Sneaky high shipping...Hobbs & Hopkins

Maybe it's just me, and everyone else would have been happy to pay $9.96 shipping and handling for 1/2 pound of grass seed. I found this link, http://www.protimelawnseed.com/, on one of the threads and thought I'd give their Fleur de Lawn mix a try in a couple of small places. I'm not really aiming for a "real lawn" here, just a "cared about" look. I thought almost $17/half-pound of seed was high, but since no shipping charge was added to the check out page, I concluded it was included, so it seemed like a not too expensive risk that would appease my husband's strange need for grass. Believe me, I looked and looked for information.

The seed arrived promptly, and my credit card was charged an additional $9.96! USPS priority is only $4.05! The online invoice clearly stated it would be charged $16.95, no mention of shipping anywhere. I would not have ordered had I been informed of the high shipping cost.

I'm one who will order the maximum amount for a specific shipping charge to get the most for my money. I do it in coops, trades, and all my online purchases, which are many. Recently, I ordered a futon and the price included shipping. Amazon ships free on orders over $25, drugstore.com over $49. I wait for free shipping offers with companies I like to shop with occasionally, like Sierra Trading Post (great company!), Gardens Alive, etc.

Other thoughts on Hobbs & Hopkins: no website or email address on their handwritten invoice or planting instructions, no email confirmation of the order, no shipping instructions on website, and no comments in Garden Watchdog. Is this something I should add to the Watchdog?

4Paws,

I would most definately enter that company to the watchdog, that's why we have it, not just to see the good feedback, but more so for the bad feedback.

Molly

You would think that they might say something about shipping. It is shipping and handling and I assume the extra money is for handling, paying the packers and material etc.
Sounds like they do big jobs so probably just "sock it" to the little guy.
Hope it does well after all the cost.

I hope so, too.
The website clearly said $16.95 would be charged to my card. I went back to the site and redid the order (with completing it) to see if I just happened to be brain-dead that day and missed something. Nope - no shipping indicated. No response to my email, either.

Just for thought, I bought a twin 4" cotton futon that came today. $71.80 included shipping and handling. Built into the price. (Best thing is, tonight I sleep outside on it!)

How are you going to keep the mosquitoes away?

Our swallow pair seems to be doing a really good job of eating most mosquitoes. I haven't been suffering much with them this year. Today is a little windy, so that should help. If not, maybe I can get the dogs to wag their tails over me...lol

On that same thought, I want to order a garlic spray and try it this year, in case the swallows don't want to stay. It is supposedly safe for birds and frogs. Here's the company (shipping included in price of the gallon) that manufactures it:
http://www.mosquitobarrier.com/

This message was edited Jul 3, 2006 7:47 PM

Pro-time replied to my email today and will be reversing the charges for shipping. She was not familiar with the mechanics of the website, nor had anyone brought the surprise shipping and lack of internet contact information on printed material to her attention prior to now.

That makes me feel better and when the seeds are sown and growing, I'll post feedback in the Watchdog.

Thanks for listening!