be an exciting adventure, but unfortunately it can end up as a very
frustrating experience if one does not know what to look for.
After locating plumeria cuttings or plants one likes, the buyer
should take a look at the vendor's positive feedback which is
shown as a percentage. It should be close to or at 100%.
Directly below the positive feedback is the feedback score
which is a number of actual positive responses the vendor has
received from buyers.
This number reflects the number of products sold to customers
who provided "positive feedback" per items purchased.
The higher that number is reflects the vendor's reliability to
provide quality products on a consistent basis.
Plumeria cuttings and plants are offered from vendors worldwide on
Ebay with the majority being located in the United States and South
East Asia, for example Malaysia and Thailand.
Unfortunately, some vendors from South East Asia have given
a bad reputation to the region in general because they were
selling poor quality plumeria plants and cuttings to Ebay customers.
But this should not keep one from purchasing from vendors in South
East Asia which show a positive feedback close to or at 100%.
Reading the latest positive feedbacks left by previous customers
also is a helpful tool when making the decision to buy or not to buy
from a specific vendor. This is found on the merchant's homepage
located right below the positive feedback and feedback score.
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| Plumeria 'Rose Red' |
Following are some tips for purchasing plumeria cuttings and
plants on Ebay....
1. Only buy cuttings and plants if you're able to see a picture of
what is offered to the buyer
2. When viewing pictures of blue or purple plumeria flowers,
the buyer should know that most of these pictures are
produced in photo shops and the colors of the plumeria
flowers have been altered. Generally speaking, there are
no known blue or deep purple colored plumeria flowers.
3. During certain months of the year, especially from April to July,
rooted plumeria plants with visible inflorescences, flower stalks,
are offered.
If the inflorescence has opened flowers, the developing buds
and inflorescence may be lost after the plant arrives at its
new destination and is planted in a climate different from its
origin.
Shipping stress may be another contributing factor for the loss
of the buds and the inflorescence.
If the developing inflorescence has emerged only a short way,
it may or may not continue to develop in its new home due the
above mentioned reasons.
4. Showing a tennis ball or shoe placed next to the plant offered
gives the buyer a clearer perspective of the actual size of the
plant he or she is thinking about buying.
Any vendor doing this gets an extra "+" from me.
5. Check on the shipping charges which should be reasonable
depending from where your cuttings or plants are being
shipped from. You can compare the shipping charges from
other Ebay vendors in the same area for a perspective of
what would be considered "reasonable".
6. Question phrases which include "very easy to grow". Each
plumeria has it's own unique characteristics and when
adjusting to a new non tropical temperate growing zone
the plumeria plant or cutting has new challenges to bring
it into flowering.
7. If a vendor offers a "return policy" be sure to read very carefully.
You can contact a vendor with an email for any clarifications.
8. Be leery of purchases that offer free phytosanitary inspection
certificates and free shipping from overseas. Generally,
there is a cost for each inspection certificate and, of course,
shipping and handling charges. Any shipment of plumeria
cuttings or plants coming to the United States or Canada
needs to have properly executed inspection certificates.
9. Contact your local Customs Office or visit their website to
find out what forms and procedures need to be followed.
10. Some foreign vendors include a disclaimer notice that they
are not responsible for any cuttings or plants confiscated
by Customs agents.
11. Consult with family members, friends or other gardeners
you know who buy from Ebay vendors and ask them if
they have ordered from a particular vendor that you are
now interested in ordering from and check out what their
experience was.
In conclusion, it can be said that Ebay is a great place to shop
for anything, including plumeria cuttings and plants if one follows
guidelines on how to choose a reputable retailer.
Take the time to browse thru different vendors' stores, compare
the offers and you can end up with a great purchase.
www.HowToGrowPlumeriaFrangipani.com
www.BobWalshFrangipaniPlumeriaPflege.com
