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posted May-26-2008

I ordered an orchid plant from this website on 4/29 after spending quite some time going through all the pictures and picking the one that I want. This was for my mother in law for Mother's Day. My indicated delivery date was 5/9.

On 5/10, my father in law sends me an email to thank me, he attached pictures of the orchid that they received at home. It was not what I ordered.

On 5/11, I write an email to 1888orchid.com to bring this issue to their attention. NO REPLY.

On 5/12, I write again on the same issue. Here's the reply: We sent an orchid of greater value than the one you ordered since the orchid you ordered was no longer available. The orchid we sent sells for $129.95 and is one of our more rare orchids - I believe it is Lovely Bunny "Juliet" We cannot offer a replacement for this orchid. We sent this orchid to have something there for mother's day...Phillip
1888Orchids.com

On 5/14, I write back to ask why was I not notified my choice was not available, why a replacement was sent without my knowledge, why do they not know exactly what was shipped, why was the basket that I ordered and paid for was not included in the shipment, and to point out to them that the replacement they sent was either EQUAL TO or of LESS VALUE than what I ordered, NOT of more value, like they said. All the prices are on their website and is public information for anyone to look up. NO REPLY.

On 5/19, resend 5/14 email. NO REPLY

On 5/21, resend 5/14 email again. Mentioned that I was going to dispute charges if still no answer. NO REPLY.

On 5/26, I filed a dispute on PayPal. Immediately, this is the reply I get on my personal email:

Liza,

Please return the orchid we sent to the following address:

Delia Villegas
1015 Crescent Drive
Vista, CA 92084
760-758-1912

We will issue the credit when the orchid is received. This is a very special orchid we sent, I can't believe how ungrateful you have been.

Thank you for your trust and faith in our company.

Sincerely,
Phillip
1888Orchids.com

and this is what was posted on PayPal:
Please return the orchid and we sent that had three flower spikes and we will issue the credit. We were willing to send the correct orchid but at this point we want to orchid returned and we will issue the credit. I am very sorry for the trouble but there's an explanation for every one of your pointers in your email below. We firmly believe we sent an adequately comparable gift considering your order was not processed until mother's day week even though the order was placed a few weeks prior. At this point please just return the orchid and we will issue the credit.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Phillip
1888Orchids.com

I will hand the orchid to whoever they send to pick it up, but no way will I be paying more money out of my pocket for anything with this company. I have elected to continue to dispute this transaction.

SO, IF YOU WANT ORCHIDS, SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE AND SAVE YOURSELF SOME HEADACHE AND NAME CALLING ON THEIR SIDE. ORCHIDS ARE BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHO YOU BUY THEM FROM. BETTER TO PURCHASE FROM A SELLER WHO RUNS A TIGHT BUSINESS AND CARES ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS.

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