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Who's your favorite supply vendor?

Discussion in 'Orchid Vendor FYI' started by Alexis, May 3, 2009.

  1. Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    I'm looking for a new supply source; my local warehouse is always out of what I need. I'd like to find a one-stop (online) shop that has good selection, fair prices, reliable customer service, and quick shipping.

    Any suggestions? BTW, I know how to google; I'm looking for personal experience...

    TIA!
     
  2. T. migratoris

    T. migratoris Active Member

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  3. Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    Thank you!
     
  4. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I second the Calwest contact. Great service, wide selection, fair prices. East coast shipping will be higher than for those of us in California, but certainly worth checking out.
     
  5. Tom-DE

    Tom-DE Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    Moss--Calwest
    Bark--Kelley's Korner
    Cork--MD Cork
    Chemical and fertilzer--Hate them but I get them locally if I need them.
     
  6. Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Like everyone else...

    Cork - MD Cork
    Sphag - Calwest

    I've used www.jimssupplies.com before, but their sphag isn't very good. They're in FL, so dry goods (pots, bark, etc) might be cheaper when shipping is factored in. Customer service is pretty much non-existent, though. I've never had them reply to an e-mail.
     
  7. Dave

    Dave Active Member Supporting Member

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    I too use Calwest. Good prices, extremely quick shipping.
     
  8. Tom_in_PA

    Tom_in_PA I am not an addict

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    My vote is also for CalWest for all my supplies except cork which my vote is also for Maryland Cork. Both places have outstanding customer service, quality products at fair prices, and fast shippping.

    I used to use Robert's Flower Supply as well becasue it was closer and I thought shipping would be cheaper but it wasn't and in the end CalWest was cheaper overall including shipping.
     
  9. JonP

    JonP all that Supporting Member

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    I've used Tropical Plant Products for when I want something in a larger quantity. They don't take credt cards but I found their service quite good. I haven't ordered anything for a few years but they might be worth checking out;
    http://www.tropicalplantproducts.com/default.aspx
     
  10. Doc Elly

    Doc Elly Member

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    I'm with everyone else - Calwest for moss and MD Cork for cork. Other stuff I can usually get locally.
     
  11. John Klinger

    John Klinger Active Member Supporting Member

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    Count me in for Cal-West also.
     
  12. EdM

    EdM Member in Good Standing

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    Alexis lives in South Florida, the opposite end of the country from California. (I assumed Yikes on the shipping. I guess I'll have to check them out.) But, OFE and Tropical Plant Products don't meet her needs?
     
  13. abaxter

    abaxter New Member

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    I use Jim's Orchid Supplies and have had excellent service and the kind of big cork slabs
    that I prefer. OFE and Crystal River have been pretty good over the years as well.
     
  14. Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    Ed, I love the folks at OFE. Unfortunately, they are frequently out of what I need. They are always my first stop, though. I don't know TPP, but I will check them out.
     
  15. dounoharm

    dounoharm almost there

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    kellys korner for east coast service
     
  16. dr_dmd

    dr_dmd The dr's out... in the greenhouse!

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    Definately CalWest for me as well, thought I also use Farm Tech for many items for the greenhouse - shade cloth, dosatron, some chemicals - I also just buy locally for the chemicals - organic soap, fertilizer, etc. Good discussion - thanks for the other tips - I need to check out MD Cork!
    Happy growing, everyone - Don in CA
     
  17. Boytjie

    Boytjie Out hiking Supporting Member

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  18. Heather

    Heather New Member

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    Love Kelly's but can't see paying to ship it out here to Sacramento - thanks for all the CalWest recommendations!
     
  19. Snip

    Snip miniatures

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    Hi Tom, I am looking for cork slats for my orchids. May I know is MD cork = maryland cork? Thanks
     
  20. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Snip, since you are a Californian it is hard to beat CalWest unless they just don't have what you are looking for.