyone else who has been scammed by him should do the same. This guy needs to be stopped. I don't have the money to throw away on supporting this kind of person, but apparently so far that is all my money is doing.
On May 26, 2012, Rhapsody616 Long Beach, CA wrote:
Growquest Nursery Order date: 4/16/2012. FaxMailOrder_10014631 Buddah's Hand Citron 5 gallon potted nursery tree Product number CtrCitron5 $39.99 Shipping & Handling: $10.75 / Grand Total: $50.74
I purchased a tree to be shipped to FL from Growquest TX or NC nursery trying to be in compliance with the citrus regulation that I had just been informed about in CA. I asked for my money back since it had not been shipped. He said no I will ship it to your CA address. I agreed. Twice he said he would ship the tree and I would have it in 48 hours. The first: Growquest Growers Monday April 30, 2012 1:10pm ended chat. The second: Growquest Growers Thursday May 10, 2012 10:19am ended chat. I contacted Intuit, the payment prepossessing company he used and was told the his account has been cancelled due to numerous customer complaints.
I am told that PayPal has also cancelled his account for the same reason. Christopher Morgan Gilcrest, owner of Growquest,has been reported to Ventura County District Attorney many times. One case number is 9:10-BK-16202-RR. This is not my case number. Mr Gilcrest is a fraud and seems to have scammed many more them myself. Please investigate Growquest and it's owner Christopher Morgan Gilcrest.
His business practices have got to be illegal and he simply must be stopped and caught under ALL of his nursery names
On May 21, 2012, texasroseguy Port Neches, TX wrote:
Posted on May 21, 2012, updated May 21, 2012
Posted on April 6, 2012, updated May 21, 2012
I ordered a Tahitian Sunset Rose plant from Chris on 2/11/2012. On 2/27/2012 I sent him a payment via Intuit at his request. I NEVER RECEIVED THE ROSE BUSH.On 3/23/2012, I called him to ask about the order and he said something about needing a book keeper, but that he would FedEx the plant and I would have it by that Monday. It never got here. Now, I cannot get him on the phone at all, regardless of repeated calls during his stated business hours. Every call goes to voice mail. I called Intuit, who was absolutely of no help, to get my money back. Now, I have started the process of disputing the transaction via my bank. At least I paid via credit card instead of check. I will NEVER order from Growquest again.
On May 21st, 2012, texasroseguy added the following:
UPDATE: I recently received a letter from my bank stating that they initiated an investigation and were unable to make contact with the owner. He won't even talk to my bank. They had refunded the charges made to my account (I used a debit card). Because they were unable to make contact with the owner, they removed the funds they had replaced. I am out the cost of the bush, plus shipping.
I should have known when he feels the need to state "Be sure that you can substantiate any negative comment because I will seek a legal remedy should there be anything in it you cannot prove to be true" on this web site, that he should be avoided. If only I had found Dave's Garden before I ordered.
If the DA in CA needs to talk to me, I am willing to give any information necessary. Growquest should not be allowed to stay in business. I would love for a class action suit to be filed against Growquest. I would join that suit QUICKLY.On May 21st, 2012, texasroseguy added the following:
Just saw this on another site, and wanted to add for anyone on here who needs this information. I will say that I have not yet verified that this is indeed a case against him. I will call to add my information as soon as I get the time to do so. Accoding to what I read, this is the case against Chris Morgan Gilcrest.
Contact Catherine Mano 805-662-1703 with the DA’s office to add a complaint to this case. Case Nbr 9:10-BK-16202-RR.
I can't believe this person is still in business. He has a new website claiming locations in TX, and NC.
Like most everyone, I paid and did not get anything back. Ordered roses, and after not recieving any delivery, called him several times. Each time he will politely apologize and promise to deliver within a few days. I finally just gave up after several weeks.
I don't know why his company is still around. I believe those "locations" in TX and NC which his company clains are all bogus. Last time I checked, his "nursery" is an abandoned store in Santa Paula, CA.
I don't know what the DA in Ventura is doing letting this person keep scamming people all over the US from Ventura County. He may have a few plants around and able to deliver to some people but for most, he takes your money and that is the end of it. You will not get anything back.
I ordered 3 avocado trees on Wednesday & they were delivered on Friday. I had a quick response time by Chris when I both emailed and called him. I will do business with him again.
As far as the negative comments, I don't know how some can be so critical about not receiving a refund and then conduct an online business bashing campaign which basically slows or even halts a company's income. These are cruel tactics and not at all constructive or helpful comments & that is why I was able to give Chris the benefit of the doubt. I believe issues in the past have been fixed and the company will work hard to meet any order that is fairly brought forth to them.
I ordered ladybugs online. However in the final bill, the pricing and quantity had changed, reducing the number of ladybugs from 4,500 which I ordered, to 2,500. It also increased the price from $12.99 to $14.99. No one answers their phone, so I left a message. I also sent an email, asking for clarification on the problem. I received a cryptic return email that did not answer the question, nor even address the question. I sent another email, got another bizarre off the point reply that did not address the question. Then I found this website, and I sent an email to GrowQuest cancelling the order. I hope he does. Chris is either a terrible businessman, or as I suspect, a scam artist.
On May 6, 2012, Gerbera_Lover Simi Valley, CA wrote:
Same saga as so many people, I ordered roses that no one else has (1st clue), paid, and then the long wait begins...
I called to try to find out whay I did not have my roses and spoke with a very rude person. He indictaed they would be sent that week that he was just behind on shipping. After another full week I emailed and was promised that the roses would be delivered in a few days. I gave him another week and nothing arrived.
That was it, I realized Growquest is a sham and does not have the roses or they would have been sent within a month. I filed a chargeback with by bank and was refunded immediately. At my bank's suggestion, I also filed a complaint with Intuit and the BBB.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS when using a credit card! Consumers using a credit card are proected form this type of fraud. But there is a time limit, you generally have 60-90 days (check with your card issuer) to dispute the charges. Consumers always have the last word in the dispute process (chargeack/representment). So if you do not receive your goods or receive poor quality goods, you can dispute the purchase. You will prevail as long as you follow the bank's requirements during the process.
It seems this company's business plan is to create the impression (falsifying a huge inventory and YouTube clips) that he runs a large, professionaly run nursery. As he gets orders he try to fill them, if he can't find the items locally, he just strings you along hoping you paid by check, let too much time pass or just forget about the order.
It seems he runs the business from a house and/or garage, not a nursery and certainly not the one(s) in the YouTube clips. All of the current and past addresses are definately not the facility in the video clips.
The BBB indicated Growquest is in Chapter 7 bankruptcy at the present time. Many business operate while under bankruptcy protection, but taking orders you cannot fill is fraud. I hope his website, which allows this crook to conduct the fraud, it shutdown eventually...
On May 6, 2012, catherineleal Mansfield, MA wrote:
Posted on April 7, 2012, updated May 6, 2012
I will never probably ever see the rose I ordered. I am also getting the run around and I have paid for the rose. I paid with my debit card and got an unfiendly e-mail that I had to pay using Intuit which a did about a month ago. Had a bad feeling about the place after the rude e-mail but ordered anyways. I was desperate to get this very hard to find rose that I could not seem op find anywhere else. Now I feel terrible because it is for the gravesite of my frends daughter who died 2 months ago at age 25 of cancer. She asked for this particular rose for her grave before she died. I will keep looking and hopefully this company goes to court someday.
On May 6th, 2012, catherineleal added the following:
After repeated e-mails annd phone calls to them, I still have not heard from this company about the rose I ordered. How awful of them to not fill this order since it was for the grave site of a 25 year old girl who died of cancer. Soon as I get the time I will file a formal compaint with BB and join in with the others like me who have filed legal claims.
Ordered roses on January 18th. Still haven't received them after several emails, phone messages, and promised delivery dates. This is Chris' response when I emailed to tell him I would be posting on the watchdog:
"WOW WTF. I have written several times. The order will be filled with large rose plants ASAP, I have a very complicated last 3 weeks and that is all I have to say about
I received this reply on March 30th and still no roses. Guess that speaks for itself.
A truly horrible company and an equally horrible, liar named Chris Morgan Gilcrest. I iniatially ordered roses from him in early February, after numerous calls and emails he sent the roses soaked in water with advanced root rot and dead feeder roots. It has been vertually impossible to communicate as no email or phone calls are returned. I will stay on this poor excuse of a scam artist until I get the replacement roses promised, a refund, or I just take this unethical individual to court.
Posted on April 28, 2012, updated April 28, 2012
The worst plant supplier I have encountered. They are quick to take your money, but do not ship the products. When you try to follow-up, you just get the run around. Just one big hastle and waste of time. I would never patronize this business EVER again!
On Apr 26, 2012, GROWQUEST_SUCKS San Jose, CA wrote:
I ordered a Sir Priz Avocado from Chris on Sunday April 22, 2012. The owner, Chris emailed me letting me know the tree would be delivered by his driver on Tuesday evening.
Tuesday: No Tree, No Call, No response to emails. I wasted my Tuesday evening waiting for this schmuck.
On Wednesday after emailing Chris again I was told the Tree would be delivered on Thursday. I received a lame excuse about why I did not receive a response and I was given the name and phone number of the driver.
Thursday night I received a call from the driver. He was in Sacramento. The driver sounded very scatterred, and told me he did not have a Sir Priz Avocado on his truck.
I emailed Chris asking him to call me (He will not return phone calls)....and Chris told me the delivery was delayed by rain (It barely rained today...slight drizzle in the am). Chris then said the driver was too far behind and the next time he would be in the area was next Wednesday. Another wasted evening.
When I cancelled the order and told him I would be posting about my negative experience, Chris could care less, claiming there are more buyers than trees.
I then looked up Growquest on the Internet and saw all the negative reviews. OH MY GOD.
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT PURCHASING ANYTHING FROM GROWQUEST.
READ ALL THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS ABOUT GROWQUEST. THESE NEGATIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME.
On Apr 19, 2012, RobbiDawn Fredericksburg, TX wrote:
I must admit that I am very happy that I had not read or heard anything negative about Growquest before placing my order. My Mom had talked about a hard to find rose she really wanted. The only source that had exactly what she wanted was Growquest. I placed my order and based on the small order size, I was directed to a separate payment site via email invoice. Not a problem, actually good tracking in that way. Paid and promptly received an email letting me know when my Mom could expect her shipment. It arrived exactly when promised - expertly crated and actually was a far superior product than expected. I've even received a follow up email confirming that we were satisfied - and yes, we are - more than satisfied!! The full experience has been exemplary. Professional with a friendly, personal touch... No complaints whatsoever!!
We purchased several plants from Growquest Gardens. The first was a bareroot rose and we were satisfied with the delivery time and condition of the bareroot. We later ordered 2 more of the same roses. They were sent as potted plants because of the time of year. The one rose and several buds beginning to open were yellow and the rose we had ordered were to be a pale pink. We e-mailed our complaint and we were assured that if the roses, when they were opened, were still yellow they would be replaced--until we were satisfied. It was rainy when the roses arrived and several days-a week-in the sun the roses turned the pale pink we had expected. The company was responsive and helpful and we would recommend this company. Our roses are healthy and lovely.
On Apr 11, 2012, hlthcr2000 Chadds Ford, PA wrote:
Special ordered 4 Sunny Knockout Rose Trees. Chris said he would ship Friday and I would get them today and they arrived right on time. The box is more like furniture and I expect the kids to use it as a boat or spaceship. The trees were very well wrapped- moist but not wet. I have never received roses packed better. It is too bad others have not had a good experience. I order A LOT of plants online and this was as good any anything I have ever bought. Price was still less than a local garden center but no one had sunny knockout trees last year and I just had to have some!
On Mar 29, 2012, ubersmithey24 South Ogden, UT wrote:
I ordered a rose bush for my mom for Mother's Day in 2008 and she did not receive it. You might call me a little crazy, but I've been working on getting a refund for 4 years. This includes complaints to the BBB, law enforcement, and others.
On Mar 28, 2012, paulafriesen Rancho Santa Fe, CA wrote:
I only want to add one comment to all the NEGATIVE comments that have been posted that are all so TRUE and well written! If Chris speaks.....he's lying! Everything he says is a LIE. I ordered roses for my mother's 80th birthday, 6 weeks in advance. She never received them and the check has been cashed. How cruel to be so deceiving about a mother's birthday present. SHAME ON YOU. CHRIS. Wish I would have read all the reviews first.
On Mar 22, 2012, kathrynsuzane Los Angeles, CA wrote:
THIS GUY IS NOT RELIABLE- READ HIS CUSTOMER SERVICE SECTION ON HIS OWN WEBSITE. I wish I had read all the negative reviews before I mailed the check (after speaking to Chris on the phone and believing him to be honest) for two bareroot roses that I will probably never see. My check was cashed in January. When I called him in February to see why the roses hadn't come he said he thought I had canceled the order (2nd red flag, 1st red flag was when he insisted on a check after I tried to pay with credit card). Then he said the roses would come that Friday. They didn't, another phone call another promise... three rounds later it's March. I've emailed, I've called. I get no answers and as far as I'm concerned THIS GUY STOLE MY MONEY. I don't think he's intentionally a bad person, just an incredibly flakey confused individual. Either way, DO NOT SEND HIM YOUR MONEY.
December of 2010 I had ordered 6 different variety of roses from Dave and sent out a check payment of $169.49 for the roses since he informed me that there was an issue with using paypal or a credit card machine. Instead of listening to that little inner voice that said do not do it, I sent the check. I had ordered the roses in hopes that by my wedding in June 2011 I would have a few rose buds to add to my wedding in my hair and what not. Well by February there were no roses so I called Dave and was reassured I would get my roses and he would include one extra for all my trouble. In March still no roses and Dave gave me the excuse that someone had stolen his laptop and all the information was in it, then the excuse that his account had been hacked and he was in distraught over his personal trouble but he had no issues depositing my check. In April Dave quit returning my phone calls and ignored my calls and still no roses. So finally in May of 2011 I contacted the BBB and filed a complaint against him/ his company.
I was later contacted by the BBB out of California and informed there is an open case against him and his company through the Attorney General's office. So now everything is in the hands of the judicial system in California.
All I have to say is buyer beware do NOT purchase flowers from this man. He has every excuse in the world as to why he can't get your flowers to you.
