[sandim]

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???

[4seasons]

can't you just meet with them on drop off day and dig when it suits you? or have the holes dug before hand and just touch up with a shovel? 5-6 footers we just wheel around on our tree cart, without too much trouble. they can be sitting as long as they get enough water.

[Stonehenge]

This is the era of web 2.0, and you're a Gold Oak member, so I know you've read my articles about reputation management. It sounds like this nursery did something that might be worthy of an online review.

But better yet than that, you might go to the very top of the that food chain (the owner/president) and explain your situation, and that you don't want to, but if the situation isn't handled to your satisfaction you'll have to resort to writing a negative review with one or more of the larger review sites.

This may or may not work, because that nursery may not recognize the importance of rep mgt yet. If they do, you'll probably get a call fast.

On the other side of the coin - can you take delivery of the trees but not plant until Tuesday? Can you pre-dig your holes on Monday before the trees arrive? You can just call and ask for the rootball size, and dig the holes a big wider and deeper (something you'd probably do anyway).

If you've put money down on these trees, the nursery should at least expect to be read the riot act.

[Stonehenge]

lol - beat me to the punch.

[dan deutekom]

I think you are being a little unrealistic with your supplier. Remember it is the busiest time of year for him. He has set up delivery times with you, some of which didn't work for him, and some not for you. From the way I read your post you postponed it a few times and so did the supplier. The supplier was being honest (and realistic about other landscapers ripping off the sold tags....been there, done that to get the stock I need.....happens more than you would think). Do as 4seasons says take delivery and then install when convenient for you. .

[NCSULandscaper]

I dont see why you cant have them delivered and held on your property for a while, ive had material sit for 6 months at a time until i got to that certain job. If i have a lot of jobs coming up ill buy all of the plant material at one time, not only is it cheaper but its in my posession and no chance for it to be taken by someone else

[jshilan]

Originally Posted by dan deutekom

I think you are being a little unrealistic with your supplier. Remember it is the busiest time of year for him. He has set up delivery times with you, some of which didn't work for him, and some not for you.

I'm with Dan on this one. It sounds like they were trying to be accommodative. Everyone has to get things done and earn a living in a business that has a very short season. Your window for deliveries should be wider and it is definately better to get material sooner rather than later. I would invest in some soaker hoses just in case you need to get plants delivered for a job that may not start for a few days or weeks.

I'm not sure why you are out any money, and from your description if you gave this vendor a deposit it sounds like he would have the kind of business that would credit you for a future purchase.

Remember, you get more bees with honey then you do vinegar. (Hey don't bees make the honey? And why would you want more bees anyway?)

[sandim]

Our big problem is the equipment. We don't own, we rent whatever we need that we don't have, in this case the backhoe. When I spoke with them originally we discussed an am delivery. They have a policy that they won't unload shrubs. If they did, I wouldn't really care when they delivered, it's just that I need to rent the equipment twice, once to get it off the truck and once to move it, but I'll see what I can to about pre-digging the holes.

Well, maybe I'm still cranky but they weren't very acommodating. It wasn't black or white, but pretty close. I had reserved the trees and called at least 2 weeks in advance for delivery b/c it is spring and I was sure they were busy. When we discussed delivery they said they could get it to me on such and such a day. I told them I didn't need it that soon, but if that was what worked best for them we would do it then. They said it didn't matter to them. When we settled on a delivery date they rescheduled on me and then after they rescheduled, they gave me a hard time about not wanting to have them delivered during a downpoor. They say the problem is that people will take tagged material. Not that I am one to tell anyone else how to run their business, but if that's been a problem in the past and continues to be a problem they are aware of, it's a big enough facility and has been around for 30 years that they should be able to implement something to handle this.

That being said, I did leave a message for the general manager who I think may also be the nursery manager.

Due to the huge price increase from the other nursery, I will have to see what I can possibly do about unloading htem without a backhoe.

I am always as nice as I can possibly be to our vendors. I know we're new and don't know the ropes yet and I don't purchase large quantities of single shrubs or trees yet. We cater to the individual home owner. That having been said it is with little doubt I drive our vendors nuts with requests and substitutions when they're out of a size or species I want. I always ask for their convenience for delivery. They know we're new and they've been good to us although I imagine they cringe when the phone rings, so I try to be as acomodating to them as I can be.

[GLAN]

It's give and take.......doing business with vendors