Last week I received an I-258 that I had won on eBay. When I received it was all droopy and the leaves were wilted. I watered it when I got it and have misted twice a day. It was placed in the shade where I put young/new plants. It only travelled 100miles to where I live. It was sent on a Sat and I got it on Mon. It could have been in a truck for two days or it Sat on the front porch for 3 hours. Today is the 5th day and it hasn't rebounded. I sent an email to seller,he hasn't responded yet. My question is should the seller refund or replace the I-258?

That's a tough one. It's been so hot lately it could have cooked. However if it has a healthy root system it will probably be ok. I would keep staying in touch with the seller. It may just drop its leaves and push new ones out.

BrianM,
I had to replace I-258 since I traded mine to you. It sure does look dead. I have only lost two Figs from eBay. They were green and toothpick sized.

i bought a small chicago hardy tree 2 years back on ebay,it came all wilted leaves fell off,i was sure it was a gonner,it came from florida to pa. when i contacted the seller (who i don't remember who he was now), he said not a problem i will get a new one out to you,i replied no i appreciate your swiftness ,but don't want to rip you off either ,i said can we give it a week or two and if no buds or leaves trying by then i will contact you for a replacement,he agreed,that tree came back storming,it was awesome,i gave it a shot of half strength miricle grow ( i put one teaspoon in a gallon of water) for veggies it has been a great tree ever since ,so i would do like the other post said,keep in contact ,i would give it at least two weeks you might be surprised,

I've had a few die but usually they spring back, sometimes they just sit for a month or so but they wake up again. Be watchful for spidermites. I'm amazed at how many trees come carrying them, and those nasty badtards can decimate a young fig in a week . . .

In my opinion, a fig grower has a responsibility to sell a plant that has a high chance of surviving shipping and growing for the buyer, especially a high priced variety.  To me, buying a tender young plant this time of year and getting it shipped is pretty risky.  I guess it is a case of buyer beware.

Was it shipped in the cup ad was it in a cup when pictured

figpig_66
Yes with a plastic lid. It was very well packed. But I think it was shipped by truck and sat in there for a couple days. I have received many plants from eBay just had the two toothpick sized Figs die.

Buying and selling trees this time of the year is risky for both parties.
I've had some trades going when it was very hot but we both agreed to just wait until the temps moderated a bit. Less stress for the tree and all involved.

I would keep it well hydrated and shaded and I bet in no time it will sprout new leaves and look good before you know it.
Good luck.

Yeah the weather can be rough on plants. I wouldn't sell or give a tree to someone if I wasnt sure of its survival. It's irresponsible and cruel to the plants you are caring for! Sometimes stuff happens I admit and usually things are going well or accidental, but the occasional seller that doesn't care or sells something that can't survive shipping is very frustrating...

My eBay tree "Barada" has been here for two days. It looks droopy, I too placed it in the shade and gave it a good water with some diluted miracle grow. I am hoping it will be fine. The red spots worry me though, is it a a virus or fungus?

Droopy pick

Top shot

Check if it any roots, few "trees" I got from eBay last year were just  a branch - no roots...............

For anyone selling young trees, you'll have better success if you offer them the following year.  If I do an air layer this year, the following spring they are well established and will travel with hardly any leaf drooping.

BigO
Hard to tell what that is,could be just sun spots. The plant looks strong and should survive as long as the buds grow out.
My I-258 looks dead,the seller graciously refunded full price plus the shipping. Over 99.9% of my fig plants were shipped last summer survived. I actually thought the plant was too young and it spent over 24 hours in a hot postal truck. Which I think cooked the roots. Since it was only about 100 miles from me,it was trucked instead of flown. It was also sent on a Saturday.