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Originally Posted by harveyc
Mario, we've had other threads to laugh at TyTy's site and photos. They do have a variety called Texas Star widely-reputed to be quite cold hardy which you won't see Don offering at Going-Bananas. Ty Ty is well known for shipping incorrect varieties, etc., but Chong took a chance and seems to have done well here. He also has comments in the Veinte Cohol thread which makes it clear his experience with Going-Bananas was not as good as he would have liked, though it's clear they do have a good reputation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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I mentioned before that based on my experience with the two companies, ordering from Going Bananas was more of a leap of faith than from TyTy. Until recently, my experience with TyTy has been more pleasant than GB. Also, I've stated before that I'm not promoting nor discrediting neither one. The difference between relating one's experience and expressing amazement by someone who heard or read otherwise, is that one is based on fact, while the other is based on faith. Sometimes, people take what they believe to be fact. In
most cases, they're probably right. But, I never completely agreed with the adage that "Seeing is Believing". I always thought that "Seeing is Knowing".
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Originally Posted by supermario
Well stated. I personally am willing to pay a little extra to make sure that I get a quality product. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I don't have to worry about the phyto, but I know it costs at least $35. Why Pine Island charges a little extra, I don't know...but, their feedback speaks for itself. When you compare the feedback of the two companies, I would not consider the extra investment a waste of money...more like insurance. Also, the PI site is informative and well put together.
I find it hard to believe that TyTy is the only source for the banana you are looking for. I received a mystery plant that was supposed to be a manzano from bananatree.com (another company with a bad reputation, but not the wonderful photos) If you like to gamble, give them a try.. I believe they are based in PA. I'm sorry I could not be more helpful.
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It's easy for you to say that because you are fortunate to live in an area where you have multiple other choices for things that you like that we in the North do not have. But if this were a forum for wine grapes, no doubt, the situation will be reversed for members in your area. The point is that if you are willing to spend more money on insurance and preparation for something that you like than the item itself, means that you really want to have it. What then, if that item is not available from your reputable source, but only from one that appears to be the scourge of the industry? But what if this scourge gave you reasonable service in the past? If you are not willing to take a chance with this vendor, then you probably just don't really want it.
I have dealt with many other vendors since the 70s, including the ones you mentioned. Michigan Bulb Co., Mellinger's, Van Bourghondien, etc. At some point or another, they have given me reasonable service, if not good service. When many people complain about them, as long as they have what I want, AND they continue to provide reasonable service, I will not hesitate to do business with them. For me, such is the case with your two dreaded companies.
In the early 70s, Banana Tree was my only source of banana plants, Cananga seeds and Manihot seeds. In fact, they were not perfect. But when I had a problem, a letter (yes, slug mail) or phone call to them, and the Owner responded with and apology and proposal for corrective action. The same is true with TyTy for me. Sure, you find their ads very provincial. But you looked at them, didn't you? And did you happen to notice the prices while you were laughing at pictures? I did. That's when I saw how much the price of the TX Star dropped. After all, isn't that the purpose of any ad?
There's been a lot of bad press with Mellinger's before they closed. I don't know why, because I bought a lot of plants from them and they were great. I still have a Fejoa that I ordered from them over 30 years ago. And if I hadn't been traveling for work a lot 20 years ago, I would still have Loquats and other guavas that I ordered from them.
On the other hand, if an item were available from other sources, personally, I would think twice before ordering from a reputable source where my experience was less than pleasant. Unfortunately, there are two such companies in the Miami area, Homestead, specifically.