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Plant pick-ups from the Orchid Zone: Policies & Guidelines (v1.1)

Paphiness Orchids is very fortunate to have a great relationship with the Orchid Zone, and we enjoy acquiring plants from OZ for our valued clients and fellow slipper nuts.  Over years of experience, we’ve developed some guidelines so that our clients get something they’re happy with from OZ.  The last thing we want is an unhappy customer!

1) Minimum order is $50 (subject to change).  For new customers, we respectfully request pre-payment of the approximate amount of your order prior to pick-up from the Orchid Zone.

2) The Orchid Zone typically releases plants only in bloom.  Selecting plants in bloom is very subjective.  I try very hard to select plants that my clients will like, but given the subjectivity involved, results can vary.    I try to understand as best I can what you are looking for, but please keep in mind that I do not see with your eyes, and can only make an informed guess as to what you will like.  If you are super picky about what you want, I will likely not be able to find what you’re looking for (or won’t try).

The last thing I want is an unhappy customer, especially those customers who are inherently unhappy and can’t be satisfied.

Before I get anything, make sure you get in touch with me via phone so we can discuss what you’re looking for in a plant.

3) Especially important is for you to give me some idea of your criteria for selection.  Some people are size freaks, some want color intensity, some look for vigor, some look for form.  Everyone wants it all, but not everyone is willing to pay for a plant that has it all.  So keep in mind that I will, with Terry Root’s input, select plants that best fit your price range and selection criteria.

4) If this is your first or even second order, please *limit* the amount you spend with me to pick up plants at OZ.  (Feel free to spend as much as you like on my own plants, though.)  The last thing I want is a customer who is unhappy because s/he had the wrong expectations about plants from the Orchid Zone.  Yes, the best plants from OZ are world class, but those plants command world class prices which vary greatly from species to species and amongst hybrids as well…

So, please calibrate your expectations accordingly.  I view my role as an orchid hunter for my clients in the jungles of the Orchid Zone as a long-term relationship, so let’s start dating slowly…

5) OZ is a vast orchid factory and warehouse spread over several massive greenhouses.  My time and Terry’s time is limited, so I am not able to scour every nook and cranny for particular crosses (especially Phragmipediums as there are so many).  Compounding the difficulty is that plants are frequently moved from one location to another.  Plus, I usually have other clients who are looking to acquire plants that day, too.  Please be assured, however, that I will do my best to find something that meets your expectations.

6) Please keep in mind that pick-ups from OZ is something I enjoy doing for fellow slipper orchid nuts and lets me live my fantasy of being an orchid hunter, but it is not my main profession.  So my apologies in advance if I’m unable to talk for too long with you over the phone!  Also, if I don’t reply to your email within 48 hours, email me again to remind me.  And, please make sure that I am not on your spam filter list when I reply to your email.

7) Some plants are BIG!  We reserve the right to adjust shipping & handling charges to cover any unexpected shipping requirements.  By the way, we do not seek to make money on shipping but we’re not willing to lose money, either.  If weather is a problem, let us know.  If you need a heat pack, let us know.

8 ) A few words about pricing

OZ usually sells plants in bloom, and Terry Root, the owner, will price the plant based on his appraisal of flower quality.  Trying to haggle with Terry will get you kicked out of OZ right quickly, so I do not do it.

The Orchid Zone is the premier breeder of slipper orchids in the world.  Many OZ plants command premium prices, and I am happy to get those for clients who want those.  On the other hand, many plants are quite affordable, but they are not world class, either.  Please don’t expect them to be or you will be an unhappy customer.

But to give you an idea of the quality of even the affordable plants:  “regular” plants right off the bench have received AOS awards!

Pricing varies from species to species, and hybrid to hybrid.  A top rothschildianum could run $20,000, maybe more.

On the other hand, a top spicerianum might only run $300, or maybe less.

Complex hybrids run the gamut in price.

9) I am not an AOS orchid judge.

10) We do our best to pack in-bloom plants well, but we cannot guarantee that your plant will arrive flower intact.  Many weird things can happen to a package in transit, and we have no control over things once your shipment is in the hands of the postal system.

11) Please let me know your phone number so I can call you on my way to OZ or even while I am there (time permitting).  ALSO: please make sure we have your correct shipping address!

12) We usually ship on Mondays or Tuesdays after payment has been received in full.  We ship via USPS Priority Mail unless you specify otherwise.  We can do FedEx, but there’s an additional surcharge on top of their normal prices.  We do not ship via UPS.

13) We can only ship within the United States.

14) Questions?  Please ask!  Email orchids@paphinessorchids.com, and we can set up a time to talk.

These policies and guidelines are subject to change at any time.