Now that is one great suggestion.

And it would be cool if it wasn't just mail order but even some local independent garden centers for people who prefer to see what they are buying.

Glad you agree. Thanks for your vote.

No prob, I think it's a really good idea. In the HP forum (and other "indoor" forums I visit) there are always threads about "have you ordered from XYZ?" and most recently there are some about ebay sellers and what people's experience has been. Setting up something like that other place would be a good idea.

I'll link to your post in a couple of places and see if more people will chime in.

OK. Great!

I third the motion!

Hi bboy. I posted about Ebay seller in the House Plants main forum, and mrbrownthumb sent me a link to this thread and asked that I post it here. So here is the copy and paste of it...hope it helps. If you want to read the whole thread thus far, just go into house plants forum and look for "buying on ebay" (I think that's what I named the subject!).
Gabi

"I've seen some questions on this site as to whether or not to buy from ebay. I've had some good experiences and some bad. I don't want to list the bad sellers, as I don't find that to be very nice, but I will list my favorite sellers in case any of you are interested and want to know of some good sellers:
Cowboyflowerman: Sells lots of hoyas and other plants. Great plants and well packaged.

herbs-mint-4-u: Nice plants (bought mainly hoyas from them), and nice plant accessories. VERY fast shipment (took 2 or 3 days from California to NY).

Professionalteam: Bought succulents from them. Very nice plants. They sell unusual cacti and succulents. They are also accomodating...a plant I received was damaged when it got to me and they immediately refunded my money, no questions asked.

Mosiac-world: Sells cacti and succulents. The plants look exactly as pictured (I think he sends the exact one as in the picture). He posts in spurts, but when he does post he has a huge selection.

Nanettealene: I only bought soil from them, but they sell plants too (Mostly cacti and succulents). They send a full flat rate priority box of great cactus/succulent soil for $19 (including shipping). It's great soil (contains tons of pumice, sand, and perlite) and especially great for those of us who are too lazy to make our own!

Shellfndr2003: Sells really nice succelents and cacti. Very nice to deal with as well.

Hope that helps. Feel free to ask me any questions, as most of the plants I get are from ebay, and I can answer you privately regarding who to avoid.

Happy Holidays,
Gabi"

I think it's a great idea. I frequently check out nurseries and seed vendors on that "other site". Listing Ebay sellers, good and bad, is also a good idea.
Karyn

Great idea! Let's help GW by thinking of a name for it. Maybe we can come up something that the powers that be likes...and maybe they could/would give a prize for the winning name if chosen. Maybe Not.

Anyway, I like the idea, but wonder if it covered Ebay sellers, and others who don't advertise here, if there could be a problem with the paying advertisers who (I think) fund this site. Maybe not.

Sue

I think this is a great idea as well. We'll open a forum for this in the next few weeks. We have some things in the works for the Spring that will let you create some great guides that I think you will find to be much better than the ones on the "other site" ;).

What "other site"?

Sue...clueless as usual

Sue, lol, the one with the watchdog!
Remy

OHHHHHH...that other site. I've heard of it a few times here and there in passing.

Silly Sue

Sounds like a plan, glad to hear it. Anything to increase the frequency of posting on the forums I check here would be welcome.

It'll be helpful to gardeners to have a place here to rate nurseries and other mail order operators.

That said, Garden Watchdog needs continued support as well. It's built up an excellent database showing long-term history of sellers that's really impossible to duplicate (G. Watchdog originally was two separate sites that merged some time back). It's been a great help to me in weeding out problem sites and picking good ones.

Well, we can all use help in weeding. Just noticed new Rate & Review is up already. Thanks!

That was sure quick!

Thanks!

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Rate and Review Vendors