Comments

Customer comments and feedback

We ship out thousands of orders, and tens of thousands of plants, each year.  We take pride in the fact that we send healthy, well-grown and groomed, plants.  These are carefully wrapped and boxed and shipped out as soon as possible–more than 90% of orders are shipped within a matter of days of our receiving them.

We guarantee safe delivery of all orders, and healthy, properly labeled, and true-blooming plants.  On occasion (about 1 in every 100 orders), we’ll have to make good on our guarantee.  Sometimes, plants perish in weather that’s too hot or cold, sometimes the post office “squashes” a box and, sometimes, we’re to blame for poor packaging or clerical mistakes.  In such cases, we’ll reship plants, issue a credit, or refund money as needed.

In any event, we always try to please and look for ways to improve our growing, shipping, or service.

Need to contact us? You can send us an email, or if you need an immediate answer to your question, you can contact us by phone (585-374-8592) during normal business hours (12-5 pm EST).

If you are having problems with a plant or need advice on plant care, we suggest contacting us by phone, since an informed diagnosis will require discussing the condition of the plant, your growing environment, and the like.  You can also email a photo of the problem plant(s) with a description of the problem and its care and environment.  We suggest using the information provided in the “plant care” pages of this site before calling us, since many answers can be found there.

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Here’s a few of the unsolicited comments recently made by some of our customers.  All appear precisely as written, without editing.  So that the page doesn’t become too lengthy, we only reprint those received during the last 12 months.  

The “compliments”:  Some of our recent satisfied customers speak…

From Ingrid, in OH
I ‘ve received my latest shipment of plants, in excellent condition as always.  Just want to say:  BRAVO!  for new cardboard wrapping system.  A joy to unpack, so incredibly easy to unpack,  no mess, no fuss, and plants still perfect.  October 17, 2023

From Reese, in Fl
First time customer Violet Barn. Got good healthy plants, in a great packaging system. Even if opened upside down these little guys wouldn’t fall out or get damage. I ordered maybe 12 days ago, they shipped when they said they would and didn’t short sell or switch out for another plant due to “out of stock” item. Very satisfied, will definitely order again.   October 7, 2023

From Jenn, in NV
All I can say is WOW!  Somehow these stunning little ones made their way from one side of the country to the other, thru weather, thru people who sometimes aren’t the most attentive, thru the heat and sun and have arrived in my home as absolute perfection!  They are gorgeous, in phenomenal shape (if I bought them and had to bring them home after a short ride, they most certainly would have been in rougher shape). I wanted to reach out to everyone at the Violet Barn, from the Big Violet to the person who ships them out the door and everyone in between. You’ve made my day and allowed me to start my collection again. Thank you!  I appreciate every single one of you.  October 5, 2023

From Paula, in WY
I just received an order of 9 plants. Your new packaging, with “plant sleeves”, is both very clever and very successful! Not one leaf broken or bent! All beautiful little plants! Most were in bloom or setting buds. And, so easy to unpack without damaging the plants! Bravo! to you and your staff!  September 30, 2023

From David, in OH
Just a quick word to say how much I appreciate the care with which my past two orders were packaged.  I’ve never felt more at ease ordering delicate plants online.  September 28, 2023

From Melody, in VA
Received my violets today and wanted to say thank you. I got four and not one leaf broken. One has three blooms on it. I was very satisfied and will definitely order again.  September 8, 2023

From Denise, in FL
My daughter sent me mini violets from you.  They arrived in PERFECT  condition.  From now on you are the “go to place” for all my favorite indoor plants.  August 24, 2023 

From Wendy, in GA
I was so surprised when I received my African Violets from you because I have never received a plant packaged with such care, from the stabilizing stuff in the box to the pretty boxes the baby plants were in.  One might have thought you were shipping delicate crystal! I am definitely a very satisfied customer and will be back for more.  August 21, 2023

From Susan, in VA
Both of the streptocarpus plants I ordered arrived today.  They were beautifully packaged.  They arrived two days after shipping, very fast, and the dirt was still moist.  The plants were exactly as described and VERY healthy!  Just gorgeous plants.  Thank you so much for the care you take in filling out orders.  August 18, 2023

From Clara, in Quebec
I have just received my order, finally (7 days in transit)!  All the plants are fine and healthy – I was so worried they’d all be dead by this time!!!   It is my first experience ordering plants from Violet Barn and it will certainly NOT be the last.  I am thrilled ! THANK YOU !  August 16, 2023

From Maria, in FL
My package arrived and WOW the babies look amazing, I’m so happy with my first order and no doubt will follow your shop to expand my collection! You and your team did an outstanding job, great customer service, beautiful healthy grown plants packaged with care that arrived to my home all the way in central florida during an insane heat wave looking like they just got picked from your greenhouse this morning. Thank you!  August 10, 2023

From Aloa, in MI
I just got my order and was absolutely happy with the plants.  They were packed great and healthy.  Not even 1 broken leaf.  Thank you and I will be ordering again.  July 28, 2023

From Gary, in CA
Plants were packaged expertly, the best I have ever seen.  They are all healthy and now happy in their new vivarium home. July 27, 2023

From Arvid, in CO
I have ordered from Violet Barn for several years. I have never been disappointed. Latest order was even better than expected. Would recommend you to anyone who is interested in superior plants and superior service.  July 22, 2023

From Maryann,
I just wanted to say that my sister has received my gift of the miniature violets, they being her first. She was head over heels about them. Thank you for taking care and attention in the order. My sister is special and this made her happy on her birthday.  July 17, 2023

From Teresa, in AL
My three plants arrived today! I am thrilled with the care they were packed with! They arrived in beautiful condition! Thank you for the instruction sheet for care also. You have a top notch business, and I’m so happy to be your client!   July 15, 2023

From Sandy, in PA
I received my violets today and I just had to email you and express how pleased I was when I opened the package.  I have ordered many plants from other vendors and have sometimes been very upset by the way they were packaged….broken leaves, loose dirt, and some even out of their pots.  You are to be commended on the care with which you packaged my violets.  They are healthy young plants in beautiful shape.  No spills or broken leaves.  I am a very happy customer and can’t wait to add them to my collection!  A+++!  July 13, 2023

From Bobbie, in AK
You folks never fail to impress. The packaging was phenomenal. These plant babies are lovely and arrived in great condition. I really appreciate the care taken and attention to detail.   July 9, 2023

From Bonnie, in Canada
I just wanted to say WOW, WOW, WOW!  The episcia that shipped here ended up being stuck in transit for an extra few days (8 days total) because of the long weekend here in Canada and also in the US- I was prepared to do some full-on rehabbing when they arrived.  Not the case! They were packed immaculately, in pristine health and you can barely even tell they were in the mail.  Thank you so so much for the care taken to look after them, and such healthy plants. This is my second order from you and I cannot wait to place another! Am amazing experience all the way through, every time.  July 5, 2023

From Walter, in VA
Received my violets on time as promised. Could not be happier. All plants are excellent, well packaged and healthy..love the selection you picked..this was my first order and I will definitely be back for more.  May 25, 2023

From Erika, in GA
I recieved 2 violets from my son for mother’s day from Violet Barn. They were absolutely PERFECT!! I will do my shopping from Violet Barn from now on!  Both had blooms, I am HAPPY!!!”  May 21, 2023

From Carol, in IL
I just got my order today… the “new” box packaging is beyond professional. The plants were so carefully wrapped and packed that they arrived in pristine condition. Each plant is a growing work of art… beautifully grown and presented. I am extraordinarily impressed. Gold stars for all… you more than earned them!  May 19, 2023

From Eloise, in IN
Received my order and was extremely impressed. Plants were all neatly packaged and looked healthy. They all had bright green leaves and one was flowering. Thanks again.  May 16, 2023

From Carol, in WA
Thank you. Received my order this morning.  Awesome packaging.  They arrived much quicker than expected after shipping.  (Thanks USPS.)  Nice healthy plants.  I am delighted.  May 11, 2023

From Robert, in MD
Pkg arrived today (3 days in transit) and the enclosed plants aree exemplary.  All were well packed in cardboard sleeves, enclosed with insulation, and arrived in excellent condition.  Not a leaf askew!!!  Wonderful selection on the grower’s pic – 5 option.  The plants, packaging, and delivery all deserve a 12 out of 10. May 5, 2023

From Nancy, in NH
I am still smiling at the impressive packaging of my little plants!!! The new cardboard “houses” are genius!!! My order was perfection and I thank you!!!  May 4, 2023

From Lisa, in ME
I recently placed and received my first order ever from The Violet Barn. I would like to let you know that I was completely impressed by every bit of my interaction with your business. The website is lovely and easy to navigate, the prices are very reasonable, ordering was easy, my order arrived exactly when expected and in perfect shape. Your professionalism is superb but I also sensed a warm friendliness toward a fellow plant lover. April 25, 2023

From Nancy, in FL
I just wanted to tell you how absolutely delighted I am with my new little trailing violets. Your new packing boxes are pure genius!  Each plant arrived in perfect condition and they are so adorable!  First of all, there is no way I could have found these locally, and secondly, the quality of your products is unsurpassed.  Each order I have placed with your company has arrived in  perfect condition and done well.  The streptocarpus plants that I ordered earlier are all either blooming or have bud stems.  I am so happy I discovered you!  Just wanted you to know that you have a very happy and loyal customer here  April 15, 2023

From Anca, in NE
Thank you so much for the update! The violets arrived in excellent condition and I was impressed with the care that was put into the packaging.They look beautiful and healthy and not one of the 10 plants sustained any damage from the shipping. Right now, my only issue with The Violet Barn is that you have too many beautiful varieties and I want them all 😛  I will definitely recommend your store and I am looking forward to my next order!  April 14, 2023

From Pauline, in MN
My order of three my new variegated violets arrived today.  WOW I can’t tell you how impressed and elated I am.  The plants are beautiful.  They arrived in perfect condition in bloom even.  The instructions included are extremely helpful.  I may have found a new addiction.  Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job and the joy you bring.   April 14, 2023

From Allen, in PA
Wow!  Just Wow!  I have been buying plants online for many years. But never have I received a shipment of plants in such pristine condition, well-packed, and healthy as the ones I received from you today.  Just stunning, beautiful, and perfect in every way.  Kudos to you and team. You have definitely earned a repeat customer.  April 12, 2023

From Neal, in OR
The order arrived in perfect condition. Thank you. Amazing packaging.  April 12, 2023

From Nancy, in NJ
Thank you very much for the freebie Rob’s Lilli Polli. The trailers are just beautiful and they came in perfect condition and your packing is phenomenal.  Thank you again!! My sister just loves your plants.  I gave her a couple of mine.  March 23, 2023

From Norma, in NJ
You guys really made my day!  My streps arrived on Tuesday.  They arrived expertly packaged and in perfect condition.  I think they must have been the nicest, most advanced plants you had available. I am thrilled!  I’ll leave a review on the site, but I just wanted to get off a quick note to thank you for your kindness.  March 23, 2023

From Marsha, in VT
Violets arrived today in beautiful condition.  They were so well packaged and protected.  Thank you so much.  March 18, 2023

From Debbie, in NC
I have never had plants arrive packed so well or so beautifully. The package that each plant was in were not only super protective but beautiful and helpful. And then the packing in the box itself was incredible. I wish I had taken photos of each step unpacking. Not a single leaf was broken and the one with buds kept them all. I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with this shipment.  March 5, 2023

From Patricia, in AK
Received my African Violets today, all the way to Anchorage, Alaska.  Many, many Kudos to you all; I have lived all over Alaska, ie., from Barrow to Ketchikan, and have had African Violets sent to me at all locations. Again, these Violets were perfectly packaged, and in perfect condition upon arrival.  I am just starting a new collection of “trailing African Violets”.  I will enjoy seeing these beauties grow, bloom and prosper.  March 2, 2023

From Deb, in OH
I got my violets today!  Thank you!  They are beautiful!  Many years ago, I raised violets and showed them.  At one time I had over 300.  I loved them!  Then life took over.  Someone gave me one recently and ignited my passion again.  I am very excited!  Thank you! March 1, 2023 

From Tammy, in PA
My order arrived and all plants appear to be in very good condition. I am delighted by the varieties chosen for me. I will definitely order again later next spring. December 14, 2022

From Annette, in IL
I received my order in perfect condition. Your packing was absolutely superior ! I am enjoying all of the violets you sent but my favorite was the miniature, Bunny Hop. In bloom, variegated and new tiny leaves appearing , how wonderful ! Thank you, I will be ordering in the future. December 13, 2022

From Toni, in OK
I got my package today! I could not be more pleased! The packing job was amazing. I knew the plants would be starter plants, but never dreamed some would be blooming. October 27, 2022

From Claudia, in CA
An update for you, my order that was trapped in a USPS parcel Locker. That unit faces the west and the setting sun, so it can get quite hot. I expected the plants to be ruined. They had to have been sitting in there at least 5-6 days by the time I realized it was probably my package in there, and the key was found.  When I opened it, they were in very good condition, and I was shocked! So I just wanted to let you know that your fiberglass packing did the job and then some. October 19, 2022

From Heather, in NJ
I have to write to tell you how thrilled I am with my order. All the plants arrived so carefully wrapped and in perfect condition. It’s the best online plant packaging I have ever experienced – and I order a lot of plants online. Thanks very much for the excellent service. I am already excited to plan my next purchase from you.  September 22, 2022

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…and some “constructive” criticism:  Yes, we sometimes get complaints–we guarantee safe delivery on all orders and occasionally need to process a refund or send a replacement plant (our average is about 1 in every 100 orders).  We haven’t printed these.  These are the more specific complaints/comments that customers have made–we reprint them so that we have a chance to explain, improve our work and, perhaps, avoid similar problems in the future…..

From Steven,
Can you please tell me why it takes so long for you to ship the purchases? Nov 2, 2022  Our reply:  We don’t think one week is very long.  We collect orders thru the week, then ship everything at once early the next week (details on our “terms” page)–we “cut off” orders early Friday, then ship all the orders received the following week.  As it is, shipping takes us 3 days of the week.  We need the rest of the time to grow the plants–unlike other businesses, we don’t buy and resell–we grow all ourselves in house.  It takes time.

From Carla,
I was trying to apply the 30%, $25 off or the free shipping coupons in this order to see which worked out better.  I clicked the link and it said it would apply at checkout, but it didn’t.  Can you help me?  Our reply:  There are no such coupons.  If you saw them listed on another site, you were misled.  These “coupon” sites are not affiliated with us (nor with many of the companies listed) and do so without our permission.  

From Cathy,
I paid 40+$ for express shipping and I see on my email that my order will not ship out until 9-26-22? Can you refund me for the express shipping. I would not have paid 49$ for my supplies expecting them to arrive this week. You should explain that on your site before one pays or gets expedited shipping and doesn’t receive their plants and soil in the same order for example.  September 21, 2022  Our reply:  We ship the week shown on the website when ordering, and confirmed in our email when you order.  It appears on every page of checkout.  Express does not mean the order is immediately place in mail, it just means it gets there faster once put in mail.  Soil is shipped via ground service, and is also stated on website and in confirmation–the cost of shipping 9 lbs. of soil is exorbitant and we would be cost prohibitive for everyone involved for a nonperishable item.  Unlike Amazon, we have to grow what we sell and cannot devote every day of the week for shipping, we only ship once per week, the date stated on site.  Unlike most any other plant vendor, we do ship orders quickly, and we always ship when promised (the date shown on site when ordering).

From Modena, in CO

I’m not happy with the mini violets I ordered from you.  Some have died for no reason and  the ones that have bloomed are not very pretty. Some have not bloomed and growing very slowly, I have beautiful violets that I have had for several years and I love them. I know how to take care of violets. I have already replaced several of the violets that I got from you. I will not be ordering from you anymore.  July 22, 2022  Our reply: Sorry you feel this way. Though “pretty” is in the eye of the beholder–we think they are, and these are varieties you cannot find elsewhere, there should be no reason they cannot grow and thrive. If we had more information on care and environment (photos always help), we can attempt to offer advice and guidance. Keep in mind, also, that miniatures are different than standard violets, and there are small, but important, differences in their care.