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Genuine query

Janie BJanie B Posts: 963
in Plants
I received a very sad-looking clematis a few days ago, and when I sent the retailer a pic, I was asked if the stems were still firmly connected at the base, and was assured they would never send anything out that looked like that. I said that it appeared the stems were still connected. I was then advised to plant it out and let the new stems shoot from the old wood, or alternatively send it back, and they’d plant it out there. 

Was a bit surprised, as I’ve received several fab clematises from this company over the years, and honestly not sure I can be bothered to pack it all up and send it back, but am not 100% confident I could nurse it back to health!

Would appreciate any advice. 





Lincolnshire

Posts

  • Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,394
    You shouldn’t have to do anything. If it arrived in that condition then they should send you a replacement at no extra cost!
    East Yorkshire
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It does look sad and sorry and not what you'd expect from anyone, let alone a reputable company.  I'd expect a replacement or a refund and no messing with sending it back and incurring P&P fees but I wouldn't bother planting it out.  It'll never cope.

    If you do decide to keep it, plant it up in a larger pot with good compost.  Water well before and fater and keep it watered for the rest of the summer but make sure it can drain and not sit in a bog.   Keep it sheltered over winter and see if it recovers.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • yorkshireroseyorkshirerose Posts: 574
    Do not accept anything other than your money back. That is disgraceful. Good Garden Centres would refund or replace your purchase, and they would then contact the nursery in question without you being out of pocket.
    A gardener's work is never at an end  - (John Evelyn 1620-1706)
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Name and shame.
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 963
    Thanks for your comments, guys... I'll hold off naming until I see what response I get  to my request for a refund. 
    Lincolnshire
  • Mike AllenMike Allen Posts: 208
    What seems to be todays general practic is.  Via garden centers and suppliers.  A three to five year guarantee on prennial plants, shrubs and trees. 
    So despite the offers.  Have you ever taken up these no quibble warranties?

    Some businessesdo actually refund/replace without further ado.  Usually however it sparks off a stream of emails, phone calls etc etc.

    When did you make your purchase.  Please provide your receipt.  How did yo plant and care for the subject.  The questions go on and on.
    At the end of the day.  You the offended are totally worn down and in most cases you give in.  So in all honesty.  Are these warranties etc really of any worth?
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 963

    So, I emailed to say I wanted a replacement or a refund, and was told that would be no problem, but they wanted the plant back, and would send me the voucher for the courier so I wouldn't have to pay that. When I told them I'd thrown the packaging away, I was told I could just knock some of the soil off the roots, and send it in a smaller box. They were sure they could nurse it back to health and resell it at the end of September. I ended up by writing that I couldn't be bothered to go to the trouble of finding a box (I didn't have anything suitable to hand, so would have to ask around or go and buy one), and packing it up, so suggested we should just draw a line under this whole sorry saga and put it down to experience. I'm not expecting a refund. I ended it in a rather pass-agg way, by saying that I for one, had certainly learnt from the whole exchange. 

    I will plant it out, to see what happens. Let's hope it thrives.

    Oh, and @Mike Allen, you're right, I certainly wouldn't contact a plant seller to try and access the 3-5 year guarantee... far too much hassle for the price of most of the plants I buy online...
    Lincolnshire
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