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Click on a question or scroll down for the answers.
How up to date is the information on the Seed Bank web site?
It is always up to date. The database of the inventory is maintained
on the ICPS web server. The Seed Bank manager uses that database to
keep track of what is in the Seed Bank. When you click the On-line Seed
List button, the server generates the page you see directly out of the
database. You can tell the last time an order was processed or new seeds
were added by checking the date on the page.
How accurate is the seed listing?
The seeds are listed according to what the donor says they are. There
is no attempt to verify accuracy unless there is an obvious problem.
Typos or misclassifications occur and corrections are welcomed.
Occasionally there are discrepancies between reality and the database.
The problems are usually corrected within a week.
A listing of 100 packets means too many to guess. Other numbers of
packets above 10 are estimates. Sometimes those numbers are way off
but they should be more accurate as they get smaller. You may see
the numbers oscillate a bit, especially as they approach 10. Numbers
below 10 are usually exact.
How many packets can I order?
The official rules are members may order up to 40 packets in any 12
month period and may only order one packet of each item listed
per month. Don't bother asking for two packets of something unless
you have a very good reason. Seed orders are recorded in a database
so we know your order history. The reasons for these rules are to allow
all members to benefit from the Seed Bank and to assure the Seed Bank
can continue as a total volunteer operation.
The average order is seven packets. When the Seed Bank gets busy,
usually after an issue of CPN is published, it is possible that larger
orders will be triaged. That is, if there are orders for more packets
than can be handled in a single weekly batch, the largest orders may
get delayed so that the maximum number of members can get their seeds
as soon as possible. Members donating seeds already packetized are
a major help in this respect as it allows more packets per week to
go out to members.
Can I place an order via e-mail or phone?
E-mail orders are accepted only from members who donate seed
and have credit with the Seed Bank. All other orders must be received
with payment via postal mail and are processed on a first come, first
served basis by postmark date. Packets can not be reserved by e-mail
or phone. The Seed Bank can not accept payment by e-cash.
Does the Seed Bank ship internationally?
Yes. This is an international organization! If your country
requires import permits for seeds, you will need to provide the
permits with your seed order. The only country I know to have issues is New Zealand where seeds for import must be listed on the MAF website.
How long does it take to get my order?
Expect seed orders in the USA to arrive 4 weeks
after you mail your order. If I am out of town or otherwise busy,
orders may take an extra week or two. The PO Box is usually checked
once or twice a week. Orders are processed in batches. It usually
takes a week to process a batch of orders and they are mailed when I check the box again. Orders sent registered
mail may take 1 to 2 weeks longer because it requires a special
trip to the post office. If I am out of town, it is possible that registered mail will be returned to sender before I return from the trip.
Will I get a packing slip?
Not if you live in the USA. We keep what you send in is as a
record of the transaction for the IRS. To run the Seed Bank like a real
business we would have to hire staff and charge much more. A general packing
slip is included with international orders as required by certain countries.
(Some day if I get really bored I will write an order entry system to
complement the inventory tracking system. Then you would get an itemized
packing slip.)
Do you test germinate seed?
The seed is generally listed on the web site as soon as it is
received. It is impractical to test germinate it--especially for species
that require stratification or other special treatment. We have to rely
on members donating viable seed. Reports of problems are welcome so bad
seed can pulled. The seeds are not guaranteed.
How much seed is included in a packet?
There are a number of factors that determine how much seed is included
in a packet.
- Just enough. I try to give you just enough to get a start.
For most things this is enough to plant some and save some for a second
attempt if something bad happens to the first try.
- Supply and demand. There is an attempt to balance the amount
of seed with how much seed is in the Seed Bank and how popular it
is. If a member sends in a small amount of something very popular,
the packets will tend to have fewer seeds than something similar
in good supply.
- Age of the seed. The older the seed, the more gets put in
packets to assure you get something for your effort.
Is all the seed in the Seed Bank listed on the
web site?
Rare seeds in small quantity are held back and offered first to members
who donate seed. This is one of the perks for donating seed to the Seed Bank. If you donate seed, indicate what your wish list is. It may already
be in stock!
Can I resell Seed Bank seeds?
No, members may not resell Seed Bank seeds. First of all it is a breach
of trust with other members who have donated seed and volunteered their
time to further the education, research, and conservation goals of the
International Carnivorous Plant Society. There is also a legal reason.
The ICPS operates as a tax exempt public charity under the USA federal
tax code. This prohibits the ICPS from acting as a wholesale distributor
to a for-profit enterprise. Members are encouraged to give away or share
any excess seeds with friends.
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