Marc,
Will you trade with me? I want a Rainbow Eucalyptus tree. Got one?
:^))))))))))))))))
Molly
USPS Priority Package - how long should I wait???
Ummm no on the tree and yes on a trade (provided we have something the other wants that is) LOL
Marc, of course I would trade with you. You have my son's name, Marc with a "c." Hehe.
Thanks for your sweet comment.
Afterall, we are just states away from each other. I even go up to Bellingham to see my parents a lot so I drive right thru Seattle.
Is interesting tho that is has been almost 2 weeks since I had sent those dahlia tubers to Canada. I am going do as Badseed does next time tho. Put "no value, and gift." I am assuming this is what is holding it up up there in Canada.
Life is a gamble in all which ways.
Carol
Just got a package from JanetS which was a delightful surprise and sure improves my attitude.
Judy
My 2 cents:
I am a new subscriber who has had already 40 trades! Several of those were huge boxes of bulbs I spent hours digging up and sent for postage. Of all others, I make it a habit to always include extra bonuses b/c I have seen such generosity on this site and as a gardener just love sharing the bounty. I wasn't aware people could be checking my feedback to see if I'm 'safe.' Of the 40 trades, one person posted feedback on me.
While it seems a good idea to not trade w/someone (new or not) unless you see good reports, it may also be a good policy to ADD a report on that person when you received a good trade with them (hint hint people on this very thread...)
I have also learned from this to try to make an effort to give feedback when someone has surprised me with extras or otherwise gone the extra mile. And I may start posting when trades are sub-standard too, it's just hard to be negative when it goes on someone's 'permanent record' ha ha.
I just had the experience of not receiving something sent priority over 2 weeks ago. I just told the sender to not bother resending b/c I trust it was a postal messup and it doesn't make sense for that person to have to pay twice. But it is a valuable lesson about the delivery confirmation and that info should be posted on plant trading!
Judy, glad your pkg was received and I hope twenty2libras surfaces soon. Sounds like someone offered the brugs you were waiting for from her already?
sevensisters, if you are asking about the trade which resulted in this thread, the person located the package at their post office and all is well.
If you are asking about the trade with twenty2libras in which she was suppose to send Brugs as a gift to Twyla, Hope43, yes Pens is sending them. Twyla is a very special, 60 year old lady, who has a really rough road the past 3 years (back operation, cancer, chemo, masectomy, knee replacement, heart valve blockage, plus much more) is all alone, disabled and SSI is her only income. Through all this she has been very kind, thoughtful and helpful to others DGers.
Judy
This message was edited May 28, 2005 9:41 AM
SevenSis,
I agree with you inthat I will post good reports for good traders. Although this doesn't mean that I remember to post on every trade/trader that I have done. I certainly forget sometimes.
I have only had 2 bad traders and I did not feedback them, but they are not active anymore. They also did not appear to come to this site to ravage everyones garden for their own "profit?".
If there is no feedback on a trader, I will research their posting activity, first, to see what their interests are and also to just get a feel for them.
In general most people here who are into trading, do it in honesty and generosity.
My 2 cents.
Molly
:^)))
I'm a 'johnny come lately' on this thread, but. I can't fail to put in my 2 cent's worth. (what does that say about me? dont answer that.......I already know! LOL)
I'm probably still a newby, can't remember when I signed up for this, but I can say thanks to everyone who has traded with me even though I was new. I sell off and on with Ebay and I'm always cautious about anyone who has a low number of feedback ratings next to their name, but I've never refused to sell to anyone. I think I've been sorry only once or twice. The thing about this plant trading stuff is that when you are new, you really don't know what is expected. People use words like 'big' or 'good sized' which are meaningless to anyone except the one who says them. There is no apparent standard about size or number of each plant unless these details are worked out during the trade negotiations. The first trade I did, I thought I sent a pretty good value until I got the box from my trader and I was mortified by how much bigger hers were than mine! Since I wanted her to be satisfied, I offered to send more of whatever she wanted, and she graciously accepted and I believe was happy. Lesson learned: negotiated exactly the amount and size of trades.
Then, I think I was on my third or forth trade before I realized that there was a feedback system in place. It's a little difficult to access this feature because there is no immediate link to it unless you go to a certain menu. I had no idea at all! I quickly left feedback for all my trading partners, but it seems like it would be a good idea to make this feature stand out a bit more like Ebay does.
In all, I understand Judy's concern about trading with newbies, but I'm glad when people take a chance on them. And though I've personally never had anything lost in the mail, I'm going to use delivery confirmation whenever I can (even though it means I will have to wait in line at my hideous post office unless I know how much the package weighs and can buy the label on line! I absolutely hate my post office and avoid going there whenever possible.) Gardeners have generous spirits for the most part and people are mostly good. When things go bad, it's just all part of our life experiences. Even though I love my garden, in the end it's only plants we're talking about here.
Now I must go and get more hostas for Gumlla because all the ones I sent him rotted! Drat!
Oh, and another thing about the post office. I noticed when I moved into this house that I suddenly had to go to the PO to pick up packages that the postman apparently 'tried to deliver' and no one was home. NOT! It just so happens that my house is set back from the road a bit and that I have two very friendly Australian Shepherds that are usually out in the yard. My postman is too lazy to get out of the truck and bring me the package. Plus, PO rules are that if any dogs are present they don't have to deliver. So even though my dogs wouldn't hurt a fly, he doesn't try to deliver. It's very annoying. He's lied about me not being home so many times, and I've complained so many times, that it's ridiculous! We finally have a new postman, and I"ve never failed to receive my packages with him. I've also instructed him that if there's a problem with delivery, he's to leave the package just inside the walk through gate, which is just by the mailbox. He can leave it there rain or shine.
Signature delivery is not an option for me, especially at the office. If I'm at work I am with clients and cannot leave my private office to sign for a package. I have no secretary so there would be no one to sign. I can sign at home if I'm there, but in all I think that would be more trouble than it's worth.
I was reading threw here- You are all from the States and thought I put my imput from the Canadian side of trading.Over the time I joined I have been heavily trading with American DG members.Particularily, for things in which we can't obtain here in our zone.
My experience in trading is wonderful...met so many super people.I've only had one incounter with a member. Sent over so many rooted roses in one trade to that DG member.Never received anything from her end. We've dialoged up to a month ago for over 1 yr and nothing ever came except alot of excuses and promises.
So for myself, I have no problem with trading with new members. We all started there too, and I'am greatful to the ones who trusted in me.The unfinished trade or the empty deal with the DG member mentioned above was a person highly recognized and I just notice some neg feed back on her now...So, are far as I'am concerned its over.You know if someone were to tell me they couldn't afford it or something truthful..I can respect that its just the gears they try to feed you, that makes a sour taste.
I don't have it in my heart to give them a neg feedback-but for people who are to deal with them in the future is what is in question.
As far as delivery..If, the parcel was to be delivered regular post sometimes it comes as fast as priority. It really depends and sometimes you wonder where it could of flown to- to be that long to come.
Ingrid
Shame on me sevensisters...I forgot to give you good feedback but I will fix that pronto !
A person new at trading may not necessarily be new at Daves. I do look at the ratings...depending on what I am sending. If it is a small item...I will take a chance if I have a good feeling about the person in question. But no, if we were planning a trade of 10 named daylilies (which are heavy to ship) I would probably shy away from that until someone had some good feedback.
I never give bad feedback for a substandard trade. Not saying that it is a bad thing to do but I think "quality" is in the eye of the beholder. What I consider "a good sized tuber" you might think was " a pitiful little thing". I dont have anything against newbies...I was there once myself, but I do try to be a bit cautious. If there were no dishonest people, Judy wouldnt have been worried in the first place. Glad everything turned out okay :) And thank god, Daves allows us to have this kind of post in the first place !
Now on to the trading : I've got a few too many,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, :)
No matter where we go in life there are dishonest people. I will trade with newbies as when I was one no one hesitated. The ones I have traded with have turned out good and generous.
I am sorry for the ones who get burnt.
As I was burned by a UPS driver once who kept my package and it was not plants. They said No one was home so they just left it. We were working in the yard all day and no one came. Well in a few days it showed up.
You never know where they end up. I get too much of my neighbors mail from 12606 river bend delivered here on 12606 river ridge? I have done ok with plants. The part I don't do well is getting posting out. Or sometimes plants. All the meds I take effect that.
I just found some mail from a week ago that needed mailed, still in my purse? Wish I had a keeper.
Blessings,
Sandy ^8^
I want to post an update to some of my comments above.
I had sent some dahlias tubers to 2 people in Canada and here pasted is from an e-mail that I just got tonight.
Hi there. Here is the $4.40 for shipping of the Dahlia's. I don't think I'll receive them. I've asked around and from what I understand, they will be destroyed at the boarder and I'll receive a letter telling me that they were either destroyed or returned to sender. Since you already shipped them out, it was only fair for me to cover the cost. We tried. Thanks DarrellR
So I am not so sure about doing international things anymore, unless I do the "gift" and "no value" on the package. I don't know if this would have helped.
I am kind of disappointed because I had sent some very good tuber eyes and now they are going to be wasted.
Plus I had to use PayPal to get my postage and didn't know that they use a fee along with this so I even lose money now.
So if people have done good international plant trading, maybe some very good tips are needed.
Thanks for listening.
Carol
Carol, it does bug my honesty but I do check hobbies supplies on the declaration page.
For those of you that do not know it but if go to the United States Postal Service on the web you can print a label COMPLETE with confirmation slip and you DO NOT pay the extra for the confirmation slip. For one year, I did not use it now since I am a grower I use it all the time. It is not just for a business it is for anyone.
Sorry that some packages do not get there, as it does make you wonder, it used to me as well..
One thing you might want to know that more and more packages going to any and all foreign countries are being destroried and this nothing against traders why it is happening more and more is because as a person we do not know all the rules of what is excepted and what is not..and let me tell you even as a grower it is a pain at times.
For the Sib, daylilies and iris there can not be ONE spot of dirt on them...try cleaning the Sibs that well.!! it is pass hard.
I know that anything going into CA, there you can not have ANY dirt either...and that is just one state I know of.
I would not give up with trading with others, as you can extend your garden, what I do is it worth the time and the plant for the price of shipping. IE, a dahlia here I can get locally for $2-$4 dollars, shipping is $3.85 is it worth it. For me no, but a plant I can not get here or very high I will try trading.
Enjoy the holidays
Denise
If you have questions about the Post Office and can not find the link email off the forum and I will forward the link to you.
Hey Judy, it's been a long time 8-) how are things going?
I'm still planning on sending you a small gift for being so wonderful to
me last year. I walk around looking at all my plants and everytime
I look at my hanging plants I think about you. Judy is really
great everyone.
About shipping out of the country, well, I'm not trying it anymore.
I marked all the correct boxes like the person told me and they still
didn't get the package and I was out the cost of postage. The
seeds they sent never got to me. So for months I worried if I was going
to get a warning letter in the mail. I was so nervous, but nothing ever
became of it. I definitely will not go through that worry again.
daisyruffles
Carol, guess what landed...They're in tip top shape..
You have mail.
Ingrid
Not that I need to - but I will vouch for Judy when it comes to Twyla. She has been through a lot from what I understand but the very first week I was here - yes, I am a newbie as well - I asked for some hard to find plants and Twyla came through even though she didnt feel well.
Remember when you read feedback on here, on Ebay or anywhere else a site allows feedback. Some people are just cruds - you will find that everywhere - but others might have a personal problem that keeps them from completing a transaction or maintaining contact. It might result in bad feedback but once they get through thier problem - they are still the same good person they were before the unfortunate feedback. Just a thought.
Ok, now I have some English Ivy offered on another thread - go make me offers to send plumerias - rainbow trees and other exotics for that plain jane ivy. lol
I shipped a priority box on 5-31-05 along with two others and a letter. They all arrived except for one. As of today she is still waiting for her box. I have a copy of the receipt from the post office and sent it to the lady. I always get a receipt and keep until all has been delivered. How do I go about checking on this box? I got hers last week. I feel really bad about this.
Winnietn
Winnie,
Don't feel bad. I know you sent it, i blame the post office (they have been terrible lately). I'm sure they'll get around to delivering it sooner or later. Oh, and don't call me a lady, it makes me feel old and very proper. LOL
:) Melissa
Dang Melissa, I thought you were a Gentleman!!! Glad to know you're a ... "gal". And I been wanting someone, anyone, to think I'm a Lady!!! (just teasing) Have you checked with the post office?? They may have it there waiting on you.
Winnie, I agree with Melissa, it will probably turn up in a few days.
Judy
Lady Judy, ;)
I asked my carrier about it today, got the pat answer... " If i had it, i'd have given it to ya."
Melissa
The package that started this thread was at the Post Office and the carrier had told her supv. that she had left a notice.
Judy