Comments regarding Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.

I placed an order the end of January and received it in under 2 weeks. I would be happy to order from them again.

This was my very first order with the company and because of the huge selection of veggies I didn't have to do too much shopping elsewhere.

I put my order in over their website (if it makes any difference) - on 1/26/08 and just go my seeds yesterday 2/2/08!

There were no mistakes, torn packages, sold outs, etc. with my order, which came in a nice padded envelope since there were about 20 seed packets.

This is a very GOOD co. I sent a order for several vegatable seeds including watermelons, zucchini, cucumber, and broccoli (my favorite!). The order was sent on 1-19 and came on 2-1!!! They also included free mesclun seed. ILOVEITALL!!!!!!!!!!

INCREDIBLE! First time I have dealt with this company. I cater to a market that appreciates unusual and heirloom varieties... Baker Creek has these in spades! The website is easy to navigate and extremely informative... every seed has its story.
The best part is the service. Apparently my order was lost in cyberspace but when I contacted them to ask about it, I got a very quick response (not an excuse) and my seeds arrived shortly after. Everything looks really good! They even threw in a couple of courtesy packets - of varieties that I'll use, not last year's surplus...
I look forward to many years of working with these fine folks.

This was my first order and I am very pleased. Shipment was quick and they included a pack of free seeds even though my order was small. That was nice. They carry a few hard to find seeds and I like their philosophy so I will definitely be ordering from them again.

I've just received my first order from this company. I was surprised at how quickly it arrived. Notice was sent via e-mail to keep track of everything. Seeds arrived in fine shape, were well labeled, and had more than the posted amount of seeds in the packs. They look fresh and healthy. Can't wait to plant!
I will be drooling over the catalog and am sure that I will order from them again.

I was impressed with the service and the ideal. Good Job.

I've placed orders from Bakers Creek about four times and they are my favorite seed company. However they are not perfect. I've had a few items substituted, like one type of purple cauliflower with a different type of purple cauliflower; not a big deal. I never received a 2007 catalog in the mail. Sometimes they sell out of items and don't say so on the website. Personally I'd rather be backordered than refunded, but you do get refunded right away. The seeds always arrive within a few days, there are usually free gifts, and the seed collections are a great bargain. When I ordered the northern seed collection, I had enough seeds to plant my own garden for two or three years and I shared some seeds with my friends. The amount of seed in each packet is more than I can usually plant in a season, even with my family of eight. For example, I planted purple carrots from the same packet for three years before I ran out. All of the seeds I have planted have been true to type. I esspecially like the varieties offered, which can be very hard to find elsewhere. I will do business with them again.

I ordered one packet of dark purple opal basil seeds about four or five weeks ago, and I did not recieve them until just about two weeks ago because of some trouble that they encountered with acceptinng the order.two and a half weeks ago I asked to track my order because at that point it had been three weeks, which is two weeks longer than they said it would take, since I had ordered. I got a reply in a timely manner and they were so embarassed that they had goofed up they sent me not only the purple basil that I had originally ordered they also sent me two other types of basil (genovese and lettuce leaf) along with some white carrot seed. I am anxious to see how they germinate. All in all I am satisfied with the company and they were very helpful about everything.

I have now ordered 4 lots of seeds from this company,many packets in each lot, they have been prompt and professional in every way,even when I forgot 1 packet and emailed them it was urgent I received it within a few days.As they are in the US and I am in the UK the postage is remarkably low. Baker Creek is the first place I look now whever I need to purchase seeds. I cannot recommend them highly enough,they have been a real treat to me since I left North America and find now I able to get almost anything I want through them in a very fast and economical way. I never miss a chance to spread the word in the UK about this great company.Thank you Baker Creek you are the topsXX Jeannine from Hull UK

I have nothing but good things to say about Baker Creek. The web site is easy to use. They have a great selection of seeds and the orders always arrive promptly. I especially like the free bonus seeds they have sent with my orders. Some of these bonus varieties have come to be our favorite plants.

Even though I have not ordered large quantities of seed from these folks, I certainly admire their mission. When their catalog arrives I get all excited and can hardly wait to put the garden in. Everything I have gotten from them has lived up to their promises. Just wanted to let you know.

We placed two orders this year and the majority of our vegetable garden is through their seeds. (potato,sweet potato and cabbages the exception). They ship incredibly fast, their prices are fair and the web site has good descriptions. The seeds have germinated well and we've been very pleased.

I ordered some rare and hard to find Hubbard seeds through this company about 2 weeks ago. They were sent within 24 hours, I received a nice pack of zinnias as a bonus and I'm happy to report that all of the seeds I planted have already germinated and are thriving. This is a first class company and I will definitely be doing most of my seed purchases through them in the future.

Quality seeds. Fast, efficient service. Nice freebies. This is a company that I will return to again.

I have personally been to their farm/store a couple years ago and was very happy with the customer service, the quality and the variety. I have also recently ordered on-line and the seeds arrived quicky and came as promised. This is a good, honest company. The prices are very reasonable. The seeds I have purchased from them seem to be of very good quality.

I just received my seeds today...it was a quick turnaround from when i ordered...i was refunded for a couple that were out of stock....i'm lucky it wasn't more than a couple since i ordered kinda late...i'm very pleased with my order and look forward to wonderful melons this summer as well as the pumpkins from the bonus seeds.

thanks, lynda

I ordered two different orders from Baker Creek. One of the watermelon varieties I ordered was out of stock. The refunded my money with the seeds, and my free packet of seeds was a watermelon! I've started the curcurbits for transplant in a few weeks, and things are starting to come up. My cat knocked over the cucumbers, and they are still coming up. All in all, I am satisfied with their service and quality. They are cheaper than the other Heirloom companies.

Thanks so much.

This is the first year I've ordered. After reading some of the negitives I feel the need to state I have had no problems and even my seeds that were marked low germination are thriving. Some people like to complain and some people just don't know how to garden.

Fantastic service and prompt delivery. Good germination rates. Will be ordering again next year.

Baker Creek was one of only a few companies I could find that offered Extra Long Handled Dippers seed I was anxious to get.

Received my order in one week...everything looks great.

Jere, you sound like a real character....thanks for the free very cool looking green zebra tomatoes. Hope they taste as good as they look!

I was looking for a new vegetable seed supplier because in the past several vendors had sent the seeds too late or the packages were ripped open.

After reading comments from this site, I gave Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co a try and ordered all my seeds from them. I was very pleased with the 'ease of use' of their web site and how quickly the seeds arrived in my mailbox. I will use them again

Within the past 4 weeks I have received 2 separate seed orders (5-15 packets each order). Both orders were received quickly, and in perfect condition. I planted seeds (generous amounts given) including the awesome free seeds they give you, and most seedlings have sprouted by now, and the percentages are close to 100% if not 100%. Great seed company!!!! I will be ordering again soon!

Amazing selection, great seed, and fast shipping. A+++ My only complaint is that they don't offer most of their varieties in multiple packet sizes for us small commercial growers.

My first experience with Baker Seeds is this year. My next-door-neighbor, who has been my gardening mentor, told me about your company (this is my second year with a garden).

So far, so great. We got our seeds promptly and I am impressed with the amount in the envelopes. Started some of them, and a few have started to germinate.

The only problem, and it's a small one, is the lack of info. I am not sure for some of the more unusual types about such things as spacing, depth to plant seed, etc. That would be a nice addition to your site, a quick guide for each variety.

But overall, you guys are great. Not only great seeds, but my type of folks. Your catalogue quotes are outstanding, and I agree on the frankenfood fight.

Happy in central PA,

Jamie

I've bought seeds from this company and have nothing but praise for the quality of the product, the generosity of the seed packets, the speed of delivery and the honesty of the proprietors. My order was shipped to the UK and arrived in good time, in fact the shipping charge was much less than the actual cost of the postage. (This company might want to review its postage policy to Europe actually!)

This company is trying to build interest in heirloom varieties by connecting growing traditions with other folk traditions - surely this is something to be commended and supported.

I hope one day to visit the retail store; until then, I will remain a loyal overseas mail customer.

Overall, my experience with Baker creek has been a positive one.

Order turn-around time: mailed out order (24 packets roughly $35.00) on february 9 and recieved product on the 21st. A+

Seed counts: all packets were at least 40% over the marked seed count, some more significantly. In 3 instances the count was supposed to be 20, and the packet contained 90-120 seeds. A+

Miscellaneous: Back orders. as stated elsewhere in this thread, Baker Creek has a "less than orthodox" approach to back ordered products. 1 packet was back ordered, and a full refund, in currency, was included in a miniture manilla envelope. While he hass responded that a customer can request to have a back ordered product sent later rather than recieve a refund and that most customers prefer a refund, two very broad assumptions are made: A that the customer is going to think to write that on their order form (that that concern would cross their mind at that time) and B that every customer is the same. My suggestion: make a phone call, or at the very least send a post card stating "X product has been back ordered and thus your order will be delayed until _____, if this is not acceptable please call or write and your order plus refund for this product will be processed immediately" the 50 cents you spend on a order doing this will return greater dividends in the future. I definately will order from them again, doesn't upset me that much, however, backorders could be treated in a much more professional manner. D-

I have known Jeremia since before he even had a seed catalog and he was selling seeds at a local swap meet. As his company has grown I feel he has grown away from what he started as.
He seems to focus more on music and entertainment and charging fees to attend his events.
He does not provide enough info on when ,how ,where to grow most of his seeds,and I have had several different seeds that either did not grow or was the wrong type all together.
Jeremia please remember why you started selling seeds and sell good seeds for a fair price. Also do away with the addmision price to your spring and fall festivals and I for one would come back and give you another chance to earn my business back..

"

Hey,
Good to hear from you, I am sorry you feel we have changed directions... But let me point out, we are now preserving over 10 times as many seeds as when we started. Which is the goal of our company.

Sorry you don't like the $2-$3 gate fee's at our Festivals, but let me point out, customers are welcome to shop at the store the rest the year with out a fee...

Also, yes we use the gate fee's to pay speaker's, portapotties and yes, entertainment, etc.

Also let me point out, what other garden event of our size lets you in for a couple bucks?

Thanks for your interest,

Jere"

Order received timely and correctly. They sent free pack of pepper seeds. Have one of best selection of rare and unusual vegetables I have seen. Highly recommended

Always the best! Fast Shipping.
And the magazine is cool too!

I have ordered from Baker Creek for three years now, and I am always pleased with the selection of interesting varieties, as well as the high germination rates of the seeds I have received. There was one small problem with my order(a forgotten seed pack). They made it right, quickly and no questions asked. I really enjoy doing business with them.

I placed a small order a few weeks ago. When it didn't show up in what seemed like a reasonable time, I emailed the company. They replied promptly and we figured out that the order ended up in the wrong state. They very quickly sent a new package and it arrived within days. I am very pleased with this company's customer service.

My order arrived on January 31 minus 2 seed pkgs which a note stated were out of stock until February. Stapled to the note were 4 one dollar bills - my refund. Since Baker Creek must be ordered via postal service and charges $2.50 shipping per order I will not re-order these seeds. Why could they not have simply marked them "back-ordered" and sent them when they arrived?

"

So sorry,

Since most customers prefer a refund to back orders that is why we refund you when we are out of stock on an item. Also we try to keep our shipping costs about half of other companies in order to make it easier to reorder, also if any one wants back orders they can say so on the order form."

I recently ordered seeds from Baker Creek, and I was pleased with the service, the quantity of seeds, the wide variety offered in their catalog and especially the shipping. I entered an incorrect mailing address and someone from the company kindly contacted me to straighten me (and the situation) out. I received the well-packaged seeds in a respectably short time and look forward to doing business with B.C. again soon.

I'd also like to mention that I appreciate Baker Creek's lower prices. This is a boom time for seed companies and some of them have responded to the increased demand by raising prices excessively. To Baker Creek, I say: Keep the selection wide, the prices reasonable, and the hope alive. Aloha and Mahalo.

My seeds were shipped promptly and included a bonus seed packet. They also included a helpful planting guide featuring general information. I will do business with Baker Creek in the future.

My order of several types of amaranth seeds has shown
awesome germination rates. Other seeds I have ordered
have produced great yields. The seed catalog provides much
information on unique seeds. I have subscribed to their quarterly magazine....it is well worth the price...

First the variety I mainly ordered from them for showed available on their site. They shipped my seeds and I had to figure out which they didn't send as they didn't mark or sent a note explaining what variety they left out. They sent two varieties marked as only 60% germination. I would of preferred to not of paid good money for that low of germination. I have never experienced less than 80% from other sources. When I inquired about the variety they didn't send I was informed that it was temporalily out and wouldn't be available for a week or so. And they don't send when they become available. I would of preferred an email or phone call. Not sure why they ask for these if they are not going to use them. I would of cancelled the order if I had known this variety was unavailable. I will think hard before I ever order again. My emails was answered by someone other than the owner who didn't seem real interested in my business. So far I haven't sowed the seeds so don't know how the rest will germinate.

"

I am sorry we did not have the variety that you ordered, also I re-addressed the issue of sending a note to let customers know what were out of stock on, which we have been doing but must have some how miss yours.

In regards to germination, all our seeds follow federal guidelines, depending on the type of seed, if 60% is under standard, we -over- pack to more than make up the difference, and you will see a statement on the backs of such packets.

If you wan't to cancel the order you can return it for full purchase price, I am sorry we were not able to call you about your packet, we ask for the phone in case of incorrect address, etc. But we can not call about each variety, do to phone costs, etc.

I am sorry you feel like we were not interested in you, It is just a really busy time for us seedsmen, and at times we are not able to go into detail like we would like,

If you would like to discuss this more please feel free to call me toll-free 1-866-OLD-SEED


Thanks,
Jere

Until we have your name and order number and item your missing, I simply can't answer your questions, because I don't know who you are, or what you ordered, so please go ahead and call."

Very quick and complete order. I ordered over $300 worth of seeds/books/dvd and only two packs of seeds were out of stock. That is great. I would also like to see internet order customers called and emailed with "out of stock or backordered items" so that a substitute may be chosen. That would make them more money and make customers even happier. I will be ordering again! Thank you Pam and the rest of the staff at Baker...W.G.

What a fantastic company....my order arrived in less then 2 weeks and the amount of seeds in the packages was a wonderful surprise!

The overall experience was that I was dealing with an old fashioned company that values keeping the customer happy. What a pleasant shock!

p.s.Thank you for the bonus package! Ü