EP Group Order...is a possiblity

[obregon562]

Hey all!

Well, i just contacted the USDA regarding all the permits and brightly colored stickers I need to import EP plants, but I’m on the way to being able to order from them. I’m expecting massive delays in getting the proper paperwork, but I’m just throwing it out there that we should be able to put a group order together sometime before the end of the year, if there is enough interest (at least $472.67 worth of plants as of right now is the min. order). Please don’t flood me with emails about what plants you want, my address, etc...that’s what this thread is for!

Keep in mind this could still fall through at anytime. But we should be able to do this.

Cross your fingers!
Frankie

[daveh]

With the enthusiasm out there about a possible ep order ... I don't think you'll have a problem meeting the minimum order!

[obregon562]

Yeah, im not concerned about it too much! if nothing else i can just cover it!

[daveh]

I'm definitely in ... and crossing my fingers!

[obregon562]

ok, cool. thats one!

[nepsaroundthehouse]

Frankie,

Just a courteous reminder about the demands of doing a group order. Geoff at Exotica is extremely busy and doesn't have the time to deal with the intricacies of separating plants out and contacting all parties involved in a group. He hasn't told me that directly, but that's the overall feeling I get. So YOU would be responsible for EVERYTHING. I'm taking that to be rounding up orders, proper payment, permits, importing, and distributing. That's a lot of responsible especially if something goes wrong. A main factor why there has been nervousness and apprehension about placing a group order was because events didn't transpire as assumed. Plants were destroyed, miscommunications occurred, and blame was passed around. It was not a pretty site for all involved. It was a heated topic in the forums for some time. That means if something goes awry, are you prepared and have the background to remedy the situation? It's an awesome responsibility and it's not as easy as placing an order and plants arrive at your doorstep.

I'm not trying to be mean or condescending here. If you want to try importing from Exotica, maybe try keeping it simple as possible and reduce your responsibility. Maybe you and one other person can buy together. The more people you bring on board the more responsible you'll have to account for. It's just a thought.

Joel

[rainforest]

It appears that you haven't gotten all of the permits and information regarding importing plants abroad. These are the steps I see that you must comply with;
Application for a General Permit: The cost of a General Permit is pricey, it has a limited time frame of validation. If you just use it once, it is a cost that comes out of your pocket.
Some states also require you to possess a standard import permit as well. In Hawai'i, a permit is required by the Department of Agriculture (state) for importing. This is another cost. It is good just to have it any way, just in case the USDA requires this and many permit departments don't work overnight, so if your shipment lands and is impounded, it will sit until ALL paperwork is obtained (could take weeks).
I always say, get a broker. But a broker can be costly. A broker prepares all the paperwork, Customs Declaration, Bonding, follows the package through USDA, Customs and makes it ready for you to just pick up at the airport. When my boxes arrive, I usually get it same day in a couple of hours and am repotting it before late night. I often times see many other people awaiting their boxes of fish, orchids, clothing, etc. sit and wait at the air port until their items become available.
I import a lot of stuff, not all nepenthes, but I have a business that uses the same channels of USDA, Department of Agriculture, airlines, etc. So they are familiar with me and I get service by being present. This may not be the case when you pick your package up. Expect delays. Be patient.
Then there's the cost of freight. DHL, UPS, and other carriers are a rip off. Using the airlines is the fastest and most economical means of shipping. But a lot of leg work will follow in this process. The advantages of air freight is that your box(es) get on the plane as a passenger does and when the plane lands, they get off in record timing so that the plane can turn around or go further with new passengers and luggage and new cargo. Then there is the hidden handling fees.

Exotica is well worth this expense. But you should know the scenario of what is to come. If it was so easy, everyone would be doing it. Please get to know what is expected and what initial costs you must put out before you announce a group order. While we are all comrades in nepenthes, when it comes to money, this camaraderie comes to a grinding halt!


M

[daveh]

Wise, sensible and practical comments by Joel and Michael. Sometimes I think our enthusiasm and passion for these plants may get in the way of what we see as the realities in acquiring them. Of course, I speak for myself.

And just to throw out some information ... Michael Catalani from CP Jungle has posted on his website that he has placed an order with ep to test the waters so to speak. If all goes well he may be offering plants from ep in the not to distant future.

a fellow comrade ... D

[cloudsitter]

Well if it's a go I'm in!

Rob

[obregon562]

Thanks for the sobering news fellows. Im checking with all the departments of agriculture and other places, and i think it will be a while beofre all the proper permits are alloted to me. *sigh*

I'll keep you posted, but your words have been very constuctive! thank you very much!

...good thing i put in that disclaimer though!

Thanks again!

[nepsaroundthehouse]

Obregon,

Your passion is duly noted for contemplating taking on the responsibility of importing Nepenthes. I can say I haven't ventured that far. So "kudos" to you for thinking about it. But practice makes perfect, or something like that, and before you delve into importing for other people make sure you can import for yourself. Then when you feel good about that, then you can offset your costs or whatever you intend to do from experience and confidence.

J