You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
Thanks for all the contributors in this forum, it saved us from spending our time and money on this website. Very scary to read all the posts on this one.
I have just filed a complaint with the BBB and encourage you to do so if you have a complaint/unsatisfactory experience. I am out of $16.49 for 4500 ladybugs that I doubt I will ever receive. I find it deceptive and bad business to encourage ppl to send in payment so their order will be moved up the line and then to have a habit of being so busy that you never get around to shipping paid items. The complaints on this site speak volumes...wished I had found this before dealing w/ growquest.
I don't know what the deal is. . . just cancelled an order for a Meyer lemon tree from this company. Disappointed but I guess I'm lucky. Placed order in late Feb. 10, got a confirming email on April 24, 2 weeks after my fiancee called to ask "what's going on", nothing since then and based on what I see here, that lemon tree only had a 50 percent chance of showing up this year. Credit card has not been charged.
Will look on this site for another grower. Still want a tree!
Despite some of the horrendous-sounding experiences posted by others, I don't believe this company is outright fraudulent (though I have checked my card statements and will continue to do so). I simply think they are incompetent to be a mail order business. I ordered a pair of dwarf citrus trees early in the year (late January 2010). I was prepared for some delay as trees can be tricky to grown and ship. Five months and several waves of communications later, I have received two emailed invoices from them, dated from the time of the order...but no trees. Each time I contacted them, I was sent a terse email: "They will ship in a few days." Each time, I waited several weeks and recontacted them with the same results. On one occasion, they actually called me to ask if I still wanted the trees. That call gave me some hope they were working on the problem so I said yes. Today I emailed them asking them to cancel the order. The fact that they actually called me once, and that they do, more or less respond to emails, and that they haven't tried to charge me for S&H they haven't provided, leads me to believe they are not a scam - but clearly they aren't organized for the task they've set themselves.
After reading everyone's comments, I'm sick to my stomach...I feel violated!!!
I placed an on-line order for a potted rose Oct. 13, 2009...S/H fees were charged to my credit card that same day.
I telephoned for follow-up April 27, 2010 and was told, by Chris himself, to mail the final payment (check) and my order would be processed.
The check was "cashed" April 6, 2010; it's now May 7, 2010...
His voice mailbox is "full" and he has not responded to my e-mails.
Negative, as in zero, zilch, money taken, rose tree not sent, ordered on 4/20/2009, over one year ago now, authorization taken care of lickety-split, that day, money taken out of my bank account, tree never delivered. Online Order number 01033883, for Blue Girl potted rose tree, 36" standard, ready for full bud and bloom. You should have specified that this money would be for paying for nothing at all in return, or that this was to pay for an invisible rose tree. Then at least I could have made a CHOICE to be ripped off, not fraudulently advised on the phone and in two e mails that, oh, we're so busy, you'll get your tree rose... I had to work for that sixty-two dollars and seventy-one cents, and I CHOSE to buy from you because you described excellent healthy rose trees. Next time please preface that with, "Not really, but:" before you print "we send all orders out within five days."
Marta A. Kaufman, RN
p.s. - whoever printed the D.A.'s name and phone number, thank you.
Posted on April 14, 2010, updated April 16, 2010
Had a similar experience to those posted with this seller. Placed order for "buy 2, get 1 free" ladybugs but charge was calculated for all 3 anyway. Could not get a response from the seller to clarify. Did not receive ladybugs. No charge has appeared on my credit card yet but I am planning on canceling the order anyway due to lack of response.
On April 16th, 2010, beckjm changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
Posted on April 9, 2010, updated April 10, 2010
Posted on April 9, 2010, updated April 9, 2010
Posted on April 8, 2010, updated April 9, 2010
Posted on April 8, 2010, updated April 8, 2010
I just wanted to add my two cents. I ordered an avocado tree 2/2/2010. After repeated assurances that it was on its way, and had been delayed due to weather, I am now receiving no response. It looks like I've been ripped off along with the other people on this page. I've left a message with the DA indicated on this page, and recommend that other frustrated buyers do the same.
On April 8th, 2010, southtexas added the following:
I received this response after a few hours of my post:
Dear ****** :
You have made a false, defamatory and damaging post about me on the internet. You have 24 hours to have it removed in total, failure to do so will result in legal action against you. Your order is now void.
Chris GilcrestOn April 9th, 2010, southtexas added the following:
and now he's sent 2 new e-mails:
no just a civil suit for defamation, you post was very incorrect and misleading. Since you have already compounded your problems by adding to it and not removing it you expect to be served in the new few weeks and retain legal counsel to defend yourself.
chris
It will be a civil suit and yes it will cost you a bundle. That is all for
now
chris On April 9th, 2010, southtexas added the following:
just to be completely clear, it appears my credit card was never charged, so there doesn't seem to be any money lost - nonetheless, 2 months of my time was wasted, and I definitely would recommend everyone avoid this so called nurseryOn April 10th, 2010, southtexas added the following:
and the latest (I wonder if the suite has a kitchenette):
> There is no talking about it, remove
> it all or get a civil suite and it is
> that simple.
>
> Chris
>
>
>>
Posted on March 30, 2010, updated April 5, 2010
Posted on March 23, 2010, updated March 30, 2010
Posted on March 23, 2010, updated March 23, 2010
i called several times and was never able to get anyone on the line. then i got a rather screwy voice message, that they were busy shipping bugs , avocado trees were not shipping due to the weather (nonesense), and to send an email if you wanted a response as they did not return voice mails. i sent a couple emails outlining what i want and did not get a response back as it was only for one large tree. if this grower really exists he does not appear to be willing to let you come out inspect his stock, if he has any, nor answer how many trees he has in stock. i wonder how much of time and how much money he has cost people his parsing orders. a waste of a couple of hours. too bad we can't bill him for wasting our time. most true growers list on line how much stock they have on hand. he does not.
On the upside i was able to find a grower nearby Barons Brothers in Camarillo, California who was able to quote a tree at 1/2 the price Growquest had listed and who is large commercial grower who also serves the retail. and happy to let me have what i wanted and their people were right on top of it. 1/2 the price Chris was listing and not telling me i could not have the tree in some strange voice mail message of his.
there are plenty of high quality avocados in stock that are big as there was no major commercial planting california last year due to the drought and no water allocation is coming this year, so the growers tell me they have lots of big avos for sale and are happy to ship them or deliver them now. I had one guy ready to give me same day delivery. where i live i have to get the tree in the ground before the heat ramp and the end of march is prime planting time.
There is no reason whatsoever to deal with Growquest if you talk to Barons Brothers you will be amazed at the great response and service and prices. Unfortunately if you want great avocado and citrus your going to have to go the big growers or someone that deals with the large commercial growers in Southern California. I would like to highlight the great experience i had with barons brothers in finding me a great plant at a great price and while being pleasant and want to thank Growquest for helping me find the 'hot' nursery that can rock and roll in Southern California.
On March 23rd, 2010, arthurburnss added the following:
he got back the next day after i put 'daves garden' in the heading of the 2nd email but the email was somewhat incoherent and he never answered my question if he had anything in stock or if i could come down and visit and select my own tree . he was the only nursery i called that did not pick up the phone and where i could not get answer on price and availability. but he says he is busy. he did quote some very good pricing on some varieties i was not interested in. On March 30th, 2010, arthurburnss added the following:
I see the real commercial citrus growers in southern california have started their yearly shipments for new commercial orchards and orchard replacements and simultaneously they will ship to the people who don't really grow their own, but just resale to the marks, aka the retail/web crowd.
I suspect if you're waiting on a Citrus you will be able to get it as the real big commercial California growers like LaVerne are shipping this week. There is a lot of quarantine and inspection and repotting that goes on before they ship.
I still cant find out what Growquest actually grows itself. Or if they are just backdooring stock from the big commercial growers in California, most of who have been in business for over 50 years.
Shipping citrus has nothing to do with the weather, nor shipping avocado, but it is synchronized to when the large commercial growers want to do their planting in Southern California. These guys get their plants before the retail nurseries.
Most all of these so called growers don't grow their own but go to the same 'big guys' in Southern California.
They do have good citrus and avocado stock in California, probably the best quality in the world. You just have to find someone 'reasonable' to go out and do your buying for you.
I might suggest Barons Brother Nursery in Camarillo. They do small special orders and get the best plants and have a large commercial growing operation of their own. If you need quality citrus and avocado, they can get it for you and very, very good quality for the price.
if you live in Northern California its probably worth the drive down to southern california to get your crack at this years crop of citrus and avocado.
good planting this spring!!
On April 5th, 2010, arthurburnss added the following:
Good news. The large Commercial avocado growers like LaVerne and Browkaw near Growquest (if they actually have a nursery) have started to ship avocados for commercial growers starting new orchards or replacing trees. This means the small nurseries like Growquest will have access to trees, so If you have been waiting on an order and 'the weather' is being blamed, its likely as the real growers were not releasing plants or a nursery may not have paid them. Demand the best demand a tree from Laverne or Browkaw or Barons Brothers, whom I use as they are a large buyers and growers. Same tree 1/2 the price approximately that Growquest had listed on their website. And they are polite and nice not rude and name calling.
I have had a recent (and ongoing) conversation with Chris regarding an order I placed by mail over two months ago. Since all of his email comments have been an attempt to justify or excuse his business practices, I am including a readout of all of our emails so that others can see what they are up against if they choose to do business with this person. Also they will serve as a record of our actual interactions in case Chris would like to comment as he has done in the past on this forum.
Emails are obviously in current date order to later date. The beginning email is at the end of the list.
From: RancherGirl
To: Sales at Growquest Growers
Sent: Fri 3/26/2010 5:48 PM
You still have not answered my SPECIFIC question. Do you have a tangerine tree to send within
the next week or not? I never received a receipt nor any other kind of order confirmation from
you. And I am beginning to suspect that you do not have the SPECIFIC product I ordered. So
once again, do you have a Satsuma tangerine tree to send to me for delivery by April 2, 2010 or
not? I am not interested in any OTHER comment from you. I don't expect this level of
confrontational conversation from a vendor and I certainly would not have placed an order with
your company if I had known that this is how you treat your customers.
Please only reply to this email if you can answer my SPECIFIC question about the order I placed.
Again, do you have the tangerine tree and will it be delivered to me by April 2? Yes or no. That is
all.
Alexandra Heath
-----Original Message-----
From: Sales at Growquest Growers [mailto:sales@growquest.com]
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 2:32 PM
To: RancherGirl
Subject: Re: Order Placed January 29, 2010
you get a receipt of an order as soon as you make your order, what are talking about not ackowledging the order?
-----Original Message-----
From: Sales at Growquest Growers [mailto:sales@growquest.com]
To: RancherGirl
Sent: Fri 3/26/2010 2:29 PM
take the money and run? You have not even paid me for anything, how could take and run with something I have not got?
chris
Original Message -----
From: RancherGirl
To: Sales at Growquest Growers
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 5:56 PM
Subject: Cancellation
Dear Chris:
Since I have not heard from you regarding the Satsuma tangerine I ordered, I conclude that you
either don't have the product, don't intend to honor my order with you, or simply don't give a
damn. I am also of the opinion that many, if not most, of the negative reports about you and your
company are, in fact, true.
You have made another dissatisfied customer. I will tell everyone I know (I write a monthly
gardening column for a local newspaper) that you are not to be trusted and that your business is
quite likely fraudulent--you take the money and RUN. Hopefully my readers and friends will avoid
doing business with you and thus not fall victim to your questionable business practices.
Alexandra Heath
----- Original Message -----
From: RancherGirl
To: Sales at Growquest Growers
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 4:05 PM
Subject: RE: Order Placed January 29, 2010
To begin with, I have never dealt with any nursery or grower who failed to acknowledge receipt of
an order. Since I haven't heard from you in nearly two months, I thought it best to do some
research on your company. The site I located offered over three times as many negative reports
than positive ones. Since I have never done business with you before, I find that the personal
experience of others who have had business dealings with you to be of interest. I am uninterested
in your difficulties with dissatisfied customers.
I only wish to purchase a Satsuma tangerine which you offered for sale. Do you have a Satsuma
tangerine available to ship to me in the next week? If not, I will take my business elsewhere. I do
believe that two months is too long to have to wait to receive a product. All of the other nurseries I
have done business with have responded with notification of the order I sent it and have sent the
product within a few weeks. This is what I expect as a consumer from companies that I deal with.
Please let me know if or when to expect delivery of the tangerine tree. Thank you.
Alexandra Heath
-----Original Message-----
From: Sales at Growquest Growers [mailto:sales@growquest.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 10:07 AM
To: RancherGirl
Subject: Re: Order Placed January 29, 2010
Importance: High
why thank you
is there one more hearsay or defamatory story you think is better than another?
and since you only pay for the plant after you get it, how is it not in your best interest to see get
and approve the plant and then pay for it, and why would we send you a plant you did not like if
we need you to like it to get paid?
chris
----- Original Message -----
From: RancherGirl
To: Sales at Growquest Growers
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 9:15 AM
Subject: RE: Order Placed January 29, 2010
You can find the information at http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/3143/.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sales at Growquest Growers [mailto:sales@growquest.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 1:47 AM
To: RancherGirl
Subject: Re: Order Placed January 29, 2010
ok, where did you get such hearsay information from?
chris
----- Original Message -----
From: RancherGirl
To: sales@growquest.com
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 11:46 AM
Subject: Order Placed January 29, 2010
I mailed an order to you on 1/29/2010 for a Satsuma tangerine. I have not received anything from
you, either in the way of an order confirmation, or the product. I have since done some research
on your company and discovered that there is an ongoing fraud investigation into your business
practices, as well as numerous complaints and negative reports. Since my VISA card has not
been debited for this order I am requesting that you cancel the order.
Please reply by email so that I will know that you have honored my CANCELLATION request.
Thank you.
I have only very positive comments to make about my experiences with GrowQuest, their plants, and the owner, Chris.
I have been ordering roses through GrowQuest, will only order roses through them, and will continue to do so for the rest of my landscaping needs. I first found GQ several years ago, when I over-hauled old front yard, designed a new one, then proceeded to do all of the work myself. I really wanted roses that would represent, or have a meaning to, my family members. Through the GQ website and emails with Chris, I was able to find such roses! And WHAT roses these are. They are brilliant, beautiful, healthy, and produce incredible flowers! And I have a huge back yard project I am working on, and have all kinds of rose plans.
What I truly appreciate about GQ is Chris' commitment to his plants. While I ordered the 6 rose plants on line at a specific time of year, I had to be ready to wait until the weather in California cooperated for their shipment. That particular year, we had some non-stop, blistering heat, and he was not going to ship the roses and compromise them. I totally understood and respected this decision. I didn't freak out. They are his plants, his business, he knows what he is doing, whereas, I have dealt with other online growers/sellers that would ship whenever, regardless of weather, and the plants suffered for it. In the end, such ordeals only made for more headaches, red tape, delays..
I put a Don Juan in fall '09 and it is doing wonderfully, and guess what, I will be ordering 4 more plus when I can for the back yard project.
Please do not dismiss this nursery! I am very disgusted at all of the negative and petty laundry people are airing through this review site. It sounds like some gardeners did not read the fine print that is all over the website about when he ships, why, how etc.
I ordered ladybugs in December and still have not received them. This is my first time growing a vegetable garden in South Florida. I could have bought ladybugs elsewhere, but held off out of hope that I would finally receive them from Growquest. Now it is months later and my garden is full of aphids and other crazy-looking bugs. This guy is totally bogus. He should not be a businessman and he should be ashamed of himself for misleading people who are trying to do something positive.
After some delays they delivered the wrong tree. I immediately notified them of their mistake both by phone and e-mail. They have made no contact with me and have otherwise refused to correct this situation.
Posted on February 19, 2010, updated February 22, 2010
GARDENERS BEWARE - BIG TIME!!!!
I tried to order from this company last fall, but could not get an understandable communication from them so did not follow through. Unfortunately, I did put in an order for bare root roses a short time ago, but again the communication from the company was not understandable. And phone messages were not returned nor were e-mails in any understandable form. I decided I would cancel the order as I have no desire to purchase anything from a company that cannot comply with SIMPLE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION, much less any kind of understandable billing policy. I have had to send them countless e-mails requesting cancellation and verification of such. So far all I have gotten is a runaround (and smart-alecky at that). Interesting that I got no response UNTIL I requested a cancellation! Then, I decided to check on the Internet for bad experiences with this company! Should have checked FIRST!!! Immediately cancelled my credit card - I was dumb enough to enter the number on my order.
THANKS to all who have taken the time to enter their negative responses. I should have known better than to order anything from a company I had not checked out first - something I usually always do. I have never had such an experience ordering over the net and certainly not with gardening companies. All others I have ever dealt with have been so polite, easy to work with, and very customer service oriented.
I would say if anyone has had a positive experience they have been very, very fortunate.
I also noted that the owner of the company (same person who has so far refused to cancel my order or send verification of this) has plenty of time to write smart-alecky responses to prospective customers ONLY when they want to cancel an order and to write responses on this site.
What a scary experience - I hope anyone wanting to buy from this company will come here first.
THANKS, Dave's Garden - you are great!
On February 22nd, 2010, fulloffaith added the following:
Feb. 22, 2010
Contacted Ventura County Attorney General's office. who told me NOT TO PURCHASE from this company - there is an ongoing investigation - you can call 1-805-662-1713 (Jeff Robinson) and he will have you talk with the investigator so you can get your complaint entered. I was advised that there are many, many people who have been cheated by this company and, again, NOT TO ORDER FROM THEM NOR GIVE THEM MONEY. I am fortunate that I cancelled my card before GrowQuest got any money from me, but they still refused to cancel my order. I have contacted shipper to note "refuse any order" from this company.
E-mails from Mr. Gilcrest were harassing (now sent to the DA). Very scary experience. There are so many GOOD nurseries to do business with. All my fault for not checking the reputation BEFORE ordering but hopefully this might help someone else.
Posted on September 11, 2009,
I only read some of the comments, but I too have been ripped off by this sorry excuse for a man, Chris Gilcrest of Grow Quest Growers with many other business names as well. Make sure to report Chris Gilcrest's criminal activity to the Deputy District Attorney of Ventura County who is handling this case, Russ Robinson (805) 662-1739. I understand it is just a matter of time before Chris is to be arrested. I ordered ladybugs 08-20-09, still no ladybugs and I don't expect to see any after what I have read. Chris lies and frauds people. The DA was very helpful in his investigation. Chris, I know you read these so you can make the only posative comments about yourself (each postive comment is a 1 day old user), so read this: You're going down for what you have done!
On Feb 14, 2010, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Oct 11, 2009 6:37 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
Mr. Potty mouth, and his comments were edited by the Watchdog staff, even though they did not indicate it (not their normal practice) got his refund. He would have got it sooner had he not vandalized my Youtube pages and sent extreme profane emails."
Posted on September 24, 2008, updated February 9, 2010
I see that Mr. Gilcrest has added a new blog above including even more excuses, excuses, excuses. That and stealing people's money is all he's good at. At least he has been suspended from PayPal and cannot receive any more monies via that avenue.
I just hope the California Attorney General's Office acts upon his fraud. He's already been arrested for this and you would think he would have learned his lesson. Not so. I would venture to say that he will be sharing a cell with Bubba in the near future. And rightfully so, I might add.
I found it amusing that he would tell us to "stop and smell the roses." How can anyone do that if they ordered them from him? He doesn't send anything except excuses and that's been going on for several years.
On September 28th, 2008, chunx added the following:
Too late now, Gilcrest. It's been over 3 years since you tried to rip me off and I ended up having my credit card company do a charge back. That not only maddened you but you had to pay a fee for the charge back. I received promise after promise, excuse after excuse, and then nothing. I gave you every chance to fill the order but you never did. After the charge back, I saw that you were arrested for fraud. I had a good laugh and thought you would be shut down. Nope, you're right back scamming people again and stealing their money. At least PayPal was smart enough to cut you off this time. I have a feeling you will be arrested again, spend time in jail, and once released you'll do it all over again. Once a scammer, always a scammer. You did not suddenly fall upon hard times and your feedback shows that. You've always been sleazy. On February 10th, 2010, chunx added the following:
I see once again that Chris Gilcrest has left even more excuses on his other former sites and stating that he wasn't the owner. Yeah, I believe that and I also believe a dog can fly. In each and every venture this loser has been involved with, it's failed and he's ripped off many people. So many in fact that he was arrested for fraud. So now he's back and again using the name of a former business that he said was closed a while back.
My guess is that you will continue to have people pad your reviews for a while and then you'll eventually FINALLY end up in prison where you belong. I'm just curious why it's taking so long for them to prosecute you AGAIN. Why do I know we haven't heard the last of you and your misadventures?
Should anyone actually read the reviews and then order from this con artist, scammer, and sleazebucket, you deserve to get ripped off. And it will happen. I can guarantee it. On Feb 10, 2010, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"
On Sep 26, 2008 10:14 PM, Growquest, A Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC Company (also dba CA Plant & Floral Wholesale) added:
Sept 26, 2008: TO "CHUNX": email inquiry made to person posting comment. Thank you, Chris Gilcrest"
Although delivery took longer than anticipated, the product received was of superior quality and Chris went to the added trouble of delivering the tree personally and without cost. I would definitely use this vendor again,
What Chris Gilchrist of Growquest did for me: I can't thank him enough. I had about 50 avocado trees and was not pleased with the look/health of the trees or their production. After an extensive search I was recommended Chris. His overall knowledge of horticulture and avocados in particular was immediately apparent. He took soils and water samples and analyzed the leaves. He made comments on our irrigation system, suggested painting branches white for sun-burn protection and even sprayed the trees during a heat wave to protect them. I ended up replacing about 10 "problem" trees and purchasing about 25 new ones from Chris. His avocado knowledge was staggering. We discussed the existing trees that were producing and what additions he thought would work well in our environment. He searched and found types of trees I never knew existed. He would search back/hidden areas of other growers and my typical Haas/Fuerte etc. "normal" types went from 5 varieties to 11. After analyzing the soil and water he recommended, purchased and helped begin the new/proper fertilization program. The bottom line is that my older trees and my new trees are all flourishing. New health, growth and fruit is apparent.
Chris's knowledge doesn't end with avocados. He commented on my overall landscaping. His knowledge of oak trees was amazing - I realized I was overwatering under the oaks because of the wrong plants. With his suggestions several large areas have been redone with low-water, adaptable plants under the ancient oaks.
Then I purchased several citrus trees and he analyzed the condition of the existing trees making the appropriate recommendations.
Next I purchased raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. These are all flourishing.
I thought I knew a bit about plants but I quickly learned that I was the pupil and he was the teacher.
Chris transformed my landscaping and I can't thank him enough. I have referred him to several other clients and they are all incredibly pleased.
You can't go wrong with Chris Gilchrist - he is the doctor.
Our experience with Growquest Growers was excellent. Not only did our order for 1500 lady bugs arrive in less than two days, we were able to keep the happy lady bugs in their bag in the fridge for a week without any problems. Chris went out of his way to help our daughter learn about the nature and care of lady bugs for her science experiment. We were very pleased to find Growquest, as the lady bugs are not available locally during this time of year. We could not have received any better customer service. Thanks.
I tried to do business with this person about 4 years ago. Even back then he ran the business in such a way that I have to say I TRIED. Let me explain.
I found a hard to find plant on his website. Sound familiar? I called him w/questions about the plants because I was just really getting into gardening. While he always seemed nice the bottom line is I had to make several calls across the country prior to having an unlimited long distance calling plan only to hear excuse after excuse. It was either bad weather, bad employees or uncontrollable family problems he blamed the delays for. After more than 5 delays and the accompanying excuses, none of which were in his control naturally, I finally gave up.
The funny thing is, the handling of the order went so badly he never even charged my credit card so I luckily never lost any payments (just the phone bills, time and energy I could have expended enjoying my hobby).
After this I went back online to see if I could find the items anywhere else with a more in-depth search and ran across the dave's garden website and learned more about this business (and the several other companies he was related to back then; which i'd like to note are different than the ones mentioned in the more recent postings) than I ever wanted to know.
I've monitored the reports on this company from time to time when checking on other companies, which i now do religiously before using one of them, and have to say the persistency of the problem's and his less than stellar responses to people's postings would ensure that I will never knowingly choose to do business with him.
His and some less than adequate catologue companies have ensured I now check out any company i'm considering doing business with thru this site. If you are looking for an item I would encourage more in-depth research online for companies with as many positive ratings over as long a period as possible. I've found it educational, often discovering new plants along the way-oh joy!, and overall a much more pleasant experience dealing with well established and well run companies. It will also ensure that the gardening community is protected and that your time and money will be well spent.
Happy Gardening!
We contacted Growquest Growers on the internet and submitted an order for 2 olive trees, one which is hard to acquire. Chris Gillcrest had the trees we wanted in stock, so we purchased them from him; He personally delivered the trees when he said he would and they arrived in very good condition. The olive tree expert in Napa Valley, whom we know personally, saw the trees and said they were of exceptional quality and size for the price we paid. We are so pleased that Chris could provide these large size olive trees for our eating enjoyement (after they're cured, of course).
On 7/27/08, I ordered a Passion Vine, Super Citrus Salad tree, Fruit Salad Combo tree, and #15 Hass avocado. Delivery was split into two and was late on both shipments. Little to no communication from the grower. The Hass avocado tree, which was supposed to be ready to flower and fruit eventually lost all of its' leaves and died within one year. The Passion fruit vine they brought me was the wrong one - red flowers instead of white and purple. They offered me a free plant as compensation for the late shipments (and the wrong passion vine), but never delivered the plant. Plants are not listed as "in stock" or "out of stock" on their web site, so you have no idea when or if you will receive your ordered items. They make you pay up front, then wait a month or two to receive your shipment. Terrible service. I'll never order from them again. A little communication and honesty goes a long way in satisfying your customers.
Posted on October 13, 2009, updated October 14, 2009
Posted on October 12, 2009, updated October 13, 2009
They seem to have new staff who are trying their hardest to make up for lost time. I ordered ladybugs and 2 Haas Avos. The bugs were all I hoped for and the trees are doing well in their new home.:) I have bought trees on-line many times and always seem dissapointed with the size and condition. These are good.
There is NO excuse for bad behavior and fraudulent practice!I didn't find out about this site until AFTER I made my order. However, I will take a chance and order more bugs and some citrus from them because I was impressed with what I got.
Maybe they have changed?
Peace and happy growing.
On September 24th, 2009, palomasmom changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:
On October 13th, 2009, palomasmom added the following:
I was his employee and he asked me to write a positive review. ALL positive reviews you see on this board are BOGUS!!!!
He tortures his employees and then has the gall to stiff them out of a hard earned paycheck!
Karma is a bitch and so is the DAs office.
I want my money! I will not stop until I have exhausted all legal options. I have waited LONG enough and my patience is DONE!!! I suffered legit family problems but I am now ready to fight for my money.
I am sincerely sorry for being a part of this deception and fraud.
Chris, if you truly wish to make things right, send us our paychecks! Xochitl and Valerie.
Valerie C. GregsonOn October 13th, 2009, palomasmom added the following:
I got this from Chris Gilcrest.
Facts....Chris hired me. The company was called Surf and Sierra, The Olive Tree. Growquest, etc. Any number of names. He hired me specifically to fight against Dr Gary. Chris then "demoted" me to field hand. I needed the money. I have a baby to feed. Its true his mother Mimi is the person who holds the purse strings but Chris hired me and it is his operation. He has yet to pay many/most of the poor suckers who worked so hard for him. Personally I busted my butt for him. I am so sorry I did.
Chris, send any and all correspondence to the DA's office care of Investigator Russ Robinson. He will be sure to pass it along to me. Please put my paycheck in with the other paperwork you would like me to have. Or you can send it to my house or my attorneys office at The law Offices of Arthur Wilkof 100 North Westlake Blvd. Suite 201 Westalke vlg ca. (805)496-4676. Either way.
A true and factual statement is in no way defamatory.
Valerie C. Gregson
This is interesting and fascinating.
Let me get this right; you got pissed at me allowing Lori to bark at you, however Lori came with Mimi to the office, Mimi said Lori was in charge of the office adminstration and that Mimi was the boss and Lori was her right hand.
explain the fuzzy logic then that you work for me and that I am to pay you.
If you have a claim for money owed then file a claim with the State Dept of Industrial Relations. And you are a lier about my positives I have earned every one of them and more to come. You are just a very misguided person who clearly needs meds stronger then mine. Without dead wieght people around me I am moving forward on the service and product standards I was instructing people to do but were not willing to give.
I will mail serve your civil harrasment restraining order to your last known address at your mom's house if do not send me a different location to serve it. I would strongly suggest you ask daves garden too take down your defamatory and fraudulant post in order to aviod that civil harrasment hearing. On October 15th, 2009, palomasmom added the following:
Chris, you hired us. It is your responsibilty to pay us. When can we expect our money? I would GLADLY accept payment for my hardwork at a rate of $18.00 and hour.
Please let us know when you will be paying us.
Valerie
On Oct 15, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Oct 12, 2009 9:03 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
Valierie worked for Olive Trees Nursery, which is an enterprise beyond my control and never was of my ownership. Just like Val I was working there. Valierie was never asked by anyone to post a positive comment did it on her own. Two weeks ago I instructed Daves Garden legal counsel to remove her comment from this site, positive or negative it is not a growquest issue.
On Oct 14, 2009 5:04 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) added:
Now this is getting very rich. Her co-conspirators at the Garden Watchdog had Valerie living in Washington 24 hours ago, in that time she has relocated back to Ventura? Now again she has assumed her old location "Somis." Her co-conspirators at the Garden Watchdog keep moving her post to the top to further harass me and impune the positive posts I have earned.
It is this same sort of strange behavior that I oberserved when confronting Valerie about a letter she wrote to Ventura County Social Services insupport of the monthly welfare she was on. The problem was the letter explained that was an "Intern" i.e. unpaid help. Problem with that is she was getting about $18.00 per hour, as she says from "Mimi's purse strings." She explained that she need to keep the health insurance and benefits going for her daughter. How many people on $18.00 hour living at home are need of welfare? And should these people be out trying to call others liers and frauds?
Again this an Olive Trees Nursery problem, not a Growquest or Chris Gilcrest problem."
We ordered two 60" tree roses (Renae and Flowwer Girl) as well as two Yves Piagets and one Ruffles. Chris personally delivered all roses the next day. Very pleased with the quality of the roses and thank Chris for his direct delivery. Will order more roses from Growquest in the future.
I have ordered 2 standard size Yuzu tree. Yuzu is used for variety of Japanese cuisine. I was searching for long time at nursery. But finally found here.
The yuzu tree is famous for taking long time to have fruit. But the tree I've received is had fruit already!
Many Japanese friend get surprised I have yuzu tree. Now I recommend all friends here.
The Diana Fig Tree I ordered from Growquest in memory of my sister was delivered by Chris to my mother's home. The tree was exactly as I wanted, healthy, green and fruiting. The large pot and special herbs planted at the base of the tree are really nice and healthy.
My mother is delighted with the size of the large, round, soft figs and the excellent luscious, sweet flavor! I am enjoying the figs too. I especially liked the way Chris planted the herbs all around the base of the fig tree; I have never seen that done before...very creative and resourceful! Thank you Chris.
Chris was courteous to us. His service was good.
I will order from Growquest in the future.
On Oct 7, 2009, GrowUpGreen Mcminnville, OR wrote:
I ordered a variety of plants from Chris(Growquest). There was a minor mix-up at the beginning and he said he would make up for it. Once that was squared away I was anxiously awaiting their arrival. When they arrived I was pleased to find an extra 3 blueberry plants with my order! When I had ordered I needed the plants before I went on my summer vacation and Chris said he would get them up to me ASAP. He not only got them here in record time, he actually shipped them BEFORE I had paid for them. I was quite shocked to have a driver call with my delivery when I wasn't even expecting them yet! Which worked out really well, I got them a week before I thought I would. And like I said he threw in the blueberry plants because he said he was going to drive the order up himself, because he got swamped with orders. That's too bad because I wanted to meet him in person, maybe next time Chris?
Anyway, I live about 900 miles North of him. All of my plants, and trees arrived in great condition, especially the lime tree. It had more blossoms on it than you could imagine, and the local bees made a new friend, and the fragrance that came from it was wonderful. I will have to get another one just like it. The lemon tree was already full of fruit. So was the orange tree. I was also pleasantly surprised when I saw that he sent the next size up container of avocado trees. When I spoke to him about this I thought it was a mistake, but he said it didn't cost anymore to fill up the pallet, and wanted to make up for the glitch. Well, he more than made up for it, he stuffed the pallet to the maximum weight and sent it my way.
He went above and beyond what most people will do anymore. I was very pleased with my shipment, and I will be ordering from Chris again. It has been a very long time since I had service like this. Kudos to Chris and all his hard work. I truly thank you! And so does everybody that has sampled my tasty fruit. And I got a fantastic deal!
In July I ordered two citrus trees and two avacodo trees. The two citrus were shipped rapidly and arrived in perfect condition. The packing was extrememly well done and commendable. One of the trees already had fruit on it. the trees bore no idnetification as to which was which. Mr. Gilcrest had replied to my question about the avocado trees was they were not ready for shipping but would be sent soon. I contact Mr. Gilcrest several times. Some times he responded sometimes he did not. One time he did report that it was too hot to ship them and southern California was experiencing massive fires which make it a time which was not good for shipping. In the middle of September, he notiifed me that they would be shipped. The trees arrived sooner than expected. One was in perffect conditon the other had suffered and has lost most of its leaves but seems to be recovering.
I feel the trees shipped were of high quality and there were reasons to not ship earlier and all together in one shippment.
Mr. Gilcrest is very concerned about this feed back to Garden Watchdog. He has pressed me to write this. It is noted he has some bad feedback and good comments are needed. Over all my assocition with him has been good.
Bill .
On Oct 1, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Sep 30, 2009 10:38 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
It is true that I requested Bill to post his comment. Bill once sent me an email from the GD so he was familar with the manure on here. He had given me a very nice compliment after each of the shipments
"Chris, I have to admit I was concerned because it had been a long time, but I do not know what the garden watchdog is. Please explain and I will be glad to comment."
"Chris, this morning two of the trees arrived. You must be complemented upon
how well they were packed. Currently we are experiencing what appears to be
a long steady rain. Both of the trees are out in the rain getting a
refreshing shower from nature. Since I am totally unfamiliar with both lemon
and lime trees, I can not identify which is which. One came in a larger
bucket than the other. The one in the larger bucket already had fruit on
it. The other was in a smaller bucket and was in bloom."
Nearly all of my shipped orders arrive like Bill's and then when good people are asked to come here and postings like the trash that is allowed here, they decide not to post a positive."
I had never heard of using ladybugs for Aphid control until I got in contact with Chris at Growquest. Although the first order was very confusing, I've since worked out a payment plan with Chris that works for me. For some reason, Chris has not integrated his shipping charge with his product charge, resulting in two separate transactions per order. One credit card charge for shipping, and for the second (product) fee, I sent a check.
This confused me at first, but then started to make sense as online commerce back end programming and maintenance is expensive and risky for a non IT professional. As a small business owner myself, I understand this decision perfectly.
I have used Chris for almost a year now every time I get a nasty Aphid attack... (I think my neighbor is somehow responsible). One bag of ladybugs and, wham the aphids are gone. And, I have no idea how the bugs stay alive in transit - but they do.
Bottom line - I love working with Chris. And in my mind, farmers are the last people I should be critiquing for their lack of computer skills. Because I simply wouldn't have the backyard I want without GrowQuest.
I have a feeling that some of the complaints may stem from the complicated billing, but I'll take the complicated billing any day for GrowQuest's extremely reasonable prices and insightful guidance.
I have been ripped off also - sent a certified letter with copies of order/cancelled check and of course it was not accepted so it was returned to me - more monies I spent to resolve this. I purchased ladybugs plus overnite delivery. What goes around comes around becuase this company is just cashing check and living the good life I am sure. Stay away from these guys - now I know why they do not accept credit cards - they like that FAST CASH.
I didn't do my homework this time (usually I look up company reviews BEFORE I engage with them online), and I now join the ranks of those who got royally ripped off. I wish I knew how to report this to the DA in this guy's jurisdiction, because I'd do it. I just checked, after three weeks of waiting for my ladybugs, and saw that he cashed my check a few weeks ago already (I should have known there was a problem when he demanded a check payment!). No replies to numerous emails, except when he thought I hadn't already sent in an order (this was weeks after I had), and he wanted to sell me some ladybugs!! I'm disgusted. If anyone figures out a way to get their money back, please post up on here. Thanks.
On September 28th, 2009, aweinland added the following:
I now wish there were degrees of negative for ratings. I did, FINALLY, receive my shipment of ladybugs. Many were dead, but lots were still alive.
I can't in good conscience change my rating to Positive, since there was never ANY communication from this company despite numerous questions on my end.
And Neutral just wouldn't be true. So I would still rate them as negative, and I'll never do business with them again, but perhaps I would no longer rate them CRIMINALLY negative.
I placed an order for a citrus tree and was charged $78.29 on June 21, 2008 (yes...1 year and almost 2 months ago). The order number is E_01028885. I still don't have the tree. When I asked several months ago in an e-mail they said I would receive it after the temperature at night is above freezing. Well it won't be long before the temp is again BELOW freezing. Who do I call? I'd like the tree but if I can't get it I'd really like my money back.
PLEASE HELP!
On Aug 15, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Oct 11, 2009 6:39 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
Shipping in progress and customer notified 3 weeks ago that it would ship with cooler weather."
On Aug 12, 2009, D_L_Frommherz Eugene, OR (Zone 8b) wrote:
This review of Growquest Gardens of Santa Paula is extremely negative DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS ENTERPRISE. Here is my story, I searched for Sixteen Candles Floribunda Roses to complete my garden. Google specifically found what I was looking for at GROWQUEST GARDENS in Santa Paula, California. I first emailed then telephoned to Chris Gilchrist who answered the phone as Growquest Gardens. I requested information via an email then by voice. Chris seemed very knowledgeable and had many well blooming roses of the variety I wanted. His price quoted was $25.00 plus shipping in #5 containers. I ordered 15 that I needed then he offered to reduce the price to $22.00 each for so many roses he said that he had them and would ship on Monday 20 July or Tuesday 21 July. I never gave it a thought that such a professionally done Website did not have a shopping cart attached to it. He couldn't or didn't accept credit cards so I mailed him a check on my company business to 134 David Street, Santa Paula CA. The check for $330.00 was cashed on 21 July. I assumed that with the check the shipping would occur as he said on those two days. I waited until Friday 24 July and then called to find out where my roses were and how soon they would be delivered via a commercial trucking company. He told me that there was a change of plans he had to drive up to Oregon to make a delivery north of my location so he would leave Santa Paula or the Bay area on Monday or Tuesday 27 or 28 July and arrive at and in Eugene OR by Thursday or Friday at the latest 30 or 31 July 2009 make the stop and then continue on to Monmouth Oregon to complete his deliveries and save me some shipping charges. With his driving up I took an inventory of the actual roses that I needed and added to the order 13 Weeks Legend roses and 7 J&P Whisper roses and 1 J&P Brandy all of which I could wait until February for bare root but Chris assured me that he had them and many more in his nursery. I told him that I had the cash waiting for their arrival based on his reduced price. I felt a bit compromised since he had not sent the pictures of my initial order as promised. Near the end of the day on 31 July I called his office then his cell phone (805) 921-3900 and cell at (805) 665-8342. Chris answered directly and said there was a change of plans he was to busy to drive up to Oregon so he would put my roses back on a commercial truck to cost about $120.00 for the shipping at least of the first part of the order. He said nothing further about the added roses that I had expected would come when he delivered in Oregon. I told him that I had the cash sitting here waiting for him. So thinking that my roses were on the way via a commercial truck I phoned again on 7 August (Friday) to inquire on the tracking number so that I could be at my place of business to receive my roses. He did not answer the phone and has not answered the phone and his cell phone is not accepting calls to leave messages (says not set up at this time). On Wednesday 12 August I emailed Growquest (sales@growquest.com) at 7:15 AM the message that I left was to have the roses on the truck by 9 AM or I would file a complaint with the city of Santa Paula, the County of Santa Barbara the police of Santa Paula and the Better Business Bureau with interests in his location in Santa Barbara. At 9:15 AM today 12 August I telephoned the City of Santa Paula Clerks office spoke with Peggy who said that she knew that Growquest had at least one out of state customer who experienced similar delivery problems as does the Santa Paula Police department and the City Detective is aware of lots of problems with Growquest Gardens specifically Chris Gilchrist and his inability to deliver as promised or even deliver at all. I filed with the Better Business Bureau today and found that Growquest has an "F" rating with them for unresolved delivery problems specifically out of state orders. The final call to Growquest Gardens office stated that the roses if not on the truck at 9 AM sharp must have the purchase money refunded by cashiers check or that the roses would be delivered at his expense but I would not wait any longer it is an either or immediately. I have canceled the added number of Legend, Whisper, and Brandy Hybrid Tea roses from this business as I don't believe that Mr. Gilchrist even has the roses in question. You can contact me for a personal attitude check at (541) 688-1223. Mr. Gilchrist doing business as Growquest Gardens is almost on the top of my list of shit heads and is on the top of my list for the period 1992 through 2009. again DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS ENTERPRISE.
On August 21st, 2009, D_L_Frommherz added the following:
Folks you have read my blow by blow account of the nightmare on Elm Street that Growquest and specifically Chris Gilchrist the apparent owner has put me through. As I see it being a small business person who values honesty above all else. I have not changed my assumption of Growquest Nursery. IT IS STILL SO NEGATIVE THAT IT WOULD TAKE A STEPLADDER TO REACH THE BELLY OF ONE OF HIS PET COCK ROACHES. ALL I CAN SAY IS "DO NOT DO BUSINESS OF ANY KIND WITH CHRIS GILCHRIST AT ANY BUSINESS NAME OR FOR ANY PRODUCT THAT HE MAY CLAIM TO HAVE IN STOCK. I AM SURE THAT HE WILL BE CHANGING HIS BUSINESS NAME THAT HE USES NOW OR CHANGES TO IN THE FUTURE TRYING TO STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF JAIL OR PRISON FOR FRAUD. This man comes across on the phone as pleasant, hard working, and knowledgeable in his demeanor in customer care and service. HE IS NOT A GOOD PERSON. DO NOT SEND THIS MAN MONEY IN ANY FORM. YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT HE WILL CASH YOUR CHECK AND YOU WILL NEVER EVER SEE ANYTHING SO JUST KISS YOUR MONEY AND YOUR ORDER GOODBYE. I have my doubts that this man even has the plants that he claims to have in his nursery. HOW DARE THIS MAN CONTINUE TO FINESS MY ONCE TRUSTING SOUL WITH ONCE AGAIN AN EMAIL ME LAST WEEK ON WEDNESDAY (12 August 2009) with the heading CHILL-OUT …CHILL OUT BE DAMNED. He then went on to write the following verbatim, "sorry I went away for a ladybug harvest and told Jose to cut all the roses back, I had pulled yours aside but that little fact seem to escape him. I just got some really nice roses from another grower and will have them sent out on Friday to arrive Monday". So as I shake my head in wonderment and disbelief, they were to leave Santa Paula on 8/14/09 and arrive in Oregon on 8/17/09. Well Mr. Gilchrist it is now 8/20/09 and like I knew from all the changes that you have used for an excuse that it would be a cold day in hell before I ever see my roses from the likes of you. So dear readers I repeat DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS PERSON OR HIS BUSINESS. I don't give a "RATS ASS ABOUT YOUR LADY BUG PROBLEM” YOU CHANGE YOUR STORY SO OFTEN THAT I DON'T SEE HOW YOU CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT OR EVEN KEEP UP WITH YOUR LIES. I want my money refunded you have committed INTERSTATE FRAUD A FELONY BY ENGAGING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE IN YOUR FINEGELING. Anyone wishing to pursue this man please note that the City Clerk of Santa Paula is on to him, Peggy is the business licensing section for the city, the Better Business Bureau of Santa Barbara County which oversees Ventura County has issued this business an “F” rating. Please please please be aware that even Dave’s Gardens devotes now 179 negative reports. The District Attorney for Ventura County is now involved you can contact him on their website. The Police Detective for Business Fraud has been notified and can be reached by phone through the website for Santa Paula - City of. Any person doing business across state lines should file with their own local District Attorney advising them that a complaint has been filed on this person and this business. ONCE AGAIN….DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH GROWQUEST OR CHRIS GILCRIST.
. In his email he claimed that his worker had trimmed the roses that I had ordered so he would be going out to buy the roses that I wanted from another and that he would ship them on On September 1st, 2009, D_L_Frommherz added the following:
Folks, If it is possible to even imagine a lower rating of Chris Gilcrest and any name that he may be using as a dba please note that the Ventura County District Attorney and the desk of Russ Robinson is now involved with Growquest Nursery. If and when you have found that you have been suckered by this business and by the owner who has no scruples or morals I might add because if you haven't been ripped off you will be as soon as you part with your money. Growquest is now being evaluated for Interstate Fraud, Use of the United States Postal Service for Interstate Fraud. When you finally conclude that this man has no intentions of living up to his contractual agreements with customers please contact Russ Robinson at (805) 662-1719 this is his office main phone line. Now let me briefly if it is possibler update you on conversations with Growquest Nursery (email) sales@growquest.com. Gilcrest started to email me last week apparently this man has no idea of any morals. He first wrote "Chill Out" making it seem that not getting my roses was my fault. A second email said that the reason I had not received my roses was because I had not replied to his "Chill Out" email. A third email also sent within minutes of the other 2 claimed that he now had to purchase a permit for shipping my roses to Oregon. Several minutes later he wrote "ENJOY YOUR ROSES". Now it is Monday 31 August and the shipper Conway Trucking has been contacted they have no record of anything being shipped from Growquest Nursery or from Mr. Gilchrest out ot Santa Paula, Ventura County, California. Once again Growquest has come up with another excuse after excuse after excuse as to why he is not at fault for 180 negative comments posted at this time with Dave's Gardens. Russ Robinson has been made very aware of the negative comments and the website to visit to add to his investigation. The City of Santa Paula and the Santa Paula Police Detective who has been investigating Growquest have now referred me to the District Attorney named above. Once again DO NOT DO BUSINESS OF ANY KIND WITH GROWQUEST NURSERY OR ANYTHING WITH THE NAME CHRIS GILCREST ATTACHED TO IT AS APPARENTLY THIS PERSON IS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING HIS NAME OF THE BUSINESS.On Aug 12, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Oct 11, 2009 6:44 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
It is said that liers give as many details as possible in attemp to make the lie more convincing. Elements of truth here are mixed the rantings of some one deluding himself of the truth. After waffling more on his order than an IHOP breakfast cook the Leather Master his received order. Huge 4 year old roses nearly 3 feet tall ready to bloom. Please note he lacked the brass pair to post that info himself.
On Oct 11, 2009 6:45 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) added:
On Aug 12, 2009, kumaaz Capistrano Beach, CA wrote:
Suppose I should have known that when someone wants a check instead of a card somethings wrong. Check's been cashed, order is over a month late - no answer on phone - no messages returned - no email answers.
So I've also been robbed and here's what I got from Chris about 2 weeks ago:
"Your invoice is attached.
Your order is being packed and ready for USPS Priority mail shipment, the best method for most ladybugs to travel. If you don't need or want the order please E-mail back the cancellation. I will be putting extra bugs in older orders, delayed by a lot heat out here.
Ladybug buyers, PLEASE MAIL IN YOUR PAYMENT as soon as you can. It takes a lot of money to ship all these orders out. You may notice that your invoice is smaller than at check out on the web site, if that is the case, then the shipping charges were lowered.
Please REMEMBER AS STATED AT THE CHECK OUT I CAN NOT CHARGE YOUR CARD. http://www.growquest.com/free_ladybugs.htm
Thank you for your business - I appreciate it very much.
Sincerely, Chris Gilcrest, Growquest Growers "
On Aug 12, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Oct 11, 2009 6:46 PM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
The order has long since shipped, and yes I blew by not getting it done sooner with the other aboved mentioned bug order. Chris"
On Jul 23, 2009, BambooPanda13 Tolleson, AZ wrote:
I am in the same boat with all of you. Except I cannot get my credit back due to the type of card I have =( I placed my ordered and about two weeks after waiting and emailing I got the same notice you all did. He wouldn't fill my order, nor would he give a refund. If I'm ever in California I'm going to kick his door down and get my ladybugs. We should be able to sue him. Everyone who has every been scammed by them. Wasting people's time and stealing their money.
I ordered the 72,000 ladybugs for some pecan orchards in NM. I did the first of the ordering over the Web, but later the Web page went down for a day or so. I e-mailed Chris, told him about the Web site, got great responses, got his phone number and talked to him, and we worked things out. He updated his Web site and it is back up now as Growquest. I got my order when he said I would, and he is sending extra ladybugs because the person who wanted them and would share, hasn't-not Chris' problem-I have some "interesting" neighbors. I have had a great experience with him!
Ordered ladybuggies May 31 with priority shipping. Order not received several days later... and I could not get a confirmation of shipping from the vendor at all (tried phone, left messages (when the mailbox wasn't 'full'), tried email, (no response). Started researching, found this website.
Sent email to vendor asking for response, delivery date, or refund. No answer.
Sent request to credit card company to begin process of canceling transaction.
Got bulk email from vendor 6/12/09:
"I have been instructed by my family and their advisors to close down the web site, Olive Trees Nursery or olive-trees.net and instruct all customers to get a refund from their credit company.
This decision was not mine. If you got your order, thank you. If you did not or your order is incomplete please contact [edited to remove unrelated email addresses and phone numbers] as they are now handling all of these matters. Calling 805 921 3900 will as you have noticed not get any information about your order.
If you still want or need your order and don't really care about the BS going on here send me an E-mail to sales@growquest.com. I am happy to ship it. I want and need the business even if they do not know what they are doing. Chris Gilcrest"
Still moving forward with canceling the transaction... If the vendor was capable/competant, they would be filling the order, not requring further action from a client to communicate with them that they still 'want or need the order'.
Since placing the order I've been able to find another vendor to fill Two seperate orders of the same items.
Shame on vendors that can't fulfill simple and easy orders!
On 5-19-09 I ordered the "Black Magic bush Jackson & Perkins, bare root #1" which didn't arrive. I emailed them only to get a deceiving email telling me to contact [name removed] and gave an address and phone #. I called that number only to find there was NO AUTHORIZATION for them and that they had received "hundreds" of calls. [Name removed] is not affiliated with Olive_Trees.net in ANY way. I went to the website and saw a message to contact their attourney [name removed] and even gave a phone # which again was false. The attourney quoted has NO client with them and is filing legal action against the site due to false advertisement. My account was debeted the cost of the rose, and yet I have not seen any package dispite Chris Gilcrest'S letter stating he would send it. DONT TRUST ANYTHING FROM THIS SITE!!!!
On Jun 16, 2009, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Oct 14, 2009 9:04 AM, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
This was not a Growquest Order
I did not say I would send it, I said I could send it. Further lack of cooperation by owner of Olive Trees Nursery, her attorney and her book keeper (that information Terry has deleted) prevented that from happening. Chris Gilcrest"
