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Posted on May 6, 2011, updated May 6, 2011
WARNING!!! Avoid this person Chris Gilcrest and his companies GROWQUEST and Surf & Sierra Nursery. He is a CHEAT and FRAUD. He immediately cashed my check but has not sent my purchase despite his repeated promises to do so. I have telephoned and emailed over 20 times each over 2 months only to be continuously jerked around by him and his assistant, Sandy. WARNING!!!
On May 6th, 2011, Oscar22 added the following:
Other victims of Growquest can contact the Ventura County DA - (805) 654-3110 - to add their information to its fraud investigation.
Posted on May 4, 2011, updated May 4, 2011
Posted on April 14, 2011, updated May 4, 2011
Contact with Chris for months, finely I actually forced him to take my money for fruit trees I desperately need. He took payment and no contact, says he got married. I am surprised he did not take me for more money. He used me to pay by Chase Bill Pay and now Chase says you can not claim fraud..just a police report, a Supena to make Chase give up this guys address and contact information...social...to sue in court. If you initiate payment it is not fraud..I am screwed and if your reading this you already were!
On May 4th, 2011, tropicalnuts added the following:
I GOT MINE, KIND OF. He's new address is 200001 S. Mountain Road . Santa Clara same zip. He was not there it looked like a few (Very maybe 10-15) plants of roses, and fruits trees which seemed to be dehydrated beyond norm. I freaked as the place is deserted and the person in the home did not answer door. I called him repeatedly to which he did not respond to so I sent a text saying I am calling the cops to which he called me back asap. I told him I was there like agreed but I was not sure it is the location. He said it is, I said ok I will pick my plants out and leave.
I met the owner of the ranch, Rick, who helped me gather what I could on my list and exchange what was not. I said I give up and was tired of I will deliver "next week," which Chris still did not want me to leave with the Kafir Lime tree and said while I am there on the phone he will come "next week." I said I am done with this crap and want this out of my hair. Rick said he does not leave there, the house is rented to multiple tenants, and the ranch as other businesses using it for whatever reason. Growquest has only began renting 2 months ago. I told him to be carefull as Chris apparently has 3 addresses to which this one is not known at all.
Anyways...here is the link to what this guys legal problems are. Rick told me his son is a Pastor! Criminal charges in Tulare county..refer these to the Santa Clara Country and file a police report, BBB already has a F rating on it.
On Apr 26, 2011, SabrinaZaman Naperville, IL wrote:
I send recieved an invoce on 7/22/2010 (# F_10009435) form this company for a Kaffir lime plant. I promptply send a check for $62 to cover the price of the plant and shipping cost. Check was promptly cashed but I am still waiting for the plant. Last fall I called the company and was repeatedly promised that it will be shipped the following week. Subsequently the phone became a dead end as nobody answered or replied. Email is also remained unanswered. I tried to contact them agian this year but without any success. I now beleive this company is scam. I am preparing to lodge police report and inform BBB. Is there a way to stop this guy?
Posted on March 24, 2011, updated April 11, 2011
Please learn from my mistake. DO NOT waste your time or money with this "company".
You'll NEVER get either of them back.
Another thing you'll NEVER GET are the plants you've paid for.
On April 11th, 2011, DennisFinley changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
Update to my comments of March 24th.
After multiple emails I finally received a rose bush. Chris also emailed me to make sure that the rose had arrived and inquired as to its condition.
It was a nice looking rose bush but hadnt been trimmed back and was rather wilted. I trimmed it, soalked it in water to rehydrate and planted. So far it seems to be recovering nicely.
Although I did get the rose, this was not a pleasant buying experience.
I ordered several roses in December, sent my check for $130 which was cashed. I have been promised delivery since mid-January with several email updates and promises of new delivery dates. When I had not received by mid-March, I requested a refund which I have been promised multiple times. To date I have received neither the roses I ordered nor the refund I was promised.
Do not order from this company. As far as I can tell, it is one big scam. I wish I had done more research before ordering to learn about their unreliable reputation. Their website and invoice you received immediately upon placing your order look so professional--that is the end of any professional business dealings as far as I can tell.
I wanted to post my personal experience with Growquest. I have ordered from Growquest twice. Once about 2 to 3 months ago, and again, just this last week. I had not read any of the reviews on Dave's Garden before I placed my first order. I actually contacted Chris directly both times, and told him what I was looking for, since with each order, I was looking for some rather difficult to find items. First time I was looking for a Sir Prize avocado and Koko Loco roses, both of which I was having a very hard time locating in my local area (N. San Diego county). Chris sent me an extremely large Sir Prize (6' tall) and two very nice bare root Koko Locos, which were out of stock or simply not available anywhere (was told by several nurseries that this rose was unable to be procured from the grower at this time.) My Sir Prize is doing extremely well, probably better than just about any of my other 7 avos, and the Koko Locos are established and just now sending out their first buds. Order came right away, and was delivered right to my door. Paid by credit card, which was not charged until the items were delivered.
Second order which I submitted to Growquest on Monday and I received yesterday were for 6 roses, 2 each of Honey Perfume, Honey Dijon, and About Face. They came in 5 gal containers, were very well established, very healthy, with at least 4 to 6 large main canes, and several were blooming. I paid the driver with a check upon delivery. Delivery was free for me because he was able to time it with another larger delivery in my area, and I was able to coordinate meeting the driver at a mid-way point very close to my house, which I really appreciated. And, Chris tossed in free starting fertilizer, which I was not expecting, as well as a free rose, honoring an older sales promotion which I didn't expect, either. And, it's a rose that is no longer in production, which is an added bonus.
My experience with Growquest has been a very good one. Chris has worked hard to fill my pretty difficult orders, and has worked to give me good prices, free or reduced delivery charges and very good service. I'm a Master Gardener, and do some consulting gardening work for my development, and no, I'm not a personal friend of Chris, nor know him in any other capacity other than as a vendor I purchased from. I plan on ordering more roses from Chris in the future, and expect the same level of service I've experienced so far, which has been very good.
Placed my order on 2/20, called on 2/24 and was advised to mail a check. Received an email/invoice as shown below.
I immediately wrote back that I would send a check out.
Mailed check on 3/5, it was cashed on 3/7. Called again on 3/10 and was advised roses would go out the following week. 3/18 - no roses called and Chris advised they would arrive Tues/Weds. 3/25 - no roses - called and again Chris said next week. 3/28 - no roses - called and said specifically what day would they ship, Chris said Wednesday, would arrive on Saturday. Guess what, no roses!
I sincerely hope someone takes this business out -- and soon!
Dear Elizabeth Lee :
Please excuse this message if you have recently mailed in a check or did a Bank of America bill Pay online prepayment, or paid for the items you have already got, it is being sent every order in the system.
For everyone else and that would be about 95 % of my orders pending or shipped I am letting you that I cannot extend anymore credit. While I have told most of you that you may mail a check after you get the roses or plants I have to stop that.
The roses, olive trees have to be bought in large amounts. Too few people are paying for their orders after they have received them fast enough.
If you have a rose or olive tree order you need to mail in check ASAP to get your roses shipped out. If you are in CA, AZ, NV and want to plant this weekend you need to deposit a payment to my Bank America account Growquest Growers 01513 74123. You may deduct 10% from the invoice for doing that. If you just want to mail it no problem. I can also send a Bank of America Bill Pay for you to use a credit card with.
On Mar 5, 2011, cybergarden Spotsylvania, VA wrote:
Whatever you do, do NOT attempt to buy anything from either of these fraudulent companies (Growquest or Surf & Sierra)!
My mother ordered a lemon tree three years ago, and never received it, despite getting innumerable promises (and excuses) from Chris Gilcrest that he would either send it or refund her money. He did neither, and eventually stopped responding to our e-mails.
Apparently, this is his "business;" taking orders that he never fills, and keeping the money.
Gilcrest is an absolute crook who belongs behind bars!!! I only wish that I could travel to his (alleged) nursery in California and pick out a lemon tree for myself, (if he actually carries any plants, which I seriously doubt.)
He stole $50.00 from us, but more importantly, he destroyed our faith in online nurserymen, which had previously been unquestioned.
If anyone is bringing charges against him, and needs an extra witness, count me in!
How is this thief still in business?!! I wrote to the bbb and to the governor of CAL-IF-FOOOOR-NEEEA that they should lock down on allowing these crooks to carry on internet businesses after years and years of cheating people. He should be behind bars.
Hey Everyone - I had a death in my family and decided it would be nice to send my relatives something to plant in memory of my Aunt. Chris from Growquest went above and beyond to help me. He has been honest, responsive and excellent to work with. I had a concern because I read the negative postings but I decided to give Chris a chance and I'm happy that I did. He takes pride in providing excellent customer service and great quality of products. I will definitely do business with Chris in the future. Helen
Posted on November 28, 2010, updated January 20, 2011
I purchased a Yuzu tree and so far have not received anything except sarcasm, lies and aloofness. I was overcharged for shipping and have yet to receive my plant. This business is fraudulent. I am in the process of filing charges with the Ventura County district attorney's office and also exploring filing federal charges for credit card fraud.
This guy is blatantly ripping people off. Do not buy from him.
On January 20th, 2011, cduran added the following:
To add to deann's post:
I too received the same email from Growquest. It is a big fat lie designed to sway us from filing criminal charges of fraud. I no longer care about the money so the bankruptcy is mute. I want him behind bars with a federal criminal record. I want him barred from operating any business. This guy is a con man.
Have you tried the links he forwarded? Neither of them are valid. I had to buy a subscription in order to find the records and guess what...there are none. DO NOT let this guy fool you into thinking you will get your money back let alone any product you have ordered.
He is nothing but a low life transient gypsy who hides behind the obscurity of the internet.
On Dec 20, 2010, deann Au Gres, MI (Zone 5a) wrote:
Posted on December 12, 2010, updated December 20, 2010
Did ya all know this company and thief are now in bankruptcy?
Deann
On December 20th, 2010, deann added the following:
I thought I would let ya all see this email I received from this thief who is now going into Brankruptcy...I know I will never see a refund or a replacement Rose.....but perhaps I can prevent another gardener from falling into the same trap we all did......
Deann
Dear customer;
I have filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy protection, The and your refund or the
shipping of your item(s) will waiting until the conclusion of these
proceedings.
The filing of the Chapter 7 was not or is not an effort to dissolve the
money or obligation I have to you. I have larger issues that have clouded
over myself for many years that needed this resolution. This is not the
first, second or even third attempt to file this Chapter 7 petition. I have
got the process started before only to run into various complications and
issues. There will be no distractions this time
The amount of the money owed to you is not an issue in of itself but the
need to for me to a legal time frame and method to make ALL refunds or ALL
shipments is needed. I can only do all of this from the very large amount of
revenue the late winter and spring sales I have.
If you do desire to go to that length to protect you refund or order, I
would not worry, since your are getting this email as a result of the fact
that I have your information in my obligations folder.
On Nov 19, 2010, Supvkenny619 Levittown, NY wrote:
Posted on November 12, 2010, updated November 19, 2010
Posted on November 10, 2010, updated November 12, 2010
Posted on November 9, 2010, updated November 10, 2010
Like alot of people, I was lied to and still waiting for a refund since August. Long story short, I ordered a rose tree in the beginning of July, and after countless phone calls and e-mails my rose tree was never sent. He sent me an e-mail on August 10th claiming that the money would be refunded, and now we're in November and I'm still waiting. Please do not order from this thief, you'll be sorry. If you want more information on him, go to youtube and type in growquest and you'll see what I'm talking about.
On November 10th, 2010, Supvkenny619 added the following:
As I wrote yesterday I told you to go to youtube.com to see other comments of dissatisfied customers. Just to give you an example of how arrogant he is, type in growquest, then click on packing and shipping.mov. He patronizing comments are distasteful. He explains how there is no such thing as the "shipping fairy". I've been waiting since August 10th for my $40.00. In September I e-mailed him and politely asked for my refund and also in October. He totally ignored me. When I told him that I had his personal information (which I only had half of it) he gave me his full name and SS# and told me to get it straight. After I insulted him via e-mail and told him that I was reported him, he asked me, "please give me your name and order # so I can send you your refund". I printed out all of his e-mails if anybody would like to see them. For everybody that was robbed like I was, don't give up. Keep filing complaints with the Attorney General, consumer affairs, U.S. Postal Inspector, on-line fraud websites etc... It's going to take some time but they will nab him. When you read his advertisement, it sounds wonderful, but it is all a lie. I have proof with all the statements I made. Look how many negative reviews he has compared to the positive ones. Well to all the honest hard working people out there have a great day and God bless.On November 12th, 2010, Supvkenny619 added the following:
Attention hard working people: If you want to see this thief lose his business or get arrested, start off by contacting Catherine Mano. She is the investigator in Ventura County who's investigating this crook. The address is:
Ventura County District Attorney's Office
Bureau of Investigation
Consumer & Environmental Protection
5720 Ralston Street, Suite 300
Ventura, CA 93003
Office: (805)662-1703
Fax: (805)662-1770
Email: catherine.mano@ventura.org
She will be back in her office on November 18. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. The more people who get involved the faster he will be prosecuted.
If you want to know more of what kind of person the thief is, just send me an e-mail and I will tell you what I found out. You're not going to believe it. Later...On November 19th, 2010, Supvkenny619 added the following:
FYI: When I first called the Ventura County District Attorney's office, another investigator took my call, and before I could finish my sentence of who I wanted to file a complaint against, he already knew who I was talking about and the company's name. That's how popular this thief is. I can't say this enough, you have to file a complaint. I don't have that much time on my hands to write very often, unlike "Pugsley" I have a full-time job and a part-time job. I actually work for a living. Everybody spread the word about this crook to all your family and friends and tell them to spread the word also. Until the next time...
Oh why did I not do my research prior to dealing with this company?? STUPID ME!!! I guess I'm lucky that they only took me for about $17.00! I purchased ladybugs and was excited about getting these little aphid killers - but never received after many emails - I finally cancelled my order - but, I too have never received ANY kind of refund!
Why is this man allowed to do business in California or the internet?
I've complained to the California AG's office, Washington State AG's office, BBB, and Ventura Co.
Hopefully they will put this guy out of business before he hurts anyone else.
Just like the above statements, I lost my order money as well.
I don't understand why it is so difficult to get Chris Gilcrest out of the business world altogether. I can only imagine how much money he must have stolen over the years. . . . .
Posted on April 23, 2010, updated October 19, 2010
Posted on April 8, 2009, updated April 24, 2010
This feedback pertains to GrowQuest.com as they no longer exist, as they were bought by Olive-Trees.net, I hope to get the attention of Mr. Chris Gilcrest via the following message. He has not responded to multiple messages I have sent him over the past month:
Chris Gilcrest:
Giving you the benefit of the doubt, I believe your intentions were good but you became overwhelmed with tasks of operating a retail mail order rose nursery. I can understand that. What I can't understand is the fact that you never communicated to me after several requests for an explaination of why I have not received my order. Then, in Garden Watch Dog, you include a message to your customers that we should contact you if we, "AT LEAST have the COURAGE and COURTESY to POST YOUR ORDER NUMBER" so you can get any assistance you need to BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. So, CHRIS, here is my ORDER NUMBER: 01032409 placed on March 2, 2009 for the amount of $163.84. It is now past the window of opportunity to plant roses in the Arizona desert. I had to replace them with local nursery plants. I have no room for them. At this time,
I WANT A REFUND. DO NOT FILL THE ORDER AS IT WILL BE REFUSED.
As I feel you were honestly overwhelmed with the business and maybe your source of undocumented workers dried up, I have not contacted the Ca. Attorney General, Federal Internet Crime Center, the sheriff or any of the other websites that were listed in Gardenwatchdog for getting your attention. If I don't hear from you in 1 WEEK, April 15, 2009, I will contact all of the internet fraud websites listed in the watchdog. So Chris, how about you have the COURAGE and COURTESY to contact me. You can reach me as shown on the GOOGLE feedback website.
I know that you sold the business and it is now known as New Olive-Trees.net. I guess that means that you are out of the rose business. So deal with us that have given you the money.
C. C. Kelsey
On April 23rd, 2010, ccoryk added the following:
As I have made several posts about this (so-called) nursery since making an order for $163.84 on March 2, 2009 (Google Order #370373008025339) for rose plants which I was repeated promised and never received nor did I receive a refund of my money, it is good to know that the Deputy District Attorney of Ventura County-Russ Robinson Telephone # (805) 662-1739 is finally investigating this company and Mr. Chris Gilchrist. It is truly amazing that this fraud has been ongoing for such a long period of time. I do hope he is brought to justice in a timely fashion. On October 19th, 2010, ccoryk added the following:
Again attempted to 'play nice' and request Gilchrist to refund my $163.84 from 3/04/09 but have not nor expect an answer. What is the definition of crazy? Continue to do the same thing but expect a different outcome? Yup, must be me!On Oct 19, 2010, Growquest Growers (also dba Olive-Trees.net and Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
"On Apr 15, 2009 9:16 PM, Olive-Trees.net (formerly Growquest, A Surf & Sierra Wholesale Nurseries, LLC) responded with:
Please call us at (805) 921- 3900, we will do our best to resolve this matter."
On Oct 13, 2010, SunStream_Farm Jackson, NJ wrote:
On Monday May 24, 2010 I ordered two olive trees and it is now October 13, 2010 have yet to get said trees. With repeated emails and contact with the firm, fully paid for the trees including shipping still no trees. All I get are excuses. It is not the money that concerns me it is the State of California and the possible fraud that this company uses to get money and not deliver the goods. The Attorney General of California needs to get on the stick and investigate why they do not honor their obligation to deliver goods as promised and paid for. I do not recommend to anyone to order from this firm. It is not worth taking that risk.
On Oct 11, 2010, bdruid Truth Or Consequences, NM wrote:
Posted on September 29, 2010, updated October 11, 2010
I KNOW YOU READ THIS CHRIS,YOU WON'T ANSWER MY E-MAILS OR SHIP MY TREE OR REFUND MY MONEY. LETS INFORM EVERYONE ON YOUR LATEST EXPLOIT! I ORDERED A AVACADO TREE ON JUNE 17 2010, YOU DID INFORM OF YOUR POLICY TO SHIP PLANT AND IF I WAS SATISFIED MAKE PAYMENT AND YOU WERE VERY BUSY WITH MANY ORDERS. BEING IMPATIENT I MAILED YOU A CHECK, WHICH YOU CASHED. WELL ITS SEPT 29.2010 NO TREE NO REFUND! I JUST RECIEVED A POST-CARD FROM THE POSTMASTER GENERALS OFFICE IN RESPONSE TO MY MAIL FRAUD COMPLAINT, OH YA VENTURA COUTY DA,S OFFICE TOO. IF ANYONE THINKS THIS GUYS RIPPED YOU OFF, PLEASE FILE CHARGES. BELIEVE ME THEY ARE VERY INTERESTED IN HIM.DID I MENTION I AM RETIRED FROM THE D.E.A. LOL
On October 11th, 2010, bdruid changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
recieved avacado tree after 5 months! I have to admit its one of the best plants I recieved via mail order. I contacted the various law enforcements to let them know I recieved it. [ fair is fair] All I can say is I'm not happy with the process but happy with the result. Growquest, [chris] if you can deliver this quality product to all your customers in a timly fashion you should be succesful. Good -Luck!
On Sep 25, 2010, GQemployee Simi Valley, CA wrote:
Posted on June 19, 2010, updated September 25, 2010
Posted on June 11, 2010, updated June 19, 2010
Posted on June 6, 2010, updated June 11, 2010
Posted on May 28, 2010, updated June 6, 2010
Posted on May 26, 2010, updated May 28, 2010
Posted on May 25, 2010, updated May 26, 2010
Posted on May 25, 2010, updated May 25, 2010
Although I did not purchase anything from Growquest, I RECENTLY worked for Chris and Growquest during the period May 14-20, 2010. I worked for a total of 5 days and left because I could not, in good conscience, work for someone who treated his customers with such irreverence. It made me sick to my stomach and as much as I liked the nursery business, I could not stay.
I have been a international business consultant for the last 10 years and have had many prestigious clients during that time. I finally got burnt out and decided I did not want to work with that kind of pressure anymore.
Side note: Since I know Chris will come on this site and slam me with all kinds of derogatory statements. I will preempt his comments by saying that I was an owner of a medical marijuana co-op during 2008-2009. The dispensary was opened mainly for the benefit of my Grandmother who was dying from spinal cancer and was closed after her death. He will say that I was closed by the city. He will call me a "pot shop dealer" who is using old inventory...LOL!
When I saw an ad on Craigslist for a low pressure office job in Santa Paula, I applied and Chris hired me on a "trial basis" within an hour of that job posting. I started work that very same day (Friday, May 14th).
When I arrived at his "office" he had me start going through HUNDREDS of unanswered emails. What I saw in those emails made me cringe! There were so MANY emails from frustrated customers that just wanted to know the status of their order - especially ladybug orders - but there were many people that ordered and paid for other things as well.
I was hoping that I would be able to answer the emails and let the customers know what was happening with their orders - that was NOT to be the case! I was supposed to look for canceled orders and then cancel the order in Quickbooks. I took it upon myself to respond via email to the people that had canceled their orders confirming their cancellation. Chris told me to just "delete" the email with no response.
As I went through all the open orders, I saw A LOT of orders for ladybugs and other orders for Mother's Days gifts that remained unfilled. When I asked Chris about this he said to, "Just ignore those orders since we have NO LADYBUGS to send them." If that was the case, why not let the customer know????
SOOOOO many orders for unfilled Mother's Days gifts! I could not get those customers out of my mind and it just gnawed at me. I kept wondering how "I" would feel if that was my order!
I worked on Friday and Saturday and was supposed to work on Sunday. However, after I got home on Saturday (60 miles round trip) I decided to do a little background checking on Chris Gilcrest and Growquest.
Imagine my HORROR when I stumbled upon the Garden Watchdog feedback on Growquest! I was speechless and wished I had done my homework on Mr. Gilcrest! I did not go into work on Sunday and I sent a message to Chris telling him that we "needed to talk."
I also found an article that was printed only 5 weeks prior in the Ventura County Star that said he was under investigation and that he was arrested in 2006 for not having Work Comp insurance & for labor code violations....Yikes!!
Let me digress for a moment....
I am an avid gardener and a full service business consultant, so this job seemed like it might be a good fit because I could use my business acumen and link it to my creative gardening side - I KNEW I could help him out of his self created mess....if only he would let me!
When I met him on Monday to discuss things, he pretty much blew me off and put me back to work going through email orders looking for cancellations. Again, I flipped through the open orders seeing ladybug order after ladybug order. I really, really wanted to respond to those of you that were still waiting for your ladybugs and Mother's Day gifts but I was not allowed.
I returned to work on Tuesday and was instructed to go through the open orders again and "up" the pricing on the rose orders and to ADD boxing charges to all unfilled orders for roses and trees.
While I was there, the phone ringers were turned off, but I could see a message box that was full. The phone handsets stayed lit up almost ALL day - meaning there were incoming calls that were not answered. I was instructed to NOT ANSWER ANY PHONE CALLS.
Because there was someone else in the office, Chris made a big show of answering the phone. He was, more often than not, very abrupt with his frustrated customers. He was in and out all day...going to the gym, watching TV, surfing the internet, pontificating about politics, and looking for rental space where he could have an area to box & ship his plants. WHY you might ask? He was evicted from his last nursery space. Why do I now this information? Per his instructions, I was going thru emails and there was one from his previous landlord letting him know when he would be able to pick up his stuff that was left at the space.
For the record...
I was not asked to nor did I sign any Non-Disclosure Agreement. So I am not bound by any agreement NOT share my experience with Growquest and he can't sue me for "defamation" - he can try, but he will not be successful.
When I returned to work on Wednesday, Chris was out of the office and "up in Sonoma" for the day. I went back to my task of up-charging unfilled orders. I was really struggling now and felt sick to my stomach reading the emails and seeing the old and unfilled orders. Around 1pm he sent me a text and asked me to check the mail for checks and to prepare checks and make a bank deposit. Since payments were not posted to the orders, I had NO IDEA whether these orders were filled or not. In good conscience, I could not and would not deposit the checks for fear of being implicated in an ongoing conspiracy to defraud consumers. I left for the day and DID NOT make the bank deposit.
I was terminated the next day via text message at 7:32am. I did not receive my final check for the work I performed and such started the NEW SAGA of trying to get my final check. I will post this next chapter of trying to get paid if anyone is interested.
I will close by saying to those customers that ordered ladybugs and/or preying mantis eggs and have still not received them...you will never get them!
On May 25th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
As predicted, the text messages from Chris have already started. After reviewing my post in it's entirety, there is one statement that must be corrected as follows:
"I will close by saying to those customers that ordered ladybugs and/or preying mantis eggs and have still not received them...you will never get them!"
Using the word "never" was not correct. You MIGHT get them :-)
Thank you Chris for the correction. On May 26th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
Update on my earlier post.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that EVERYTHING I have posted is simply MY OPINION of what I observed first hand.
After being given the run around by Chris for 5 days and making 2 trips to Santa Paula (120 miles), I DID get a PORTION of my final check; he still owes me the balance. I have filed a claim with the California Dept of Industrial Relations and I will let them sort it out.
After seeing my post, I got more text messages from him that were kind of funny and just proves how delusional he really is - again in MY opinion.
From Chris...complete with misspellings:
“I saw ur post. To say most of it is fase would under statement”
“U actually helped me mor than u know. The post will be effective for me as long as it stays. U did exactly as expected an planned.”
“Free speech is not free when it is a pack of lies or distortions of the truth to cause harm. Like I said predictable and helpful to a larger picture. Thank u fo doing ur part to prov a point”
“dah retard why do you think u were not given a non disclosure statement in the first place. Because u were the perfect chump to post something as untrue and fase as made it. U went on and on about how pissed about not getting ur $35k twice no doubt more like 35cents…A lot of anger there u just needed a little motivation to make a post so I gav u a little motivation…Played like a puppet good job."
Chris made a comment to me about "restoring his GOOD NAME". I tried hard not to laugh, but all I was thinking was that it was impossible to restore something that never was and that he should spend his time and energy to ESTABLISH a good name!
Ahh...the rantings of Chris. I am sooo scared of you Chris and hope your masterminded plan works out for ya!
On May 28th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
Here is one that should go down under a Mastercard "Priceless" commercial and should give everyone a nice chuckle before the long weekend.....
Mind you, I am still trying to get $$ he owes me.
Text Message exchange between ME & Chris Gilcrest
Yesterday 27 May 2010
Me===>Chris 10:15am
"Even on a good day.... u could not find your way out of a paper bag."
Chris===>ME 10:18am
"okay well maybe u just hav better paper bag."
...and I am the "chump"? On June 6th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
As I was reading through all the postings regarding Growquest , I noticed that contact info for Ventura County DA's office were different. There is a "Russ Robins" AND then there is a "Jeff RobinSON"....this was confusing to me when I tried log my complaint.
Jeff Robinson (805.662.1713) is the head of the DA's "Special Investigation Unit" Yes Chris, you made it to the BIG TIME in Ventura County! If you have a complaint, Jeff would be the person to call.
I hope this clarification is helpful to those of you that wish to log a complaint regarding Growquest and/or Chris GilcrestOn June 11th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
Bump^^^On June 19th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
The latest communications to me from Chris/Growquest:
"Dear ratty aging fast an homely looking psycho…if I have an end then it is to start to new challenges opportunities in life and it has nothing to with u but rather the complexities of life. So get ur own mental health treatment an a fashion grooming makeover. And ur constant attempts to harass me an my business service nothing in mind. crawl back into crate close the kennel gate an go back to sleep."
Is this the kind of person you want to do business with?On September 25th, 2010, GQemployee added the following:
On Sep 22, 2010, DisappointedOK Broken Arrow, OK wrote:
I truely wish I could give Chris a positive review, but sadly I can't. I ordered a #5 dwarf bush Rio Red Grapefruit
Item#: Ctr5DbRio July 28, 2010. I've made several calls to Growquest and each time Chris assured me that my order would ship the following Monday and that I would have my order no later than the following Friday, but so far nothing has arrived. I feel very fortunate that Chris never charged my credit card for the shipping and I made arrangements to pay him after I received my order.
I ordered two mulberry trees in July. I kept checking the order status, it said, in progress. I emailed the company to check on the status and I was told they would be mailed in a few weeks. Now (in September), I received a email stating "out of stock." They offered no apologies. Very unprofessional and uncourteous.
Posted on August 26, 2010, updated September 13, 2010
I placed an order for 2 olive trees and a rose bush on 7/4/10. My check for the above was cashed on 8/10/10 by which time I had not received my purchase. I called the company on 8/23/10 at 8 AM local time since I was yet to receive the shipment. Chris told me it was really early in the morning but that he would ship the items the following day. I called the next day 8/24/10 asking for the shipment tracking number. This was at 10 AM. I was told that the day had just started but that he would have his secretary call me with the tracking number the next day (8/25/10). Today is 8/26/10 and so far I have not heard from anyone. Chris does not answer his phone today. I reported the company to the BBB yesterday. I would like to receive my purchase or be refunded my money.
On September 13th, 2010, kaarina added the following:
On 9/10/10, I received an e-mail from Growquest asking for my credit card information although they cashed my check over 2 months ago. No sign of my plants yet! I have reported Growquest to US Mail Fraud.
Posted on August 9, 2010, updated September 3, 2010
I paid for a rose tree in advance on April 12. Growquest initially stalled at sending the item and then ignored further communications including my request for a refund. Since payment was wade thru the mail, today I filed a complaint of mail fraud with the US Inspector General's office.
On September 3rd, 2010, michaelabond added the following:
I received a full refund from Growquest on August 23.
On Aug 15, 2010, GlockLover Centerville, UT wrote:
Posted on July 23, 2010, updated August 15, 2010
Does this guy even read emails sent to him?!
I ordered a Black Bacarra rose from this "company", was charged for the shipping and received a box a few weeks later.
The box was left on my doorstep and looked like it had been kicked around. I opened the box to find a rose bush that had been left in the box so long the branches had grown curved around the inside of the box. When I finally got the rose out of the box I found it had black spot, and a smell of root rot.
At this point I moved the bush to a space far away from my garden and thought I would give it a couple days after pruning and some TLC to see if it would survive. No such luck.
I emailed this "company" and told them what happened and that I was extremely dissatisfied. I got no response back so I just chalked this up to experience after what I read here. Weeks later I start getting emails, then threats, that I need to pay up.
I've just started to ignore them the way they have ignored me. I'm with everyone else who is in complete disbelief that this guy continues to hop from business to business.
On August 15th, 2010, GlockLover added the following:
I've now started getting phone calls saying they will contact a paralegal to file suit against me in my local court. I would say I am astonished, but I'm not. I cannot see anyone, except the desperate, filing suit in a different state over a $40 issue. Even the two judges in my church laughed out loud at this story.
After five months of trying to get
Chris at Growquet to deliver my order he has just quit responding to to my emails. You can't reach him on the phone either. He cashed my check, stole my money, refuses to give a refund and basicly is a thief and scam artist. Chris your turn is coming!
WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP BUYING FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought several roses from him over 2 years ago and never received them. He never returned my emails and stopped answering his phones.
A year later I got in touch with him and explained the problem and he promised to find the roses and get them to me. He even called me and told me he found them and was sending them to me. Of course that never happened and I was not able to contact him again.
I thought he was in bankruptcy, but seems he is still selling to people. I wish people would read reviews before buying from him. I think one of the problems is that he seems to put a lot time on his internet site and that is pretty impressive, when so many are so bad that they are hard to order from. He has really nice pictures of his products and his business and seems to give good info on his products, but I am not sure any of this exists, maybe they are just pictures of products and a business that doesn't even exist. Isn't there a way to have him investigated and closed down?
NEVER GOT MY ORDER AFTER FOUR MONTHS. I MISSED THE THE ENTIRE GROWING SEASON. I ordered a anastasia hybrid tea rose online. Despit all the negative reviews I saw on this page, this was the only website I could find that exact rose. The wierd thing about this website is that customers typically wait to recieve the item before they pay. I am guessing that he knows that he doesn't usually send the products and that's why he does it that way.
So I also pre-paid so that he would actually send me my rose. I've waited for four months. He's had my payment for 3 of those months, and I have not seen my plant. I've gotten a couple of short emails from him promising that it's on the way, but he won't even answer the phone.
I should have listened to all the other Dave's Garden users.
I ordered ladybugs and praying mantis as well as food and plants.My check for $12.98 was cashed but after reading all these comments I realize I will not get my order or my refund. I requested my refund and his response was "no charge was made". My credit card has not been charged but my check was cashed. I called the DA today and he has assigned Catherine Mano 805-662-1703 to this case.I know that most web/mail order businesses are honest, but this experience has made me less trustful.
I should have read all the comments before I ordered roses three months ago and still have not received an email confirmation or any plants. When I got hold of someone finally they could not locate my order and never heard back from them again. Chock it up to a lesson learned. I just wrote this bad experience off as a total loss. Will not order again!!!!
I placed and order for 3 patio tree roses on April 18, 2009 and my credit card was charged for over $100.00. After numerous phone calls and emails I have never recieved the roses or a refund of my money.
I wish that I had read these posts before I placed the order. My order # is 01033799. At this point I want this order canceled and my money returned!!!
Long story, that starts over 5 years ago and is still ongoing, but I'll try to hit the highlights to keep it short... Ordered 2 olive trees after speaking directly with Chris about their immediate availability in 2006.
Prepaid for my order and s/h by check (because they were not able to take credit cards...first red flag) in the amount of over $320.
After a full year of no trees and being blown off every time I tried to call/email, I canceled my order and asked for a refund.
After another full year of no refund, I filed in small claims court in San Diego County. Chris was a no show and I was "awarded" my refund. Chris blatantly ignored the ruling, never paying up. A writ of execution was sent to his bank with no luck. Today, 5 years 4 months after my initial contact with Chris Gilcrest I receive a Notice of Dismissal from the US Bankruptcy Court, informing me that he filed Chapter 7.
Chris Gilcrest really is an awful business man, and I can't believe that #1 he is still in business and #2 there doesn't seem to be anything we can do to put him out of business.
If he offers you something that seems to good to be true... it is. Do yourself a favor and spend your money elsewhere.
On May 8th I ordered Monkey Business and Drop Dead Red Roses for a total of $264.90 with my credit card. How I wish I'd found this page first. I received an order number and was informed that my credit card would only be used for shipping and that I would need to send a check before they could be sent. I never received the roses. My father went in for open heart surgery and then had 2 strokes and in all of this I wasn't able to follow up very well. But I have sent him numerous emails and left several phone messages but no answers. I have asked him repeatedly to cancel my order and refund my money. I have been polite in all correspondences. Here's hoping Chris Gilcrest will see this and take action to make this right.
Posted on October 13, 2009, updated June 28, 2010
I am fighting cancer and my husband is building me a greenhouse. I ordered an avocado tree from Growquest, after Chris there patiently answered many of my questions over the phone and through email. He was extremely kind, funny, and helpful. Even after I called him the third time, lol. I finally selected the kind and size tree I wanted, and he sent it to me extremely fast before I even paid for it.
I received it in the most extraodinary packaging I have ever seen. NEVER in all the years I have ordered plants or trees for our homes have I ever gotten such a large, healthy and thriving specimen as this. It even had an avocado nearly ripe on the tree! I was so happy with it.
I have to say, many times I have paid in advance with many places and get slow, tiny sickly looking plants that don't always thrive. I did recently from another grower and mentioned it to Chris and now he sending me a banana plant because the tiny ones I got from another grower were broken and sick when they came. I will come back and leave feedback about my banana plant from grow quest when it arrives too.
I have now read some of these posts that are negative, and am amazed. I wonder if it can be true. Chris has been polite, helpful and kept his word about my tree, and sent it before payment. I am a cops kid that finds it hard to trust people, and can honestly say I will give Chris my business again and will recommend him to my friends. He has treated me fairly and gave GREAT customer service. I recommend this company. How can you go wrong when you get to see your plant in your hands before y ou pay?
On June 28th, 2010, camprunamuk changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:
I ordered from Growquest in October. My tree arrived in what I thought was a healthy condition but within a couple days it began dying. it was infested with spider mites and when I took it in to a master gardener in our nearby city she said it had a disease. At first we had thought it was a watering issue or shock from transporting for a couple days, but it was inspected at a nursery and confirmed that it was sick. Not having ever seen one before I didn't know until an expert told us.
After several back and forth talks with Chris he told us he would give us a refund, and send me another in the spring. I had another round of chemo this winter so we let it go even though we never got our refund. I emailed him SEVERAL times this spring and let him know we didn't ever get our refund and that it was now warm enough to ship to us. We have not heard from him.
If he gets back to me, and makes good on his promise, I will return my rating to positive and let you all know that he did. If not, I will also come back and let you know that too, and report him. I don't even need both a tree and a refund, I even told him he could just do one. I'd like my money or a tree and am still waiting. I'll keep you all posted.
I am surprised because I felt he was trying to treat me honestly and fairly and now nothing........
The guy makes great videos. I love the website, but did not answer my email regarding making a potential purchase. If you can't respond to a purchase request, I can't buy from you. If he ran his business as much he knows about Avocados, he would be one to buy from.
On Jun 14, 2010, Fraudquest Santa Monica, CA wrote:
Since this company changes it name all the time I thought I would give them a new suggestion. Changing the name to "Fraudquest" would be a more appropriate name for this company and it unsavory business practices.
Same story as everyone else...ordered, got nothing, emails and calls...you all know the drill
In 2009 I ordered a number of roses, and after two months had passed (and many un-returned phone calls) I actually received only two that I had paid for on my credit card, well over $100. The two weren't labeled so I had no idea which roses they were, so they were of no use to me.
I had already figured out that this guy was advertising for sale roses that he didn't have in stock, so I was beginning to worry by this time. Again, emails and phone calls went unanswered, so on the advice of my credit card company I returned those roses by priority mail with tracking and filed a dispute to the charges and filed a complaint with the California BBB.
I still haven't received either the roses or a refund from this guy, and because of multiple deaths in the family shortly after this event, I didn't follow up with my credit card company, so I assume I'm out of luck on that score too.
I checked to see if he was still in business this year, and simply could not believe the crap on his website, pretending to have real products for sale, and telling people to check other businesses on Google Earth to make certain there's a real business. He's the only business online I've EVER encountered that's a total fraud! He stole over $100 from me, and for that he should be in jail!
