Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Find a Location

Gurney's has locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.

    ComplaintsforGurney's

    Catalog Shopping
    View Business profile
    View Business profileBBB accredited business

    Need to file a complaint?

    BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process.

    File a Complaint

    Complaint Details

    Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. See details.

    Filter by

    Showing all complaints

    Filter by

    Complaint Status
    Complaint Type
    • Complaint Type:
      Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I ordered 10 green giant plants order ******** and only 2 arrived, missing a total of 8. Now I have to change my schedule and I paid someone to put them in this week. This is a huge inconvenience.

      Business response

      05/10/2024

      Hello,

      I wanted to inform you that our customer has already been in contact with our customer service department on May 7th, 2024. As a result, a reshipment has been arranged for the entire order of 10 Green Giant Arborvitae. The customer has been provided with an estimated shipping window of May 13th, 2024, to May 27th, 2024. Once the items are dispatched, an email containing the tracking number will be sent to the customer's Hotmail address on file.

      Should you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to me.

      Kind regards,

      Michaela W.

    • Complaint Type:
      Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      placed a order on 3-23 24 for seed and had a estimate time of delivery 4-15 I called and they told me the seed would ship around 5-20 -24 I need this seed now not a month later. I called and was disconnected 4 times when i ask to talk to a supervisor.The last time i gave my phone # and no return call.

      Business response

      04/26/2024

      Hello,

      I wanted to inform you that the customer recently reached out to our call center regarding their order, and unfortunately, it has been canceled. Rest assured, we're processing a refund back to the original method of payment, which should reflect within the next 5 to 10 business days.

      If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please feel free to reach out to me at your convenience.

      Warm regards,

      Michaela

    • Complaint Type:
      Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      I actually ordered 3 products and the estimated shipping date changed without contacting me that it had changed. When I contacted them, I got answered by an AI then to a agent who told me that all they could do was put a rush on it. I ordered a product, I haven't received my product and there hasn't been any communication regarding the delayed shipping of the product I already paid for. I called customer service and was informed that they didn't have the man power to contact those who's shipping got delayed. That's just common courtesy. When I placed the order, the products were in stock. The products I was unable to order, I ordered from their competitors a week or so after my purchase from Gurney's. Those products arrived swiftly and in perfect shape. I receive multiple advertisements from Gurney's daily in my email and they do have the software available to contact their customers if the products they have ordered will be later that previously advised. I believe that this is an unethical business practice that Gurney's has deployed successfully over the years and needs to be addressed. I would like my trees delivered healthy and quickly.

      Business response

      04/03/2024

      Hello,

      I wanted to inform you that the customer's order is scheduled to be shipped within the next 24 hours. Once ***** collects the items, the customer will receive an email containing the tracking number for your convenience.

      If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

      Kind regards,
      Michaela

      Customer response

      04/03/2024

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

      Regards,

      **** *****
    • Complaint Type:
      Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Ordered a tree under their no risk guarantee. It never even leafed out. I've been trying since to get a replacement but they always have excuses, usually the exact one isn't sold anymore. I've offered to accept a cheaper replacement.

      Business response

      04/03/2024

      Hello,

      Please be informed that the customer engaged in a discussion with our customer service supervisor on April 2, 2024. The customer has requested a replacement tree named "Apricot Sugar Pearl Stander Tree." The estimated shipping window for the replacement tree is from April 4th to April 18th.

      Should you have any further inquiries or concerns, feel free to reach out to me.

      Warm regards,

      Michaela. W

    • Complaint Type:
      Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      The Robot help and the human help is actually no help at all. Below is my actual conversation. I asked the agent not to hang up on me. She did because a few in her own words “moments” went by while I was responding. Hopefully my order will not be too late to flourish when I get it. I ordered a $69. plus plant. Guaranteed. Want this for the record in case my plant does not perform and flourish. Close Bot said: An agent will be with you in a moment. Bot said: An agent will be with you in a moment. Bot said: Thank you for contacting Gurneys how may we assist you? Bot said: Thank you for contacting Gurneys how may we assist you? Virtual Agent - 10:13 AM You said: Order Status You said: Order Status 10:13 AM - Sent Bot said: Thanks for being an existing customer. I can assist with a variety of requests select an option below for more information. Bot said: Thanks for being an existing customer. I can assist with a variety of requests select an option below for more information. Virtual Agent - 10:13 AM You said: Tracking Information You said: Tracking Information 10:14 AM - Sent Bot said: Thanks for your order! ?Click [here](****************) to login to your account to check your status receive tracking information One or more links in the message. Bot said: Thanks for your order! ?Click [here](****************) to login to your account to check your status receive tracking information Bot said: Did that answer your question? Bot said: Did that answer your question? Virtual Agent - 10:14 AM You said: No You said: No 10:14 AM - Sent Bot said: Sorry I wasn't able to help better. Would you like to talk to a human agent or to try rephrasing? Bot said: Sorry I wasn't able to help better. Would you like to talk to a human agent or to try rephrasing? Virtual Agent - 10:14 AM You said: Talk to an agent You said: Talk to an agent 10:14 AM - Sent Bot said: An agent will be with you in a moment. Bot said: An agent will be with you in a moment. You said: ***********. When will my order be shipped? It needs to arrive during the old ten days. One or more links in the message. You said: ***********. When will my order be shipped? It needs to arrive during the old ten days. 10:16 AM - Sent Bot said: Bonnie has joined the conversation. Bot said: Bonnie has joined the conversation. Bot said: Hi, what may I help you with today? Bot said: Hi, what may I help you with today? Bonnie - 10:16 AM You said: Don’t hang up this time You said: Don’t hang up this time You said: Order # *********** it needs to arrive during the old ten days One or more links in the message. You said: Order # *********** it needs to arrive during the old ten days You said: are you still there You said: are you still there 10:19 AM - Sent Bot said: To be sure I pull up the correct account, will you please verify your full name, address, telephone number and email? Bot said: To be sure I pull up the correct account, will you please verify your full name, address, telephone number and email? Bot said: Yes, I am here. Bot said: Yes, I am here. Bonnie - 10:20 AM You said: That was already sent to your robot answering service You said: That was already sent to your robot answering service You said: ******* ********* You said: ******* ********* You said: *** ********* ****** You said: *** ********* ****** You said: ***** You said: ***** You said: ****************** One or more links in the message. You said: ****************** You said: Are you still there You said: Are you still there 10:23 AM - Sent Bot said: Thank you. I am sorry as we are unable to see that. Bot said: Thank you. I am sorry as we are unable to see that. Bot said: I am checking on this for you now. Bot said: I am checking on this for you now. Bonnie - 10:24 AM You said: Thank you You said: Thank you 10:24 AM - Sent Bot said: I show it is estimated to ship 02/05/24-02/19/24. Bot said: I show it is estimated to ship 02/05/24-02/19/24. Bot said: I have not heard from you for a few moments. Are you still with me? Bot said: I have not heard from you for a few moments. Are you still with me? Bonnie - 10:28 AM You said: In the South Certain plants like Grapes need to be planted during the old ten days or they will not flourish. I’m sure or would hope Gurneys would know this. It may be. Folk Lore but it works for me. Can you expedite my order? If not I’ll just have to wait and see. My fig tree has already leafed out. You said: In the South Certain plants like Grapes need to be planted during the old ten days or they will not flourish. I’m sure or would hope Gurneys would know this. It may be. Folk Lore but it works for me. Can you expedite my order? If not I’ll just have to wait and see. My fig tree has already leafed out. You said: I previously asked fo you not to hang up!!! You said: I previously asked fo you not to hang up!!! You said: Are you there? You said: Are you there? 10:31 AM -

      Business response

      12/28/2023

      Hello,
      I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to provide you with some important details regarding the customer's recent order, placed online on November 27, 2023. The order specifies that the items are scheduled for shipment in the spring of 2024, with the estimated ship date falling between February 5, 2024, and February 19, 2024. It's essential to note that these items are part of a future release.
      Additionally, I'd like to clarify that the chat between the customer and our representative was not terminated by our side. The customer initiated the disconnection at 10:36 AM, following which our representative promptly exited the conversation at the same time. For your reference, I have attached a screenshot capturing the conclusion of the interaction between the customer and the representative.


      Cust said:
      Are you there?
      Customer - 12/27 10:31 AM
      Bonnie: Yes, I am here. I am very sorry but we are not allowed to ship before the grow zone has been deemed open by the USDA guidelines.
      Bonnie:
      Yes, I am here. I am very sorry but we are not allowed to ship before the grow zone has been deemed open by the USDA guidelines.
      Bonnie - 12/27 10:34 AM
      Cust said: Customer has been disconnected from the conversation. 12/27 10:36 AM

      Bonnie C****** has left the conversation. 12/27 10:36 AM


      Should you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to address any inquiries or issues related to the customer's order.


      Kind regards,
      Michaela 

    • Complaint Type:
      Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      I made a purchase of several items from Gurneys on Feb. 11, 2023, Account Number: ******** Order Number: ***********. I received an Out of Stock notice on 1 item on April 17, 2023 with a subsequent refund. I then received an Out of Stock notice on item ***** on May 8, 2023. I did not receive a refund for this item. I called Gurneys today. Robin and the team there, tried explaining to me that there was a coupon on the order and because the order was broken into 4 shipments and the coupon is split across all the shipments so no refund was needed. Neither Robin nor his team could provide any intelligible explanation and actually refused to provide a breakdown of the 1st refund issued. I explained to Robin, this didn't make any sense and told Robin that I made 1 purchase and would like the $29.99 value refunded for this product. Initially Robin told me he could do a $10 credit, I refused. He then offered a $20 credit. I still refused, as the product was purchased at ~$30 value and that's is what I would like. It seems, Gurney's employs a tricky coupon scheme to incentivize customers to purchase more product, only to go back later and cancel their product and remove their coupon value. Please investigate the practices of this company and help resolve my complaint. Thank you.

      Business response

      06/13/2023

      Hello,

      Please be advised that the customer was updated by email that he will receive a refund for a total of $31.89.

      Kind regards,
      Michaela. W

      Customer response

      06/18/2023

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

      Regards,

      *********** *******
    • Complaint Type:
      Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I placed a large order with Gurney's Seed and Nursery online in February 2023. At the time of purchase the company advised the items were available and would be shipped before 06/02/23. As of this date 17 of the items have yet to be shipped with explanations of "Batched for Shipment, Back Ordered or Available for Shipping with shipping dates anywhere from 06/09/23 to 06/26/23. These are live garden plants which will be arriving extremely late for planting in my area, and will most likely not reach maturity during this growing season. Placing my order in February was to assure I would receive plants and that they would come at the correct planting time for my area.

      Business response

      06/06/2023

      Hello,

      The customer was advised by email of the dates their items will be shipped to them as well as that two items on their order are back-ordered and their estimated shipping dates. Also provided the customer with an in-house credit that they may use towards their next order and advised that this credit will not expire.

      Kind regards,
      Michaela. W

    • Complaint Type:
      Delivery Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I ordered seeds on March 15, 2023. It's may 3rd I still do not have my seeds. I've called regarding status and keep getting different excuses and new dates of shipment. I NEEDED these seeds to be planted the first part of April. The first initial ship date was first part of April, then mid April, then end of April, then first part of May now mid May!! Unacceptable!!! They'll never be ready in timeNOW. I finally spoke to a manager and he says all but two items out of about twenty have shipped, however the person I spoke to just minutes before him says they'll all ship in 4-5 days!!! Who's lying!!!! Can't get a refund they only give credit!!! THEY ARE INSANE IF THEY THINK ILL EVER ORDER FROM THEM AGAIN!!!

      Business response

      05/08/2023

      The customer was advised that she will receive a refund by check for the items that are too late to be planted from seed. As well customer was provided with store credit that they may use towards their next order. Advise the customer, the credit will not expire and will be in their account for future purchases. 
      Warmest regards,

      Michaela W

      Garden’s Alive
    • Complaint Type:
      Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      I bought 2 ****** plants that arrived dead. They resent 2 ****** plants that also arrived dead. They want me to plant 3” dead plants to see if they are really dead.

      Business response

      04/27/2023

      Hello, We are sorry to learn both shipments arrived in unsatisfactory condition. 2 refunds have been issued to ********** ending in ****, expiring *****- one refund in the amount of $11.56 the purchase price paid for the ****** plants, a coupon was applied to the order at the time of purchase. Coupons are non-refundable. In addition to $10.81 for shipping and handling charged at the time the order was placed. The total amount of the refund is $22.37 which should reflect on the account within 3-5 business days. The credit amounts may appear as 1 single credit transaction on your statement or 2 separate transactions. Providing the following credit memo numbers for confirmation/reference: ********* -$11.56 for failed ****** Plants **********$10.81 for a portion of the shipping and handling charged at the time the order was placed.

      Customer response

      04/27/2023

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

      Regards,

      **** *****
    • Complaint Type:
      Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      In reference to order # ***********. I ordered the plants in March and received the plants. The order was made with a discount coupon and full payment of $78.48 was made when ordering. Today in mail I received a final notice about collection agency reporting for unpaid balance of $38 with late penalty of $10. They sold me items as part of discount deal and sending me threatening letter to report to collection agency for the unpaid balance which I don't owe them as sell of plants was paid in full for discounted price. This is not right. They should honor the discounts they offer at the time of sale and not send bill later on for un-discounted price or reporting to collection agencies.

      Business response

      11/02/2022

      *** **,

      Thank you for your correspondence, I apologize for the miscommunication. When the Neptune Rose and Jujube Li went out of stock, we issued refunds back to you in full instead of prorating the coupon off the price that was actually paid. Refunds in the amounts of $31.64 on 02/22/2022 and $35.13 on 05/31/2022 were issued for those items. This is what created the balance due when the Champagne Fig was shipped. I have removed the balance due from your account as this was our error.

      Sincerely,

      Kim J*****
      Gurneys Seed and Nursery

      Customer response

      11/03/2022

      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
       I would like the company to give me in written communication that the issue is resolved and company will not be sending my information to the collection agency.

       

      Regards,

      *** **

    Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.