Purchasing orchids on eBay is like anywhere else: results may vary by seller. Sometimes EBay sellers are cheaper but several orchids nurseries sale on EBay at their regular prices. The same can be said for the quality. Ebay can be a very good place to look for orchids. For example, I have ordered several times from Kawamoto Orchids and Spring Water orchids on EBay with fair prices and good results.

Although not on eBay, Oakhill Gardens is having a nice 50% off sale. I was happy with my purchase from them. You may want to check them out if you are looking for a deal.

Any reason you are looking to eBay to buy orchids?

I agree with greencurls. I buy most of mine from Ebay and trader joes. ON ebay Kawamoto is hard to beat as you get nice plants and free shipping. Some ebay sellers will post and orchid at 3.99 and look at the postage $12.95. What they lose on the plant they make up on the postage (this
is getting to be the norm on ebay lately.
Bill Kemp

Thanks greencurl and Bill Kemp, great to have the feedback....I've never ordered on E-Bay, but see some different orchids I'd like to try...I've got abt. 100 orchids now since I started last year, mostly the cheapies dens and phals, and a few catts. and vandas... and have learned how to keep them alive which seems to be a real accomplishment! People tell me that Fla. is an easy place to grow them, I can't compare with other areas since I just started..... I go to a local nursery for most of them, they get plants from a greenhouse in central Fla. and since I am a good customer they sell them to me for $4. -$5., they are not really good quality plants dens. and phals., but good to learn on, and now I have a collection, growing well....I plan on going to see what Kawamoto and Spring Water are, also Oakhill, I like sales! We don't have a Trader Joes in this area....yet.... I appreciate the help, Thanks again....LOL, sally

I split my purchases between eBay and some very few select vendors. Andy's, Hawk Hills, Golden Gate are a couple of examples. If you enter 'Orchid species' in the search line and hit the button, right now 1,600 odd items come up. That's just species, there are also a few thousand hybrid orchids. If you cruise around there you'll find anything you could possibly want and at better prices than the regular vendors charge. I hear what you are saying about the high cost of shipping. This can be avoided with multiple purchases.

When I focus on something I immediately go to Seller's other listings and see if he has other things I might want. If not I'll pass on the item. If he has a couple of more things, suddenly the shipping is down to $4 a plant which is manageable. Eventually you get to know the vendors and know who is fair and who gauges.

I do something I call 'Intelligent Orchid Design' because it happens every Sunday morning and I'm hoping I get a little help. I get up, have a cup of coffee, read the LA times, scratch what needs scratching and then look over the 1,600 species offered. I rapidly scan over them and hit 'Watch List' if something looks interesting. I can peruse all of them in 1/2 an hour. Now I may have 30 items on my watch list. At this time I take the time to research each one and eliminate more than half. Then I look at other offerings to see if multiple purchases can be arranged. Finally I may end up with 5 to 10 plants for serious consideration.,

I don't bid on them but sleep on it, if she still looks good the next morning without make up, I'll bite. I'll place reasonable bids and refuse to get caught up in the hype of a bidding war. At the end of the week I may have anywhere from zero to 5 or 6 plants that I actually bought. Do that every week for a few years and some real eclectic and unusual stuff ends up in your greenhouse.

Nick

Salute, do what Nick says. Another way to buy nice orchids is to join your local Orchid Society. They usually meet once a month and frequently have vendors or breeders who give a talk and sell their plants. Many can be ordered a month in advance and the vendor will carry the plant for you at the meeting, saving you postage.

If you are in St.Pete, you have loads of local shows in Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota. Tampa has numerous shows. Sarasota, Venice, Manatee shows are in Dec/Jan. You can't beat the prices for good plants at the shows.

I only use Ebay if I can't find what I'm looking for. Usually, I call the vendors in Florida, ask what shows they will be attending and I go to those shows.

You live in an area where you don't need to shop Ebay unless you are looking for species which the local (Florida nurseries) don't have. Call them. Ask and if they have the plant you want, ask what shows they will be at.

Saves a lot of money and you can see the plant. Joining a local Club is really the way to go. A quick Google brought this up. Have no idea how close you are to Tampa.

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Tampa Orchid Society

Thanks Nick, sounds like you've got some serious orchid-buying addiction! no wonder you need a foot-ball sized greenhouse! LOL..... Thanks Jane, here in downtown St Pete we no longer have an Orchid Society OR a Rose Society---DARN... yes, the Pinellas Orchid Soc. is out in Largo and meets at night, I no longer drive at night or drive very far, especially THAT far thru' THAT traffic, so don't go to the Tampa Society either, this will happen to you as well, eventually, when you get old.... my son drives me to Lakeland monthly for the Heritage Rose Soc. meeting at Fla. Southern College, but it's in the daytime.... I do shop at several local growers here in St Pete, but I had this odd notion that I'd wanted to maybe buy 'different' from what they grow.... however, I might be better off sticking with plants proven to grow here instead of some exotic beauty I have to pamper.... I appreciate your input, you have brought me back to my senses! LOL, sally

Sally, saw this in Orchid Magazine. It's this weekend. I don't know how close the Garden Club is for you, but might make a nice weekend shopping trip...and its during the day!

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Orchid Show & Sale

THANK YOU, Jane, I didn't know abt. this show.... the Garden Club is within my driving venue, albeit a bit far.... the Club is in a beautiful old building w/gorgeous grounds, I haven't joined them because the dues are a bit high, but I should I guess... I do know they have a rose-circle but they also maintain a rose garden for the City and I sure cannot "volunteer" for weeding there, my own garden is a disaster! I don't know what 'circle' they have for orchids but if I can get over there on Sunday I guess I'll find out...I can't go tomorrow my son is coming to work on the house and we'll go eat after.... you are a kind-lady to tell me abt. the Show and I appreciate it.... thanks again....LOL, sally