Buying plants online can be a fun and convenient way to add to your garden or houseplant collection. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. If you're interested in buying plants online, here are some basic pros and cons to be aware of:
Wider selection
Certain areas of the world have a much higher concentration of rare and beautiful plants. While you might not have many local opportunities to purchase from a wide selection of plants, buying plants online offers you a world of possibilities. You can find some more common options at better prices, and more exotic and uncommon varieties not sold nearby.
Order from experts
There are myriad options for online plant sellers who are experts in their field. If you are interested in a particular type of plant, like begonias or aroids, you can easily find the best possible selection sold by professionals who know every detail about the product. Smaller nurseries and retailers who specialize in certain plants are much easier to connect with, learn from and buy from when shopping online.
Every plant is unique
One of the joys of plant shopping is choosing the perfect plant from among the group. Each plant is a bit different, and even when cultivated and grown to exact specifications, the plant you order online will never exactly match what you might find on the website. Buying plants online has a necessary element of surprise, which can be fun—or frustrating, especially if you value the ability to find the perfect specimen.
Travel damage is common
Unfortunately, even the most carefully packed and shipped plants can sustain damage in transit. When ordering online from a seller far away, you always run the risk of receiving a plant that's been stressed or damaged by the journey. While most plants bounce back and adjust to their new homes within a few weeks, some more delicate varieties are more susceptible to harm on the way to your door.
Buying plants online can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it's important to understand the inherent risks and downsides. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for plants online.
Lynn Butterfield is an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker and is a Certified Real Estate Negotiator. Mr. Butterfield has 41 years of experience in real estate sales and development. His vast experience ranges from luxury sales through commercial sales and leasing. Perhaps more importantly, he focuses his attention on client success, whether he's helping someone buy their first home, or working with a developer seeking assistance to create and position a large project in the marketplace. One recent client said, "Working with Lynn is almost like working with a Real Estate Attorney, because he knows exactly what to look for, so you can be protected!" Another first-time home buyer just said, "I needed someone to hold my hand through this because it's the largest investment we'll ever make! I know he isn't in this just to make a quick buck. He really cares about his clients!"
Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. He would be honored to put his real estate experience to work for you.