What's with Fairfield Farms Nursery?? [Archive]

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Talk Host

12-09-2008, 02:34 PM

Fairfield Farms Nursery is located on route 301 in Oxford. I have been there three times. The first time two years ago, the second time six months ago and the final time today.

On all three occassions I could not find anybody to help me, nobody even acknowledged my existance. I walked all around the property hoping to find somebody who would help me. No luck. Today, I happened onto another lady, who said to me, "are you looking for somebody to help you?" I said, "YES." She said, "So am I."

Just like the two times before, I walked to my car, got in, started it up and drove away. So did the lady I had spoken to.

On all three occassions, I was was there for a specific purpose....to spend money. It was not an expedition, I was there TO SPEND MONEY. Sorry, three times and YOU ARE OUT.

I do hope that the experiences of others who read this thread are different than mine.

JLK

Cassie325

12-09-2008, 02:40 PM

I agree it is set up very oddly....however I have found that if you drive to the very front of the building (facing 301) and walk around near the check out area someone finds you quite quickly.

I do wonder how they keep people from shoplifting...there are many places to park with many entrances and no one seems to be watching! Odd...but nice people once you find them!

Talk Host

12-09-2008, 02:50 PM

Park out front? Hmmmmmmmmm? Perhaps they should post a sign, "Instructions on how to get waited on."

Cassie325

12-09-2008, 03:11 PM

LOL....or they could possibly close the gates around the rest of the place....and point to one main entrance....I guess you will be finding a new place to spend your money....

frannieb

12-09-2008, 03:49 PM

what's there? flowers or fruits and vegetables...thanks

Peachie

12-09-2008, 04:44 PM

LOL....or they could possibly close the gates around the rest of the place....and point to one main entrance....I guess you will be finding a new place to spend your money....

Cassie, I have a feeling Talk Host will try this Nursery again now that he knows the lay of the land. (Maybe he'll even share some suggestions with the owners regarding signage.)

Barefoot

12-09-2008, 07:55 PM

I love Fairfield Farms .. they have lots of wonderful stuff. Trees, rose bushes, hanging plants, containers, fountains, ponds, etc.

And a guy with a golf cart who will drive you around to look at trees for sale.

I've usually just gone to the front desk if no-one seems to be around.

Talk Host

12-09-2008, 08:12 PM

Barefoot

12-09-2008, 10:33 PM

I went to the front desk and no one was around. I went into the gift shop, and there was only one person in there, ME!

It always amazes me that companies will spend money on advertising and promotion to draw customers to their business. And yet when you get there, the customer service is sadly lacking. :shrug:

Cassie325

12-09-2008, 10:50 PM

I went to the front desk and no one was around. I went into the gift shop, and there was only one person in there, ME!

I understand what you are saying....it is frustrating....however if you like the place and want to give them one more try...go up front....and if no one is there...go to the office door to the right of you if you area facing the check out booth....there usually is someone in there.

I guess they are just trusting people....that we will be patient...look around and find someone when we need help or want to give them money.

Actually kind of nice when most places have sales people that hound you and follow you around.

We met a very nice lady that helped us understand FL plants....and what is hardy in the FL weather....then helped what looked good together.

One more chance TH....they are one of the few business' in the area that I feel are REAL people...genuinly concerned about the customer....

I guess it's just so big they get lost too???

I like Peachie's thoughts.....go explain what happened....see what their story is!!!

Best Mom

12-09-2008, 11:32 PM

Talk Host

12-10-2008, 06:40 AM

Three tires are all that I am willing to give any place. There are plenty of other nurseries and garden centers around for me to chose from. Those of you who have a different experience than me, I hope you continue to have a good relationship with them. For me, I'm done.

dfn8tly

12-10-2008, 10:34 AM

I was at Fairfield Farms a couple of months ago looking for landscape plants. Unfortunately, I had the same experience and was totally ignored. I went into the gift shop at was alone. At one point an employee walked in and was apparently startled so he turned around a almost ran back out the door. I will say that after spending a while looking at their offerings I thought their selections looked pretty tired. Not happy plants in my opinion. Unlikely I'll return.

JohnN

04-17-2010, 05:21 AM

I like the place, but customer service is "iffy".

During the week, when we were the only ones there, we were treated great including the golf cart ride to look at trees in the back (it's a pretty big place to walk).

On weekends, or when busier (spring), it's hard to find someone.

But it's a great place, found a lot of stuff there.

Karen83

04-17-2010, 06:31 AM

My husband and I have been there 3-4 times and have not been able to find someone to help at any visit. One time I actually saw an employee who happened to be one of the landscape designers. We were interested in a decent size project, but it was obvious she didn' want to take the time to either help us herself, or refer us to someone who could. By the way, we were the ONLY customers in the place at that visit. We're done with them...not that they care.

jblum8156

04-17-2010, 06:49 AM

I love Fairfield Farms. I've been there 3 times to buy, and each time I went to the front desk and pretty soon a lovely blond woman showed up and helped me. The same woman each time. She is very knowledgeable about Florida plants. And when I phoned with a question about one of my plants, she promptly called me back.
They have 2 of the most gorgeous and friendly cats. But unfortunately the cats are not for sale.
You do have to go to the front desk, and there is parking in front.

jojo

04-17-2010, 06:54 AM

I have been ignored on 3 of 3 visits. The last time I wanted to look at some azaleas but the sprinklers come on at 3 p.m. in the azalea area. Two other shoppers and I got soaked. I have never seen such consistently poor customer service.

LoveFlorida

04-17-2010, 07:03 AM

I have been there a few times and it is hard to find someone and if you do find someone and purchase plants they are about double what most of the other places around are. If you did not find anyone and had to go somewhere else you Saved money.

gemorc

04-19-2010, 06:11 PM

I am a regular customer of the nursery. I have learned their secret for helping the customer. The customer must go to the center of the yard, in front of indoor showroom, and yell "HELP". It works every time. The louder you yell, the faster you receive help.

LovingLife

01-06-2012, 09:25 PM

We have used them for all our trees and plants. We also bought a great water fountain from them. Excellent products.
You are right that they are hard to find. However, everyone comments on our landscaping and the fountain.

I'm happy to report that some things have changed at Fairfield Farms - and all for the better. I know this is a relatively old post (3+ years); however, if you're a new reader, know that you will be helped professionally and quickly after your arrival at Fairfield Farms.

billethkid

11-30-2012, 08:55 AM

maybe calling ahead of time to ask if anybody will be there....prefaced by "I understand there is usually nobody around to help customers" or should I make an appointment????

At some point the people who manage, preferably own the place will hear the complaints and do something about it.

btk

Barefoot

11-30-2012, 01:09 PM

I'm happy to report that some things have changed at Fairfield Farms - and all for the better. I know this is a relatively old post (3+ years); however, if you're a new reader, know that you will be helped professionally and quickly after your arrival at Fairfield Farms.

I don't like seeing these old (negative) threads regurgitated.

We've never had a problem getting service at FF. If there is no-one "on the floor", there will be someone in the area of the cash register! We just bought two "false bird of paradise" large tropical plants there. They were most helpful with providing information.

Bogie Shooter

11-30-2012, 01:13 PM

I don't like seeing these old (negative) threads regurgitated.

We've never had a problem getting service at FF. If there is no-one "on the floor", there will be someone in the area of the cash register! We just bought two "false bird of paradise" large tropical plants there. They were most helpful with providing information.

I agree!