Introducing Orchid Trader

Not really sure how this works..., quite interesting. Most of the forums (if not all) don't even want to get involved with this kind of thing. I can see some unpleasant things happening here if the feedback is not positive.
Can anyone else besides the buyer or parties of trade leave a feedback? Can we see who leave feedback?

 

I will definitely be looking forward to using this Orchid Trader. How best to get exchanges going after we do so many divisions at year end and many orchids are eager to find a new home and adventure. Share the love ...

 

Tropic, I, for one, would love to get plants from Costa Rica legally. Unfortunately it isn't easy due to the restriction by CITE. In some cases, it is impossible.

 

Just curious how this new thing will work:
Are you going to set this up like Ebay? How can you identify the buyer or seller at the current setup? In the trade or sales section of the forum, most of the deals are done through private message and the buyer's name will never be published.

 

Since you can't identify the real buyer or seller, anyone else besides the real buyer or seller can go to your account and post a feedback without any restriction. When that happens, would you or the mods like to be in the middle to straight things out and "ban" the person who leaves a false feedback?

 

That is good to know you are willing to do that if that kind of thing happens, which I think it will happen in the future.
I do trade or sell things here once in awhile, matter of fact, I'm still waiting for someone to finish a trade deal in his part which should be done months ago... I do hope things are handled in public by all parties in a fair manner. (edit: and a fair chance for the other party to defend if there is a negative feedback.)

 

One of the other hobby forums (not orchids) does a fairly good job of vendor feedback, but it does get contentious at times as well. They allow a buyer/seller to submit a post, which is reviewed by mods prior to being public. If there is an issue or negative feedback, the other party is notified, so that a resolution can be reached behind the scenes and the negative feedback revoked if a solution is reached. Obviously, this method would only be effective if there was a misunderstanding, etc. and not an intentional scam.

 

This is certainly a useful tool yet it can bring its fair share of controversy…especially amongst members who are not regular vendors.

I hang mainly on one French orchid forum, I would say we have a pretty healthy forum; Over the years the orchid care posts have about 25 000 subjects and 260 000 answers and the chit chat is getting to 380 000 answers… not to mention the picture gallery . Orchid selling/trading has 1200 posts and 12 000 responses. This selling section is only available to members that have a least 100 posts.
Well on this french forum, everyone knows everyone and it is never any bodies fault and it is very hard to be give your opinion about a transaction let alone vent your hanger publicly if you get a half dead plant with no roots… you are told you “break the harmony of the forum” or that “you don’t understand those specific orchids” sure.. I understand catasetums do have a dormancy period and I also have noticed some very shriveled flattened catasineas never wake up! or that “ Duh.. no I had not checked the roots.. but the phragmipedium bessae I just sent you will quickly make new roots” no it did not. It was fun to receive restrepias made up of 2 leaves freshly buried in sphagnum; Aren’t they supposed to simply sprout new roots? So at first as an enthusiastic new member I did buy from forum members feeling it was the right thing to do. I was wrong.

My conclusions

1. 1 Often forum members are just as, if not more, expensive than professional sellers.
2. 2 When no photo is provided, don’t buy.
3. 3Very often women sellers are much more honest than men when it comes to describing the plants and their condition.
4. 4 If no roots are mentioned, expect there will be none so it is good to ask about them. ( many times this simple question broke the sell)
5. 5As much as possible pay with Paypal

So now I only buy from forum members- preferably women members- those rare plants I cannot find from commercial sellers and of course with time, among members it is more a matter of trading, gifts and exchange; the rest I buy from professionals.

 

oisifml, I pretty much agree what you just said except your #3 conclusion. I can't say women are more honest than men in orchid trade/sale.

 

While on vacation in the States this summer , I bought two plants from Sarah and I can only say it was a very good satisfying experience. So I stick with my# 3 conclusion . I would buy your $250 cryptopus for the sake of scientific comparison but now I am a little too far away..

 

I am glad you had a good visit... but if your experience with Sarah is only thing you can come up with to back up your conclusion, that is a little bit too fast...(edit; I am not saying men are more honest either)
I would sell you plants if you have legal papers to bring plants out of U.S and into France. The same will go to any foreign hobbyist. The price of my Cryptopus is not for everyone, and I certainly intend to make a big profit for it, otherwise, I have no other good reason to sell it and it isn't a charity event. You want comparison? You can always pay me $250 and I'll send the plant to your American friend as a gift from you... and I will be more than happy to take photos of my plant to back up what I described if you have any interest to send a gift to your friend. Xmas is coming!

 

That is why I mention I am to far away now... mercifully the island of Réunion where Cryptopus elatus grows is still.. french territory! and Marcel lecoufle had an ample supply of those plants before he closed down.. (30€)
Back to my inclination to favor women sellers as more honest.. well it comes from my experience here in France...so I have to consider that Sarah is an honorary Frenchwomen..

 

Thank you, Zach. It was a great experience and I will do it again any time!