We do a lot of unique plantings so we work more with our specialty nursery than we do with the local large wholesaler.
Placed an order with said wholesaller over the winter for 30 Eastern White Pines 5-6' tall at a certain price for delivery in the spring. Told them I would call when ready. They said "no probelm". I called them about 2 weeks in advance of when I when I wanted them realizing that in spring everyone wants everything yesterday. They were able to deliver sooner than I was ready to install so I postponed it for a week asking them if that was ok. Yes, I was assured, it was. A delivery date was agreed upon. A few days before the delivery date I received a phone call asking if there was any way we could postpone. My client doesn't care as they don't live there yet and are re-doing the entire house, so I said "sure, just let me know". I received a call today they want to deliver Friday. Normally I would re-arrange my schedule but weather calls for thunder here. I am so not working a backhoe in the thunder and downpoor and I wont' subject my employees to that. I explained that to the company. I was told that I might "lose" the trees. Apparently other landscapers don't care if it's tagged 'sold' and will rip the tag off. After much deliberation and a firm phone call they said they'd call back. I was told Monday afternoon. Again this doesn't work for me as the backhoe rental is a full day, no half days available. I find myself forced to take a loss and order from another company to save $40. Either way I'm out ~$700 and very unhappy. I did my part, I ordered and called way in advance. I feel like I just got shafted big time and it's not my fault. Now what? I have already left a voicemail for the manager, but seeing as we're not a re-saler or a huge company that does a lot of business with them, I doubt they'll care. Any suggestions???
