Buying plants online: Expert tips for the best experience

by Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate 02/17/2022

Buying plants online can be just as simple and rewarding as other types of online shopping. However, there can also be greater risks involved. Here are some expert tips for buying plants online to help you get the best deals and the healthiest plants:

Consider location & season

One of the first things to learn about a potential online plant purchase is where it'll be shipping from. While online shopping makes it easier for people in more remote areas or less favorable climates to buy plants, buying from a source that's too far away might pose issues for your shipment. The longer a plant is in transit, the more potential there is for damage.

It's also important to be mindful of the season when ordering plants online. Many online retailers won't ship during the winter, or will offer extra "winter insurance" for heated delivery. Even if a plant is coming to you from somewhere nearby, shipping in below-freezing temperatures can be lethal.

Know what to expect

Each plant is unique, which is part of the fun of buying them. However, it also means you won't always get a plant exactly like an online photo. Many retailers are careful to include multiple shots of the same plant or many examples, but it's essential to know what you buy will not be perfectly identical to what's on a website.

However, it's reasonable to expect the seller to advertise truthfully. Familiarize yourself with their return policies and other customer service options in case you receive a badly damaged or significantly different plant than the one you ordered.

These are just some of the most important tips for ordering plants online. Keep an open mind but understand your options, and you'll have the best possible online shopping experience.

About the Author
Author

Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate

Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the table, Cheryl has a paralegal degree, banking background, and is a member of many professional, civic, and community organizations.

Qualified • Experienced • Skilled

"As a full-time REALTOR®, I am dedicated to providing my clients with a high level of service by building relationships, marketing, and negotiating on their behalf. As a homeowner, I realize how important homeownership is.

Cheryl brings warmth and compassion to her client relationships and referrals have become the backbone of her business. "I’m grateful for every referral and welcome the opportunity to help clients achieve their real estate goals.”

Cheryl Pendenza, Broker Associate affiliated with RE/MAX Andrew Realty Services since 1999 is a local businesswoman and formidable negotiator who can help you achieve your real estate goals. Supporting family, community and local business is important to Cheryl and she can often be found at one of the local restaurants, shops, or galleries.