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I placed my very first order 9/28/06, it was with a CS rep over the phone. I got everything I wanted and a ship time that worked for me, arrive by 11/1/06. Everything seemed fine, until today 10/26/06. I was notified that the scilla item I ordered is out of stock, not a big deal, I got a substitute item. Due to their low inventory I bought a more expensive scilla that was not in my preffered color. I asked if I could have a discount on the scilla, I was told no. I asked if I would be getting my items by the date I requested and was told no. But I was really surprised by the excuses they offered, which was that I ordered too late and that the item was out of stock when I ordered, (although the website still had it available and the cs person on the phone took the order anyway). They say they have no record of my delivery date request and didn't offer to do anything to try to get it to me earlier than their standard shipping process. My bulbs will go in a truck some time next week, and when that truck is full, it will take another 8 business days before I get them. They basically did nothing, I'm left with the impression that people in Zone 8 have few options with this company.
On Oct 26, 2006, Gardner100 Santa Monica, CA wrote:
Weak on Customer Service: I did order one bulb which is supposed to be 32+cm and was noticiably smaller at 24 cm. It looks like a runt! The supervisor said there was nothing she could do unless I mailed it back at my own cost, and then they would credit me for the single bulb. I explained that I was quite happy with my other bulbs and I wanted this one, but expected it to be 32 cm. I suggested they offer me a partial credit and am waiting 24 hours for a response. I'm beginning to wonder if the slighted, unhappy person below dealt with the same supervisor. I had receieved one rotton bulb from Van Engelen and they said they would issue me a credit. It hasn't happened yet. Now I'm a little worried about the quality of my other bulbs from Scheepers (I ordered about $300 and still have another $90 worth of bulbs to receive).
On October 26th, 2006, Gardner100 added the following:
I do have to say that I am very happy with the quality of my other Amaryllis bulbs. The one's from John Scheepers are significantly larger, and I will be ordering most of my bulbs from them next year, instead of Van Engelen. The problem is, with the way the supervior handled the situation, when they misrepresented the size of the bulb. The supervisor said that the Christmas Doubles ran smaller, but that's not what they say in their catalogue. Has anyone else had a similar problem with mail order companies?
On Oct 20, 2006, figaro52 Oak Lawn, IL (Zone 5a) wrote:
Excellent company. I received my bulbs exactly one week from the day that I placed my order. Good sized healthy bulbs. I'd gladly order from them again. In my opinion, John Scheepers belongs in the Top 30!
On Oct 12, 2006, adadia Glenmoore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote:
My bulb order from Scheepers arrived today, the first I've recieved this season despite a minor billing mix-up (not their fault; I got a new credit card between placing my order and getting billed). The packaging is very nice, the bulb bags being contained in boxes inside the outer box to minimize movement. The bulbs are fresh, lovely, and big, without a single dud. Overall I'm happy with Scheepers and will probably order from them again.
As a northern gardener, I am unhappy with my experience with Scheepers bulbs. It is mid-Oct and snowing in my growing area. In late Sept, I inquired about a large shipment of bulbs I had ordered during the summer. Scheepers told me the lillies were held up, but agreed to send out the hyacinthoides in advance. I rec'd the hyacinthoides, but then was charged twice for these bulbs. It's been very inconvenient trying to get a refund as they never canceled these bulbs from the original order. I am told I have to wait to receive them and send them back before I am issued a refund. I am already annoyed to have to plant bulbs in the snow. Several years ago I planted Scheepers bulbs that never came up. Other companies sent bulbs to my zone 4 area much earlier. We need time to get bulbs established in cold growing areas.
On Oct 5, 2006, Hyblaean Niles, IL (Zone 5b) wrote:
Well, got my bulbs from John Scheepers this morning! They were gorgeous, as expected :), but a bit of a surprise since they sent me this email last month:
"Thank you for contacting John Scheepers. I have checked in both of our companies, John Scheepers as well as Van Engelen, and I cannot find an order under your name.
How did you place your order (web, mail, fax or phone). We would have sent you a confirmation card detailing your item numbers, quantities, pricing etc. We do have you in our system, but there is no activity on your accounts, just that we have sent you catalogs in the past.
Sincerely,
Edith King
John Scheeper, Inc.
Customer Service
860 567-0838 customerservice@johnscheepers.com"
Made my spouse furious, and me just happy as a clam :D especially since I'd followed up and ordered from Van Engelen as soon as I'd heard that I wasn't going to get my order from Scheeper's. Not really their fault, I should have kept a receipt on my computer with an order number, and I really can't say I'm displeased at all. I will remember next fall to get and keep track of my order number though!
That said the bulbs are gorgeous, and I am looking forward to receiving my next order, and ordering with them again in 2007. Healthy fat bulbs!!
On Oct 4, 2006, mt_horeb_garden Mount Horeb, WI wrote:
I ordered from John Scheepers for the first time this fall. The bulbs arrived this past week and they look spectacular. They are huge and in great condition.
I am especially impressed with the foxtail lilies. I have planted these before, but I have never seen such huge tubers for this plant. The numerous roots are almost a foot long and the crown is very good sized.
I can not wait to see everything I ordered bloom next spring!
On March 28th, 2007, mt_horeb_garden added the following:
All of the bulbs and tubers that I planted last fall are now coming up. The foxtail lillies are even larger than the established ones I have in my garden. I have 100% success from these bulbs/tubers (allium, hyacinth and foxtail lillies) so far, and I can not wait until they bloom. VERY IMPRESSED with John Scheepers.On June 5th, 2007, mt_horeb_garden added the following:
Flowers are absolutely gorgeous! I will be ordering from this company again!!
To Comet9,
Your rambling diatribe about John Scheepers leaves more than an inkling to your state of mind. No wonder they chose not to do business with you anymore. They are a seasonal business and incredibly busy in a very short window of time, Why should they have to babysit your checking account and deal with all the drama?
My experience with them has been this: fabulous quality bulbs, knowledgeable customer service, not to mention a spectacular catalog.
Sounds to me like you need to bump up your meds and persue another hobby that isn't going to trigger another episode.
I love Scheepers and have been ordering for years. They have awesome prices and a wonderful selection. I would post photos if I could. They know their stuff and don't rip you off. Comet's comments (hmm that sounds funny) are ludicrous! All companies bill when they ship the product. That is why I try to remember to use a credit and not debit card.
Others: don't let those negative comments turn you away from good, cheap bulbs.
On Sep 11, 2006, debincincy Cincinnati, OH (Zone 6a) wrote:
Dear comet9:
I agree with Scheepers, take your business elsewhere. The best bulbs I have ever received ever have come from Scheepers. In the spring when the alliums come up, I have strangers stop at my front yard and ask me where I got these from. I do not think that your experience of insisting to use a debit card is fair to a company that has very high quality products. They are not a bank, they are a bulb supplier. Use a credit card or a check next time. It was unfair of you to insist on the company conforming to your unability to control your checking account. Buy at the store next time and keep your comments to the quality of the products.
Excellent bulbs, excellent service. I have never found another bulb company with the same quality at that price.
I have never had such a miserable experience with a company as I have had with John Scheepers.
I believe it was two years ago when I last placed an order with the company. I asked that my debit card be charged immediately as I had had problems the year prior, when the company charged my debit card earlier than the date given. Consequently, a check I had written, was returned due to insufficient funds. I was told by the customer service rep. that they could not charge my card until the time when the bulbs were shipped(months later). I asked her to give me the earliest date that the transaction could possibly take place so that I could mark my day-planner and make certain that the funds would be available. I was given a date with full assurance that the transaction would not take place prior to this. Once again, I incurred several bounced check fees due to the fact that the John Scheepers charge came in early.
It was incredibly frustrating and costly(not to mention embarrassing). I, of course, had to cover not only the costs of the bounced checks with my bank- but with the businesses I had written the checks to. I asked John Scheepers to reimburse me for my bank charges as they had not honored their word, again. They agreed to pay for half the fees.
I have never experienced a company's refusal to charge my card at the time of ordering. Apparently, however, they will accept a check or money order at the time the order is placed. And, in fact, they require it if it is your chosen method of payment. So, this year, I thought I would send a money order to avoid any problems. I hadn't received my annual catalogue so I ordered through their website sometime in June-to no avail. I then left two messages with my request (weeks apart), through their catalogue ordering voice mail. I never received a catalogue or a response. Yesterday morning, I called again to order. I spoke with a human being this time. After confirming all of my information, the customer service rep. asked if she could call me back. I asked her why that would be necessary given that I simply wanted to be sent a catalogue. She told me that they were having computer glitches. I told her I would hold-sensing something was amiss. After putting me on hold several times, finally, another woman came on the line(apparently a supervisor with the company). She told me that it would be better for both of us if I did my bulb buying elsewhere. I asked her why and she told me that it was the president of the company's decision. I requested to speak with the president, but of course her line was busy. I was assured that she would call me right back. I stressed to the supervisor that I would be staying home from work to wait for her call. During the two and a half hours that passed without a return call- I called John Scheepers two other times. The first time I asked for the presidents name and extension, which I was denied, but was forwarded to her voice mail, where I left a message. The second time, I requested to speak with the supervisor who I had originally spoken with. She was "unavailable" so I requested to be forwarded to her voice mail, where I left a message.
Finally, I received a return call from Joanne-apparently the president of the company. The first thing a asked her was why they were unwilling to do business with me. Her response: "You're unhappy and we're unhappy and it would be better for both of us if you did your business elsewhere". This generic mantra was repeated during the conversation. Then I was told that her decision hadn't been final but in light of my "behavior" it was clear that they didn't want to do business with me. When I asked her what "behavior" she was referring to, she said it was my having "demanded" her company cover my bounce check fees and for having "upset" her employees earlier in the morning. She also said that our conversation was the worst she'd ever had.
So this is what I want to say to you President Joanne(who's last name is apparently unavailable to pesky customers):
I didn't "demand" anything. I politely and apologetically requested some compensation for a situation that came out of misinformation from your company-despite my taking every measure to prevent it.
As for my "behavior" yesterday-I was civil, matter of fact, yet persistent with your employees, which I believe, is the only reason I received a return call from you. Perhaps your employees were upset, having been put in the position of having to be dishonest and evasive, in order to do your screening. Especially upsetting given the fact that I didn't simply give up and go away out of complete frustration(which I was tempted to do). Had I not insisted on holding the line yesterday morning, when I called to order a catalogue, I am certain I would have never heard back from you(a computer glitch?).
Had your company had the decency to respond to my catalogue requests(months ago) and at least be honest with me, I could have pursued getting my bulbs elsewhere. But, it's now the middle of August and as past experience proves, it's probably too late to get the bulbs my customers want.
Your expressed trauma of having never had a conversation like ours is something that I'm incredulous to Joanne. If an excitable tone of voice and interruptions constitute the worst conversation of your life-it's because money and power are insulating. But, I don't buy the affected naivety routine. When you treat people the way your company has treated me, it tends to make people angry. I assure you that I was on my best behavior given the circumstances.
I have been professionally gardening for ten years. I deal with many nurseries and businesses and continue to have great relationships with all of them. They are the barometer that I use to measure how I behave and treat people-not you. I have never encountered the poor treatment that I have recieved from your company. And, I will not allow you to manipulate me- the way you attempted to do on the phone yesterday-into making this about me and my "behavior". You should run for public office-you're a natural.
By the way, thanks for reminding me of what a huge successful company you are and how insignificant I am in your whole scheme of things. I think it would behoove you to take a lesson from a company like L.L. Bean-a company that is enormously successful and wealthy, and still manages to make the little guy feel valued and respected. They know it's good for business and it's the right way to treat people.
Good riddance John Scheepers! And thanks to this website for an opportunity to vent.
I wanted to start growing Oriental and Orienpet lilies this past year, and wasn't sure where to get my first bulbs. I got some from several places, with mixed results. But I have to say, the 40 or so Orientals and Orienpets I received from John Scheepers were both BEAUTIFUL and INEXPENSIVE. Compared with the other Orientals/Orienpets that came from an even better-known company, JS's were HUGE and ALL came up and are blooming extremely well. Only 5 out of 8 of the other company's bulbs came up, and they were very small and "wimpy", with one bloom per weak stem. JS's had 4-6 blooms per stem and they were VERY IMPRESSIVE. I will continue to make John Scheeper's my #1 source of bulbs. In fact, I am planning to order MANY daffodils, tulips and lilies very soon. :0)
On Jun 13, 2006, plantaholic2 N Middlesex County, MA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I placed an order last fall for the first time from them. Great bulbs. They arrived in great shape and all bloomed well this spring. I will definitely order from them again.
I really liked the discriminating selection of vegetable and herbs seeds in their attractive catalog so placed a major seed order with them. However, after just getting through with the sowing of spring I was pretty dismayed at the truly stingy amount of seeds provided in most cases.
Maybe they need to re-check their scales. Will post again after germination.
Baker's Heirlooms, by contrast, gives you heaping amounts of seeds. Johnny's and Cook's as well (not quite heaping but a good amount for the money).
On May 12, 2006, JWB Silver Spring, MD (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered crocus and daffodil bulbs last fall and was impressed when I received them - they arrived quickly and were well packaged and healthy. This spring they all grew and bloomed well and were true to name. I was very happy with my order and will order again.
I actually have been ordering from Van Engelen, Scheepers' sister
company. They are one and the same company, same address, same fax
number. The bulbs actually were shipped in boxes with both names
printed outside.
They offer identical bulbs, Scheepers in smaller quantity, VE larger.
The large order bulbs are usually cheaper from VE.
I just look at Scheepers' catalog then order from VE since VE's catalog
does not have any pictures.
Love their bulbs. Excellent quality, excellent price, excellent
packaging and excellent customer service. The bulbs always arrived at
perfect time for planting. The shipping notice is also a wonderful
touch. I know exactly what day to expect the delivery.
The bulbs ordered at the end-of-season sale were shipped immediately
and arrived within a few days. I received huge and healthy lily bulbs
with no blemish what so ever.
I already have a list of what to order from VE/Scheepers for next fall.
Last fall I purchased several King Alfred daffodils. My mom recommended John Scheepers to me since she used to order her daffodils from this company years ago. The bulbs that were sent were very impressive (Mom would have been pleased if she had seen them before I put them in their new home!). When Spring arrived, and despite our mini-drought here, up came these gorgeous, bright jonquils that are just huge! I will definitely order bulbs from John Scheepers again in the future.
On Jan 21, 2006, boojum Shelburne Falls, MA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I have always bought my bulbs from this company for at least 12 years. I have never been disappointed. If I get anxious about shipping dates, I e-mail them and they always respond promptly to tell me if there is a hold up (this year their amarylli bulbs were late and held up the order a week) and when they will most likely be shipping. They are always true to their word in my experience. I will continue to order from them.
I placed a very large order, well at least for me, this fall. When the shipment arrived, I was missing 10 blue pearl hyacinth, and several of the other hyacinth bags (all total 20 in all- Pink Pearl, Blue Jacket, and 3 Woodstock)had rotting/moldy bulbs in it. I emailed the company IMMEDIATELY, but I never received any sort of response back.
I just really hate it when companies make it so hard for the customer to be served.
However, all this being said, the other bulbs were in good condition, and I am very excited about seeing them bloom next year.
On Nov 27, 2005, ladyisle Bohemia, NY (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered 5 each of 2 different lilies from them last fall. The bulbs were quite large and healthy, but to my dismay this summer, not what I had ordered.
I called them to let them know and they replaced all 10 bulbs with even bigger and healthier looking bulbs this Fall. I'll keep my fingers crossed to see what comes up. If they are true to name, I would order from them again simply because they seem to care about the customer and sell the best lily bulbs I've seen yet.
On Nov 7, 2005, 75751 Fort Mill, SC (Zone 7b) wrote:
I found John Scheepers, Inc. to be a great source of
fall planting bulbs. The bulbs I receveived were top
quality and healthy. Their customer service is good.
I will definately order from them again!
Just placed my second order with them for this fall, since I was pleased with my first one. Great selection on the website, reasonable prices. Bulbs nice and healthy, though not huge (not tiny either, just regular sized).
On Oct 31, 2005, genson Tijeras, NM (Zone 6a) wrote:
I received my two orders of lily bulbs last week, as I requested for shipment in mid-October. I couldn't believe the size of the bulbs! Extremely large and well hydrated! Awesome! I will definitely order from this company again!!
On Oct 26, 2005, alicewho North Augusta, SC (Zone 8a) wrote:
I ordered from Scheepers because they have should glowing reviews and when I finally got the order, I just wasn't as thrilled as I had expected to be.
The bulbs were okay but really nothing to brag about. I've ordered bulbs, mainly lilies, from about half a dozen places for fall shipment and these were no better or worse then any others.
The price is fair, shipping isn't too awful and yes the delivery not as fast as others.
Still, all in all, I feel like a got my moeny's worth and would order from them again.
On Oct 26, 2005, kbaumle Northwest, OH (Zone 5b) wrote:
Bulbs are nice-sized and appear to be healthy. Shipping was a tad slow, in my opinion, for my area, but not late, either. Prices are very good and I'm sure I'll be a repeat customer.
I just received my order from John Scheepers. I am very impressed. The bulbs are all healthy looking and the lilies are well hydrated. They look much better that what I have received from other mail order companies. Great selection, great quality, good shipping time. The only draw back is the shipping is so expensive (20% for WA state). I look forward to ordering from them again in the Spring and next fall.
On October 28th, 2005, vixiera added the following:
I have now planted my bulbs and I am even more impressed. I had two lilies in my order of 5 bulbs each, these actually ended up being more like 5 clumps of 3-5 bulbs each! Can't wait to see the show I get next year. I will be ordering in the spring for sure!
On Oct 14, 2005, calypsa Plymouth, MI (Zone 5b) wrote:
I recently ordered some bulbs for fall planting (mostly narcissus, muscari, and tulips) and they all arrived today. I am so impressed! Some of the narcissus that I ordered were a part of their "Scheepers Gold Medal Narcissus Mixture" and so far only 3 of the 30 bulbs we've planted have only one nose (most have 3)! I'll be sure to post more in the spring once we see what comes up... We're very hopeful and excited to think about how these will look next April.
On Oct 10, 2005, purpleice Bridgman, MI (Zone 5a) wrote:
My order was received after about a week of having placed it. Nice packing, bulbs were healthy and of good size and I'm very pleased. They have a nice selection of products and the website is easily navigated. Will order again. Thanks Scheepers!
Anne
This was my first order from John Scheepers and am quite happy with it. It arrived at just the right time for planting , was well packed with good information, and all were clearly labeled.
I only had one bad bulb out of an order of 50, which is excellent in comparison to others I have tried. The bulbs were HUGE and firm.
Not only do they carry the harder to find narcissi Lemon Drops, but the prices and shipping rates were good too. I will be ordering again. I can hardly wait for spring now!
On Oct 10, 2005, nevadagdn Sparks, NV (Zone 7a) wrote:
I placed a moderate-sized order with John Scheepers this year--last year I ordered from their sister company, Van Engelen, during the end-of-season sale and was pleased with what I got. This year's order was very nice--large bulbs, well-packed, fresh and un-bruised. The Fritillaria bulbs didn't have a familiar skunky smell (the result of bruising) and were firm and plump. The tulip bulbs are large. I'm trying NOT to place another order. Trying.
On October 19th, 2005, nevadagdn added the following:
I failed. I placed another order, for Narcissus to plant a cutting garden.On October 17th, 2007, nevadagdn added the following:
I received notification of my order in a timely fashion, and delivery of the bulbs followed not long after. The Fritillaria acmopetala bulbs I ordered were a bit drier than I would have liked, but I placed my order late in the season. Most Frits should be ordered to arrive around September 1st, so it's my own fault for not ordering in time. Everything else in my order (Crocus, Galanthus,Tulips) looks large and healthy.On October 23rd, 2007, nevadagdn added the following:
Upon closer inspection, I noticed while planting today that the Crocus and the Galanthus just weren't quite as nice as in previous years. Since one of the other orders I placed and my locally purchased bulbs were also not as nice as usual, I'll assume it's because the Netherlands were having a bad year for bulbs. It happens.
On Oct 10, 2005, PaisleyRioux Manhattan, London, NY wrote:
Zowie! In May I placed a $150 order for fall bulbs. When they arrived in early October I found them expertly packaged and the contents clearly marked. The bulbs are clean, firm and ENORMOUS. So pleased with this company!
I preordered some bulbs for fall planting. After receiving my order, I received an email as well as a postcard listing all the items I had preordered. I love that. I don't have to second guess wondering if my order has been received or if it is being processed. I will check in again once I receive the bulbs.
Last year I ordered 50 scilla peruviana from John Scheepers, mainly because their reputation was listed as extra special on Daves Garden. The plants never came up, and when I called their nursery they said that these plants were a native of South America and normally didn’t come up during the normal planting time in the United States, and asked me to wait until this spring to order a replacement. So far nine months these plants have not shown any sign of life, and I have dug in my garden trying to see if perhaps some of these bulbs were still dormant in the ground, but there is nothing there. When I called John Scheepers back to complain they told me that moles had probably eaten up my bulbs, and that I should call an exterminator and re-order in the fall.
On Jul 8, 2005, ineedacupoftea Grand Junction, CO (Zone 7a) wrote:
After much comparison, Scheepers is the cheapest (Quality) bulb broker that I know of.
I suggest Tulip 'Orange Bowl for it's sheer galvanizing mass of color, and their Galanthus elwesii, of which most bloomed in January here in Colorado, but a friend of mine had a bud on thanksgiving that bloomed Chrismas day!
On Jun 4, 2005, gdionelli Huntington, WV (Zone 6a) wrote:
I have been ordering from John Scheepers and their sister company, Van Engelen, for a number of years. I've compared prices with other companies and find theirs to be the most competitive, their catalog to be the most thorough, and their bulbs the best quality of any single company. The bulbs always arrive at the appropriate time for my zone, and are huge, firm, and healthy. I've never had a problem with mislabeled bulbs. The daffodil bulbs are often 2 or 3 large bulbs connected together -- so I actually get more bang for the buck. The only problem I ever had was when they had a crop failure on a reverse bicolor narcissus -- by the time they notified me it was too late to order a replacement anywhere else and they were out of all their other reverse bicolors. But my money was cheerfully and swiftly refunded. I've ordered from other bulb companies, and I really think this is the best one.
On November 2nd, 2006, gdionelli changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
After many happy years of ordering from JS I received a horrible order this year. It finally arrived October 31st; many of the bulbs were soft and mushy. I made a count after opening and called them. They promised to issue me a credit (not replace the bulbs.) After beginning to plant the bulbs I discovered that many more are soft than I realized, but since I've already called once I don't feel comfortable calling again. And what I want is the bulbs- not a credit - but clearly they are out of the healthy bulbs I wanted. Had I known earlier I could have ordered elsewhere. I didn't order as early as I usually do, but nonetheless the customer should have the expectation that the company would not promise bulbs they don't have.
I cannot believe a reputable company would ship the rotten bulbs I was sent. They were not held up in shipping -- they arrived exactly when the ship notice said they would. I will think long and hard before ordering from them again.
