On the Ledge Windowbox Designs

"Thanks for the feedback. Just as you thought, my deal was oversold and I was under a tremendous amount of pressure. I tried stopping additional "Deal of the Day" sales, but my Angie's List representative wouldn't let me. This has been a poor experience for not only the member, but for me as well. I am proud of my unique designs and enjoy my work. The procedure is a detailed one and I cannot hire anyone to do the work with the same attention to detail, pallette and design that are represented in my style. We both felt the pressure of this Deal. Each box is a delicate balance of the customer's expectations, the available flowers and the sun/shade location of the box. After the initial consultation, I find and purchase the plant material. I then have to arrange, plant, deliver and install the boxes. Although it is not your problem, I recall your "Deal of the Day" had a concern with the type of flowers you wanted in your sun/shade location. I am sorry you misunderstood that for unprofessionalism. But as you mentioned, the quality and the design of the box was good and the value was a steal!"

"I am so sorry [member name removed] did not have a good experience. I felt I planted extravagant designs loaded with lots and lots of flowers. In addition, I truly enjoyed visiting with her. That being said, I would like to take a moment to remind [member name removed] of the reason for the delay. If she recalls, the ironwork outside of her front windows was weak and could not support the weight of the boxes. She felt this was the opportunity she needed to replace the ironwork. By the time she did so, it was late in the Summer. [member name removed] apologized to me for the long time she took for the railing repair. She said she had problems finding someone to do the work. In addition, there was substantial appointment re-scheduling due to [member name removed]'s frequent court dates for her daughter's legal matters. In addition, I told her at the original meeting that I was unable to mount the third windowbox on her second floor. I don't have the equipment to do so. Since her window did not open, I was told I could climb up the back of the house, crawl along the gutter line and then swing onto the front. I said it wasn't safe and I couldn't do that; especially dragging a heavy windowbox and offered a refund. In addition, I also questioned how she would be able to water it since it wasn't reachable. But the refund was rebuffed and I was told to make and deliver the third box. When I delivered all three boxes, I mounted the two on the railing and left the third, per instructions, on the front porch. All the boxes were accessible and I did visit frequently to prune and check on the arrangements. I apologize you did not see me. But since the quality of the boxes remained strong, I assumed you knew I was looking after them. Finally, the date the work was completed was in 2012 - not the 2013 date you indicated in my review. I have a receipt to substantiate your purchase date. My business reputation relies on the reviews of customers and clients and although you were dissatisfied with my service, an accurate recollection of the facts is truly appreciated. I am sorry you don't recall the time it took for the balcony railing repair or the correct date of service; but the boxes were gorgeous and I delivered when you told me to."

"In my opinion, the (Member name removed)'s complaint has many different layers and therefore a myriad of ways to look at this problem. The main aspect I will focus on is the original contract between (Member name removed) and myself. After being contacted by (Member name removed) and confirming the order in writing for two18" windowboxes, I did pick up the boxes and installed the plants. Right before the delivery, (Member name removed)'s boxes and several other flats, tropicals and containers were stolen from the company's property. I immediately returned the (Member name removed)’s money. But although the son, (Member name removed), said he would be able to supply me the original purchase receipt for the boxes for reimbursement, the receipt never arrived. Instead, (Member name removed) bought two 32" windowboxes and provided me with the receipt for payment. I stopped by the shop where the receipt was from and found the original 18" windowboxes were approximately 15.00 each less expensive. I promptly advised mother and son of the price and told them I would immediately reimburse them for the cost of the 18" boxes. Instead I got irate, threatening phonecalls from (Member name removed) and caustic e-mails from the son, (Member name removed). I found (Member name removed)’s stance in this situation to be unrealistic. (Member name removed) works for her local Restoration Hardware store. No one knows better than her that a 10x12 rug will cost more then a 2x3 one; a set of 12 glasses or that a pitcher is more expensive than 2 single rock glasses. Why then, would she expect me to reimburse her for a larger windowbox when it was a smaller windowbox that she paid for. I am a small business person with limited resources and although I immmediately reimbursed her for the cost of her initial gift certificate and offered her a comprise between the two box sizes, it wasn't enough for her. (Member name removed) then took to the internet and tried to do as much damage as she could to me. And although she is welcome to do so, I might remind Angie's List members that this is all over 15.00 per box and no matter what the amount is, I don't deserve to be called names, bullied or threatened."

"Thank you for the kind review. I enjoyed the customer's sense of style and her appreciation for my work. It made the project fun and interesting. Unfortunately, Chicago's landscaping season is very limited. It begins shortly after May's frost date and most gardens are in by the beginning of June. Gardening companies fit almost all of their work into those few short weeks. That being said, I was aware of the customer's deadline and made sure the installation was complete before her party date. Not only was it finished on time, but the new installation looked fresh, healthy and festive for her event later the next day . I felt the timing of the project was advantageous for the client and am genuinely sorry for the discontent the customer felt regarding this aspect of the work. I always appreciate customer feedback and look forward to working with the customer in the future. Finally, the project consisted of two large windowboxes and two additional smaller ones. It included ringing the patio dining area with begonias as well as the frontage of the yard and an entrance container. I was able to match the price of the $99.00 Deal of the Day windowbox on the second box and do the remaining work for $750.00. Please note, it was not $1,200.00 as listed in the review of my work."

"I had a wonderful time designing and planting Ms. Member's windowbox. Although she knew what she wanted, her design parameters were flexible and I was able to deliver a creative and fun box! The windowbox I presented was according to the specifications listed in the Angie's List "Big Deal", which included "a haymarket basket with coco liner". Until this review, I had no idea that Member did not realize this is what she had purchased. Had I known or had she said something to me, I would have been happy to replant the flowers and herbs in a box of her choice. This simple misunderstanding of what was purchased vs. what Member thought she purchased could have easily been addressed with just a simple call. I am truly sorry for this miscommunication and hope Member will give me another chance in the future."