Online plant purchases are an ideal opportunity for fraud, particularly when it comes to rare, unique, highly sought after plants. If it sounds “too good to be true” it most likely is. 

We hope our strategies help you avoid getting taken advantage of online.

To help you avoid falling prey to online scam artists, below are some tips for navigating the internet safely when purchasing plant.

How To Avoid Getting Scammed When Buying Plants Online

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Choose Trustworthy Plant Shops

So, when it comes to acquiring plants online, it is easy to be duped. These days, there are several plant shops that provide quality plants at a reasonable price – however, some of these shops may not be as reputable as one might anticipate.

If you’re looking for an experienced nursery or horticultural company, the best place to go is one that has been established for many years and has acquired a solid reputation from their clients’ experiences. Ultimately, it’s prudent to select companies with a proven track record in order to ensure that your purchase will yield favorable results!

One of our favorites is Etsy. Please note: we were almost scammed by a seller on that site. The seller even sent out a tracking number and it showed delivered but it was never delivered. Thankfully, Paypal sided with us and refunded the money! The seller had a ton of positive reviews too. 

Remember, when you shop on Etsy, you are supporting small businesses! 

Read Reviews Before Buying Plants Online

Consumers should always take the time to read reviews when making a purchase. This is particularly true for plants – many of which can be delicate and require special care.

Research The Seller To Make Sure They’re Legit

Before making an online purchase, it’s vital to conduct extensive research on the vendor and their business practices. When purchasing plants, it is essential to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable seller.

Most plant businesses are legitimate operations, but there are certain red flags relating to them that you should avoid at all costs; for example:

Unprofessional websites and social media accounts can prove to be quite telling. If an online storefront looks unkempt and its related pages lack any semblance of polish or professionalism, then chances are they may not be reliable.

Don’t Be Afraid To Go Back To The Seller For Help Or More Info

Customer service is an essential aspect of any e-shop, and many sellers provide exceptional support for customers. If you encounter difficulties, don’t be afraid to talk to them! There is always someone within their organization that can help rectify whatever issue has arisen.

If you’re still unfamiliar with how plants should be cared for or just want additional information on planting options, don’t be reluctant to contact your seller. Give them a call or send them an email; if they don’t respond promptly then consider looking elsewhere as this may signify suspicious activity or perhaps even fraudulent dealings in the works.

Utilize Buy/Sell/Swap groups

Did you know that Houseplant Addicts has our very own buy/sell/swap group? You can find all of our Houseplant Addicts groups here. While we cannot guarantee 100% safety (that is up to you as well), we do our best to screen all members and pending posts. Feel free to reach out to us!

Ask A Friend

Have a friend check out the vendor before making your purchase. 

Do not be afraid to ask a friend or family member to look over the vendor before making your purchase. No matter how reputable a business may seem, there is always the potential for something to go wrong. Just make sure that you have someone you can trust to check things out for you first.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

Let me share with you how I got scammed thousands of dollars! (Not plant related: I sent a company thousands of dollars via bank wire transfer.) What I should have done was consult a friend. That would have given me a chance to sit on the “offer.” Asking a friend to take a look at the offer gives YOU a chance to really think it over. Not only that, that waiting periods helps avoid impulse spending!

The person/persons you ask are not involved in the transaction, they are an outside party, in other words, they have nothing to gain or lose.

Conclusion

Don’t fret over the cost of your purchase; rather, concentrate on obtaining the most suitable variety. Ensure that you are comparing apples with apples!

If you’ve been bombarded by a plant scam, don’t suffer in silence – speak up! Report it to the proper authorities so that no other consumers are ensnared by these devious schemes.

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and our Facebook communities! We have groups for just about everyone. Love true crime and crime dramas? Or do you have pets? We combined our love for both!