I sent off an order to UC Davis for some fig cuttings the other day.  I am always unsure that my messages were not received for one reason or another until I get a response.  Does Davis acknowledge a person's order?

Vern

Never had a problem. You could e-mail and ask for a response, I suppose.

Thanks Jon

Vern

I emailed my order and recieved a response on 9/11/07 the same day I sent it.
It doesn't say I'm going to get them just
a copy of the order I sent them as received.

Peg

It seems that shipping is not free anymore. you're required to provide a Fed EX account number or a prepaid shipping container. Here's a quote from the form:

v       Due to budget limitations, orders can only be filled for requesters either supplying a FedEx or DHL account number to cover cost of shipment, or sending us a prepaid, preaddressed Priority Mail shipping container.  Only electronic orders can be accepted and priority will be given to orders entered using this form, providing all contact information and courier account information. 

News.

Bass,
No. I didn't see that on the online form I filled out in Sept. The reply from, "Remote Host," didn't mention anything. I wonder if they will send them anyway????

Peg 

Here is the statement from the Order Form:

v       The germplasm in the Davis genebank is maintained primarily for plant breeding and other research purposes. The genebank is not an alternative to commercial nursery sources, and unlike most nurseries, it cannot certify that its material is disease-free. Whenever possible, non-researchers should obtain planting material from commercial sources, or seedsavers/heirloom plant sources, etc. which can be identified on the internet.

v       Due to budget limitations, orders can only be filled for requesters either supplying a FedEx or DHL account number to cover cost of shipment, or sending us a prepaid, preaddressed Priority Mail shipping container.  Only electronic orders can be accepted and priority will be given to orders entered using this form, providing all contact information and courier account information. 

v       Copy and save this page in MSWord, MS Excel or similar program and return to the NCGR homepage for accession information under the genus of interest.  Then send this file as an attachment to Angelique.Crowell@ars.usda.gov.

I could see why they would do that. they probably got large number of orders to fill, and i'm sure it's at least $20 for each order. I wish it would be easier to pay for the shipping. i wouldn't mind paying the postage fee.

Opening a FedEx account for one shipment doesn't seem practicable specially since we don't know the date of shipment. I haven't called FedEx yet to ask if this can be done. Also, I don't know how much of my request will be filled in order to send a correct size prepaid envelope or container. Last year they sent only 4 little cuttings. I agree with Bass, sending a check or credit card would be easier. Seems to be a lot of reading on FedEx site that I haven't completed yet. Need more info.

Peg   

Thanks Bass,
 
I didn't know that!
 
I fired an email to Angelique to ask what I should do.
 
Again thanks, (what would we do without this forum)??
 
Cecil

Cecil,
Please let us know asap when you get a reply from Angelique so that we all don't inundate her with the same question.

Thanks,

Peg

Peg919
 
I will be glad to post her response ASAP.
 
Ya'll stay warm :)
 
Cecil

Cecil,
Thank you. I imagine Jon will have some advise for us also after the holiday. I don't mind paying postage it just seems to be a very cumbersome way to do it.

Yes, its a little on the chilly side but not bad yet.

Peg

After reading Peg's post I sent a message to Angelique.Crowell, asking her to verify my fig order.  I have not gotten a response back from her.

Last year when I sent in an order to Davis I got an email back asking for my FEDEX account number.  I wrote back and said I did not have a FEDEX number, but would gladly send them some money.  The response was never mind we will pay for the postage.

Vern

I placed an order for cuttings and got a confirmation attachment that I couldn't open (any suggestions?).
On October 26, I got an e-mail from Ms. Crowell with this request for clarification:
We have received your request for plant material..  The request does not specify the form of material you are interested, that is, propagation wood (cuttings) or rooted plants.  This genebank supplies only propagation wood and not rooted plants.
I sent an immediate reply, saying I wanted propagation wood (easy choice - only choice) and asked what size prepaid envelope would be needed and where to send it.  I still haven't gotten a reply.
Be interested in seeing how you folks make out.

I reordered my fig cuttings to Davis today.  I got a FEDEX Account Number.  It was real easy to get the account.  I called FEDEX and asked for a number.  They took my name, address, phone number, and credit card number and gave me an account number.

Vern

I did it on-line, and it only took a few minutes.

From USDA / UC Davis:

"We “urge” people to submit electronically and provide an account number.  A UPS account number will work! We are struggling fiscally and are looking for ways to increase efficiency and cut costs."

I have suggested the following approach, and will await an answer: "Could people send a check for $10 or some amount, for small orders, which might or might not exactly cover the cost, or might be a little too much, and it would be easier on requesters, and you would still cover more or most od your costs? Can they specify that ground shipment is OK?"


 

Jon.
I sent my order in Sept. using the old form which did not mention postage and was the only form at the time. I received a reply from remote host that the order was received.

I don't want to duplicate the order. I emailed Angelique about what to do but have not received a reply. Dec. 1st deadline is fast approaching....what to do?
Any suggestions.

Peg

Checking...

Peg,

...and I quote: "We will take care of it.  Please realize that people are “urged” to cover shipping and use the on-line forms."
 
 

Hello all,
 
I had ordered fig cuttings through Jean Satterwhite before the new rules on the shipping, so I reordered the cuttings on 11/12 with Fedex acct.#
I just got a confirmation on the order from Angelique Crowell today !
 
Cecil

Thanks Jon,
I received an email from Angelique this evening. I didn't have to re-order. I obtained a FedEx account # online and sent it to her. They must have quite a setup to keep everything straight!

Peg

I guess the big question is given the FedEx quote for a 3lbs package being shipped standard overnight is $51.03USD... is anyone going to not place/cancel and order?