Celestial Bonsai, MD

mage973 · 03-25-2011, 04:57 PM

Just posting my experience since I didn't find any current reviews for this place. They have a nice looking site and prices look reasonable.
I ordered a 2-3 yr old brush cherry in a 2 inch pot and a kit that includes a 3-4 year old ficus too little in a 4 inch pot, soil, akadama soill, plant food, 6 inch pot, humidity tray, screen, bonsai 101 book. (see photo) It was shipped quickly via UPS.

Pros:
-shipped quickly with tracking number...ordered 3/22 received 3/25
-Trees were well packed with styrofoam peanuts. Lots of bubble wrap around the pot.
-Trees were well watered- no bugs (so far)
-Nothing missing, everything I ordered was included
-Nothing was broken

Cons:
-soil bags were not labeled
-The Akadama soil bag had been open and taped up again. Looks like a 1/4 cup is missing as the bag is identical in size to the soil bag.
-Zero communication until the item shipped and that was from UPS(tracking number)
-Zero communication-I emailed last Tuesday and again later in the week and asked if they include warming packs when shipping in blow 40 degree weather to cold climates and still no response.
-No packing slip, no instrutions for 'just out of box' trees. The only literature other than the book in the kit was "thanks for using Celestial Bonsai." on a slip of paper.
-a few spotty leaves on both trees...although well watered the ficus was a bit crispy

mage973 · 05-06-2011, 12:46 PM

UPDATE
When will I learn?
I recently ordered 2 pots from Celestial Bonsai and instead of emailing or calling to say those are no longer manufactured they sent what ever they had. Wrong shape, wrong color, wrong style/size/profile ( 4" profile pot instead of 2.5"). Weeks later, they still have not changed their web site to indicate these aren't available. When I wanted to returnthem I was unable to get them to respond to emails and they have no toll-free number just an answering machine and no street address just a p.o.box. I finally got my refund but a 3rd party had to intervene. What an inconvenience!
I really like the trees I got from them but seeing that they sent me something else instead of akadama in the kit and then the hassle with the wrong pots and their lack of customer service...

Sheesh at least add a toll free number or send/answer emails

If you do chose to buy from them use a funding source that has buyer protection.

Phil · 05-07-2011, 09:14 AM

Well, that pretty well cooks them!
Customer service should be on the top of any ones list when it comes to a dealer. They'll only end up shooting themselves in the foot and find themselves out of business and rightfully so.

mage973 · 05-07-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

Customer service should be on the top of any ones list when it comes to a dealer.

yep. That's why I posted a review. As I said, "Just posting my experience since I didn't find any current reviews for this place."

I usually research a store before buying from them and tho I didn't findany reviews I went ahead and bought something... my mistake.

I hope my post and others' reviews keeps someone else from having a rough time.

treebeard55 · 05-07-2011, 01:05 PM

Sorry you went thru that with them, Mage. But the rest of us do appreciate the warning!

05-06-2011, 12:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
mage973 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 65	UPDATE When will I learn? I recently ordered 2 pots from Celestial Bonsai and instead of emailing or calling to say those are no longer manufactured they sent what ever they had. Wrong shape, wrong color, wrong style/size/profile ( 4" profile pot instead of 2.5"). Weeks later, they still have not changed their web site to indicate these aren't available. When I wanted to returnthem I was unable to get them to respond to emails and they have no toll-free number just an answering machine and no street address just a p.o.box. I finally got my refund but a 3rd party had to intervene. What an inconvenience! I really like the trees I got from them but seeing that they sent me something else instead of akadama in the kit and then the hassle with the wrong pots and their lack of customer service... Sheesh at least add a toll free number or send/answer emails If you do chose to buy from them use a funding source that has buyer protection. Last edited by mage973; 05-06-2011 at 12:49 PM..

05-07-2011, 09:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
Phil A bit "Windswept" Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago, Ill. USDA Zone 5 Posts: 1,051	Well, that pretty well cooks them! Customer service should be on the top of any ones list when it comes to a dealer. They'll only end up shooting themselves in the foot and find themselves out of business and rightfully so. __________________ Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once. I started out with nothing....and still have most of it. "Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

05-07-2011, 01:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
treebeard55 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Warsaw IN, USA USDA zone 5b Posts: 511	Sorry you went thru that with them, Mage. But the rest of us do appreciate the warning! __________________ Treebeard 55 Steve Moore http://hoosierbonsai.blogspot.com The most important bonsai tool is your brain.

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