Testimonials
In the 44 plus years since I founded Bonsai of Brooklyn, my goal
has been to provide a quality product at a fair price. I believe
that you are entitled to the type of treatment that I expect for myself when I
shop. Our motto is "Since 1976, Customer Service Second To
None" and I am proud to say that in in all my years in business, not a
single complaint has been lodged against Bonsai of
Brooklyn.
This page is under my control. If you do not know me, you might
want to take what follows “with a grain of salt.” For customer
comments that are not under my control, go to Google or your favorite
search engine and type “Bonsai of Brooklyn feedback.” What you will
find there are comments that I cannot edit or remove. You might want
to do the same thing if you are considering purchasing elsewhere.
Following are
unsolicited Comments from our customers.
On 12/30/2022- 14:24, Corey P. From Vail Arizona wrote:
Thank you so much for the absolutely beautiful Canadian Hemlock
and the Okinawa Holly. They arrived in immaculate condition, I appreciate how
well you packaged them. I would love to leave a review; I will look at how to
do that. I am also going to purchase a Barbados Cherry. I will be
purchasing a lot from you and telling people about my experience with you.
Thank you again, I look forward to receiving some beautiful Bonsai!
Sincerely, Corey
Ming A. - Jackson Heights, NY
Hi Paul,
Thank you for my order of two pre-bonsai, soil and fertilizer. I've
never seen bonsai packed so well, especially considering that there were two in
a single box! Most important, the quality of your pre-bonsai is
EXCEPTIONAL. I've only purchased them at nurseries in Long Island
and New Jersey (where I can see the plants before I buy) but your practice of
photographing each bonsai you sell - allowing the buyer to see the exact plant
s/he's buying - is absolute genius! You made the selection process
less harried, provided better quality plants, and for better prices than I've
seen at nurseries! I couldn't be happier. From here on, you're my
pre-bonsai source!
Erica From Galway, Ireland
I thought that a bonsai tree would be a great gift to send to my mother in
Maine for her birthday. I spent much time researching bonsai and various bonsai
suppliers before making a purchase because I wanted to ensure that my mom would
receive a beautiful and high quality specimen. After considering all options, I
decided to buy from Paul of Bonsai of Brooklyn and I could not be happier with
this choice. The ease of transaction and communication from Paul throughout was
excellent. I particularly appreciated being able to choose the exact tree that
I would buy and the fast and secure shipping by Paul, which was done on the
same day that my order was placed. Paul offers many shipping options at very
reasonable rates. The one I chose allowed for the tree to arrive in excellent
condition in only two days! As many others have stated, the tree was many
times more beautiful than the photo that I originally viewed, and I am certain
that this would be the case for any specimen prepared by Paul. His experience
and talents in working with Bonsai are very apparent. I highly recommend anyone
in search of high quality bonsai and excellent customer service to buy from
Bonsai of Brooklyn. Many thanks to you, Paul! I will spread the word
about your company at any chance I get! Very best wishes for you and your
business
Sandy from West Central Wisconsin
I just got my 2 bonsai trees a few days ago, a Chinese elm and a
juniper. I noticed a good many other comments made mention of the
picture not doing the tree justice, and are they ever right! I loved
the picture, and the trees were even more beautiful than that! The
shipment was very well packaged, and they arrived in perfect
condition. I got the juniper as sort of a memorial to my mother who
had just passed, and I know she would have just loved it. If I can
keep from doing something dumb, I think I'll be able to pass it to my daughter
eventually. I was looking at many different web sites before choosing
this one. I noticed that about 8 of them had the exact same picture
of a Chinese elm. I read some reviews about them, and many people
said they got trees that looked nothing like the picture. One of the
things I loved was that I was able to examine pictures of several different
specimens of the same tree, and choose the actual plant that I was going to get. I
spoke with the owner, and could really tell he was very passionate about his
business and seemed to really love the work he did. It shows in his
beautiful trees. He was extremely knowledgeable and I felt that I
would be welcome to call if I ever had any questions about my new babies!
I would order from Bonsai of Brooklyn again without hesitation, and I will be
bragging about my trees and showing them off to any of my friends that will
listen! Thank you for your wonderful work!
Sandy.
John From Bloomington,
IL
Three weeks ago I received the Fukien Tea tree ordered just 4 days earlier. It
arrived by ground UPS in excellent condition. The packing was extremely well
protective. The tree is absolutely beautiful, even more so than the photo.
Since arrival the tree is growing new sprouts daily with an increasing number
of little white flowers. As a testimonial, I highly recommend Paul's company
"Bonsai of Brooklyn". The quality of service and product is beyond
comparison in today's mass marketing business. Thanks for your service,
John
Richard From
Boston
Here I am again. This is the BEST way to show how impressed I am with the
quality of your trees not to mention your unique personal service and advice!
You may consider this a testimonial. Note I am using UPS ground just as you
suggested. The first time I chose the much more expensive USPS
Priority Mail! Thanks in advance for my new tree (I have been watching
this bargain and can no longer resist!)
Dr. Dick Z
Gary From Waynesboro, VA
I wanted to thank you for your excellent service with our recent
order. I learned from my parents, who we sent the bonsai to, that
you contacted them to verify the address after discovering that I incorrectly
typed their zip code. In addition, you were careful not to give away
the surprise and tell them what was being shipped - I appreciate that.
Most importantly, when they received the bonsai, it was a huge
hit. My parents loved the tree and have said several times that it
is absolutely the cutest tree they have ever seen. I really
appreciate the ability to see photos of the actual tree I ordered
online. Yours was the only site that I found that did this and an
important reason I ordered from you. I'm very happy the tree matched
the photo. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the service from
Bonsai of Brooklyn!
Thank you and have a Happy New Year!
Gary
Robert From New York,
NY
I purchased a Thousand Star Serissa Bonsai Tree about 3 weeks ago
from a place in NYC. I noticed that the plant looked OK but it definitely was
in need of TLC and this place was in no way providing it or tending to its
needs. When I got it home the leaves were a very faded green and even though
there was new growth using my artificial lighting and constant watering, more
fallen dead yellow leaves were starting to outnumber the new ones. The tree was
truly suffering. I found Bonsai of Brooklyn from the Internet and called with
my problem. I was treated like I had a sick patient talking with a caring
doctor and told to come over the next day with the patient (tree). The next day
I drove over with my wife. What I found at this place was a true professional,
fully equipped caring facility. My tree was immediately treated and I was told
exactly how to handle my tree's recovery at home switching between artificial
light and my terrace outside. I was given lighting, watering, pruning,
fertilizer and soil advice. I was sold a professional grow bulb to replace what
I had been previously using. It's been about 12 days since that wonderful
caring experience and I now have a truly beautiful, thriving and happy tree. I
will be forever grateful to Bonsai of Brooklyn and recommend their service to
anyone who truly loves their trees. Thanks Bonsai of Brooklyn. 5 out of 5 stars
from
me!
Andrew From right here in Brooklyn, NY
Just received my Ginseng Ficus today, wow. I am amazed, It definitely looks
better than the picture. It is the nicest looking bonsai I have ever
purchased, you can really see the amount of care that has gone into the
tree. All the pots I ordered are great as well, and cheaper than any of the
other sites. Thank you! I will definitely be back in the near future
for all of my bonsai needs.
Sam, Huntsville AL.
I just want to start off with thanking you for providing me with everything I
have ever expected from your website. I started the hobby of bonsai
about 5 years ago and started off with a few other websites and then about 3 years
ago I found yours Ever since then I have never bought a bonsai or
pre-bonsai tree from anywhere else. The service is unbelievable (I
have sent emails at times around 12 midnight eastern time and gotten a
response.) Nowhere else could I ever hope to receive that kind of
service. When I order a tree I know it will look ten times better
than the picture. I just want to thank you for finally providing a
place where I can buy bonsai/pre-bonsai and know that I will not be disappointed.
Thanks Paul
Mike, Brentwood, TN.
I bought my first mature Bonsai from Paul and it was one of the
best and easiest transactions I’ve ever done. The shipment arrived fast and was
extremely well packed. The tree (a Dwarf Japanese Juniper) was in
excellent condition, and even better looking that the image on the
website. I was so pleased I went back a day later to order all the
supplemental supplies for this tree from the bonsaiofbrooklyn.com
website. When I had a question about the pesticide I had ordered, I
sent an email to Paul and got an immediate call back with all the information I
could have possibly needed. Those at Bonsai of Brooklyn truly stand
by their motto “customer service second to none”. You can tell that they really
care about their trees, that they are not just mass marketing. They
will assist you in any way to help their trees live a long healthy life, like a
kid making sure their dog’s puppies find good homes. As soon as I
pull enough money to get another, I will definitely go to Paul. He
has earned my trust, so keep one of those Fukien Tea’s around for
me. Thanks for everything.
Curt, Alexandria VA.
Bonsai of Brooklyn is, in my opinion, the best bonsai retailer available. I
have several bonsai sites bookmarked but Bonsai of Brooklyn is at the
top. The products are high quality-- like Joshua Roth tools and
competitively priced. If you cannot find a product elsewhere, try Bonsai of
Brooklyn. Even if the product is not available, Paul will locate
it. The service is second to none. If there is
a problem, Paul really bends over backwards to help you by providing a very
friendly call or email (Thank you, Paul!) Also, Paul gives great
advice, no matter what the question may be. There really is nothing
else to state other than "Great Service" and I highly recommend
Bonsai of Brooklyn. Sincerely, Curt
Pinky, Rochester MN.
Dear Paul, Hello! Again, let me express my disbelief that you actually do
EXIST! After I read the testimony of your other customers, I was ready to
believe that you were just a figment of their collective
imagination. You could have knocked me over with a feather (and I am
no lightweight) when you sent me an e-mail a few minutes after I placed an
order ... and this at 11:00 p.m.! I truly appreciate your kindness
in explaining which bonsai plant I should choose and why. It is so
refreshing to find someone who will take the time and effort to educate an
ignorant stranger. Pinky
Craig, Elizabeth City, NC
Paul, I received my order Friday as promised and I am very pleased with
it. I am so happy with the wonderful quality of service and product
that I feel obligated to contribute a testimonial for you web
site. Especially since the ones that are posted helped with my
decision to purchase my tree from you, so please feel free to post my first
name, city/state and testimonial if you would like. I originally ordered my
tree with UPS 2 day air. Paul called me the next morning and told me
that Ground shipping was $10 cheaper and guaranteed to arrive in the same 2
days. This quality of service and respect for the customer is
outstanding and almost unheard of in this day and age. There is
only one thing better that the service that I received from Bonsai of Brooklyn,
and that is the beautiful tree that I pulled out of the box. There
wasn't a leaf harmed on my tree and it looks 100 times better in person than it
did in the picture. You will not find a better Bonsai for the buck
or better service anywhere else. I would recommend to anyone to
buy with confidence. Thanks for everything.
Craig
Jay, Naperville, IL
Paul, I have just placed
another order with you, and this is now my second comment on your customer
service. This comment is not so much for you as it is for your
customers & potential customers. I placed an order on Friday and
had selected 3 day air for the shipping (to get it to Chicago as fast as
possible) Paul called me back within 10 minutes of receiving my
order to tell me he was changing the shipping to regular ground because it was
guaranteed to deliver on the same day as the 3 day air would and be $10.00
cheaper! Now, in my mind, for Paul to do that is
incredible. Especially when it really made no difference to him or
his business and he did it only to save me the money!!! I said in my last
comment that you have made a life-long customer. Well, now both myself and my
fiancé will be visiting your web site much more frequently. Thank
you for doing what you do Webmaster's Note: Jay's original comment
is 3 letters down.
John, Pearl River, NY
In today's world of fast paced, over merchandised, super-sized and one size
fit's all, or a thousand other marketing cliches that express the usual low
quality service we get from even the "finest retailers", it's just
downright "wonderful" to find one that truly understands and wants to
provide outstanding customer service. Paul at Bonsai of Brooklyn is
that one in a thousand. He helped me select just the right Bonsai
for a gift. He guided me through the order and billing process and
has spent more time and effort in helping me get exactly what I wanted than
anyone could reasonably expect from a retailer in today's not-so-friendly
world. Just a wonderful experience! I recommend
Bonsai of Brooklyn without hesitation and would use them again, in a heartbeat.
Sharron, Oroville, CA
Paul, You have made a person who has always wanted a bonsai very
happy. I came across you by accident, just looking. When
I read all about you and your tips I thought this guy seems to know something
about bonsai. Then I read where you actually got the plant you
picked out from the pictures. I was hooked. My plant came
in perfect shape, just like you hand delivered it from across town instead of
across the country. I was amazed! Next I had a
question so I e-mailed you. I get this nice e-mail from you
reassuring me. I can't believe you took the time to do that when you
no doubt had lots of things to take care of. My plant is doing
great, it looks wonderful with the moss on it. I have some new
blossoms and the berries are turning colors. Best of all I have had
fun with my new Bonsai, everyone who see it can't believe the quality of the
plant for the price. Thanks again for all your help.
Sharron
Jay, Napierville, IL
Dear Paul, I just received my order last night. I am new to the art
of bonsai and was a little concerned about mail ordering my
trees. When I opened the box I couldn't be more
pleased! The trees were absolutely beautiful, very healthy and there
was no damage from the shipping. I just wanted to say thank you for
all the assistance and care. You've just made another life-long
customer.
Jay
Robin, Fairport, NY
Sirs: Being an amateur bonsai artist, I was searching the internet
and came across your site. I decided to order a few supplies and
expected to get the usual small internet company run-around; overpriced
shipping, "forgetting" to send the order, overbilling,
etc. I was pleasantly surprised to find the package at my door two
days later! The packing job was also superb! It would
have taken a train wreak to damage the items I ordered. Thanks a
million!!!
Robin
Barbara, Oroville, CA
Paul, You have another life-long customer. I am new to the art of
Bonsai and you have treated me with the utmost respect. You have
treated me like a Queen. Thank you for all of your
help!!! I cannot believe that you ship so expertly, so as to ship
across the country is as if I walked into your store in person. Thank you so
much for your help and advice. Barb
Karen, New York, NY
Dear Paul: I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful service you
provided with the purchase of my little bonsai. Despite the fact
that the transaction didn't involve a large sum, you treated it as though it
was going to cover your expenses for the month. Considering that merely
checking out at Duane Reade is cause for stress these days (let's face it,
customer service has become a contradiction in terms,) it was very healing to
have someone take my business seriously. Just as important is the fact that you
clearly "know your stuff" and are able to convey information about it
in a manner which anyone can understand. I've since perused your
online tips and have found them to be informative and
well-written. It's nice to know that my purchase included
support. Please feel free to use this letter as a
testimonial. I'd like prospective customers to know that they can
buy with confidence.
Kindest regards, Karen
Sharon, Upper Darby, PA
Dear Paul,
As you know, I received a Chinese Elm from you a few weeks ago. I
received the exact same tree in the picture e-mailed to me. One of 3
Chinese Elms you personally selected for me, at my request. It has
been here for a few weeks and already showing new growth, it arrived in
wonderful condition. It lost only 2 leaves and I suspect my kitten
is the culprit rather than stress the trip through the mail or this new
environment. I doubt that I have words to express my delight with this Bonsai
tree, my pleasure in doing business with you, the prompt responses and personal
attention, and the healthy condition of this little tree. The picture (which
was great) really didn't do it justice. Seeing it in person, it
looks like an ancient tree, long loved and well cultivated, I could easily
believe it was handed down for generations. It belongs in a museum,
or at least in Longwood Gardens, not here in my Upper Darby
home! Even at the (locallly) famous Waterloo Gardens, this Chinese
Elm by far surpasses the best Bonsai specimen they have displayed, (and priced
at quite a few hundred dollars!) I would tell anyone wanting to invest
in a Bonsai Tree to buy it from you. Mostly, I'd like customers to
know how easily Bonsai of Brooklyn helped me make one of my dreams a
reality. I just wrote you a short paragraph to give you a mental
picture of my "Dream Bonsai Tree", my beginner skill level, what I wanted
to spend and the environments I could provide. Within a day or two, you put all
those pieces together, chose a good species for me and sent me a picture of the
very tree that I had been drooling over in my mind all these years, never found
and surely never believed I could ever afford! Now I am enjoying it every day
and am planning to get a Tree/Kitten-sitter next time I go away. I
will be a return customer for sure. Thank you so much!
Sharon
Lizbeth, New Rochelle, NY
Paul, The bonsai, in my son's own words, was
"GORGEOUS." I agree. I loved
it!! Having bought many (now deceased) bonsai over the years
(including at specialty bonsai mall stores and even one at a "bonsai
farm" in Georgia), I have to say that the tree surpassed my
expectations. The picture did not do it justice. I can't
wait till I get one for myself. I'm also grateful for your phone
calls, the excellent customer service that you provided & the "very
personal touch" by calling me on the phone to discuss the details of the
shipping - that makes a world of a difference & will certainly guarantee my
buying again from you.
Thanks again, Lizbeth
Deb, Cedar Grove, NC
I purchased a Chinese Elm for my husband's birthday. I have to admit
at first I was a wee bit leery about spending $125 for a mail order
bonsai. Well, it came in great condition (soil still moist, no
broken limbs.) It is an absolutely beautiful specimen!!! And
the price was fantastic compared to other trees of that age I have been looking
at in this area. I am so very, very pleased!!! We will be
ordering from you again. Thank you!!! Deb
P.S. My only regret is he is going to sleep late tomorrow and I will be at work
when he walks out to his bonsai garden and finds the new guy.
Nicholas, Swansea MA
Dear Paul and the rest of the people at Bonsai of Brooklyn,
I ordered some Bonsai supplies from your site about a week ago and it arrived
in perfect condition. I don't get to compliment companies for their
services often, but I felt obliged to do so this time. I love the
speed in which the order arrived and the way you promised to send the
combination meter as soon as the shipment came in and you did in record
time! I love your site. It provides Bonsaiists all over
the world supplies and even info that cannot be matched. I will
continue to order from your site for as long as I love the art of Bonsai (which
I am planning to do for a long time As you may have already guessed,
I am well pleased with your company’s overall service.
Sincerely yours, Nicholas
Todd Ozark, Missouri
I placed an order for a 4 year old Elephant Bush as a thank you gift for my
brother who had just given me the wonderful gift of life with the donation to
me of one of his kidneys. We had both just gotten out of the
hospital, and I wanted to give him something meaningful that he would treasure
and care for, as I treasure and care for the kidney he gave. Paul
took special care, and hand-picked a wonderful tree for my brother, which
arrived safely and quickly. My brother loves his new
bonsai. I cannot say enough about the customer service and the
personal care and thoughtfulness of this man. I would not buy a tree
anywhere else.
Thank you again, Todd
John, Suffolk, Virginia
Dear Paul, Last week I think you really got me started in Bonsai the
right way. The bonsai I bought arrived in perfect shape and the
order was packed very well. I placed another order today to catch me
up on the items that will help me care for my prize. I`m looking
forward to getting some starter stock locally and some soil and pots from you
and really getting into this in the spring. Thanks again for a huge
source of help on your great website. The video was
fantastic. I`m PUMPED. I lead a very stressful day to day
life and I have a feeling that Bonsai will help me calm down and slow
down. Thanks.
John
Suzie, Eagle River, Alaska
Paul: This shipment arrived in the best shape so
far. Congratulations on packing them all safely in one
box! What a wonderful assortment of trees. Maybe it's
just because it's summer time, but these are without a doubt the healthiest
most beautiful trees. Thank you for all the TLC they have received,
and making it possible for others to build wonderful
collections. The "pre-bonsai" is outrageous. I
potted it last night and am so impressed with it. The "Thousand
Star Serissa" has incredible trunk detail. The smaller trees
with their precious promise of more change and growth are adorable.
Suzie
Janice, Lexington, KY
Paul, I just received a call from my son Blake, and he tells me that
the Kingsville Boxwood arrived safely a few moments ago. Thank you
so much for your outstanding service. My purchase options are
extremely limited in this area, and it's wonderful to know that I can order
quality Bonsai from a reliable source. Rest assured that you've
gained another loyal customer.Bravo!
Janice
Stephanie, St. Petersburg, Florida
Paul, I know in the world of Bonsai nurseries, a purchase of $125
isn't much. Thanks for treating us otherwise. I would
love a picture of the Maple when you get a. We just started learning
about the art of bonsai a few months ago and we are learning more and more
every day thru the Internet and bookstores. Trees are not only hard
to find in our area, but tools, pots and other supplies are hard to find as
well. Your website is easy to use with great information and I have
to tell you that you have found a new customer. I'll be sure to tell
my friends and family about your website as well as your superior service.
Kurt, Deluth, MN
I received an order of pre-bonsai stock about a week ago, and I just wanted to
let you know how pleased I am. They all arrived in great shape, and
if anything they are more impressive than the pictures that you had
posted. A few lost a few leaves, but all of them are showing new
growth, and the Fukien Teas both also have new flower buds showing! I look
forward to ordering from you again, and I can honestly tell my friends that
they will be pleased with anything they order from you.
Gloria, Oklahoma City, OK
Thank you for the tree I received Friday. I was very pleased with my
tree and I will continue to order from you. Thank you for the desire
to please you customers and the love you show for the bonsai. Keep up the good
work!!!!!!!!
Sam, Rochester, N.Y.
Paul, Just a line to let you know our new family member has arrived
safe and sound. It's a fine specimen and I will enjoy another purchase down the
road. You took customer service to another level, for that I say thanks So as
not to hurt my new tree if I need to know what's going on with it or I'm not
sure about my care of it I'll be sure to call. Books are ok but to talk to
someone who is knowledgeable is best. Thanks again.
David, South Wales, UK
Paul, I just want everyone to know how impressed I am with your
service. I didn't purchase anything, but was still given attention
and help. In the future, if I decide to 'have a go' with another
tree, I would certainly purchase a tree from Bonsai of Brooklyn.
Many thanks. David
Steven - Hattiesburg, MS
I received my Dwarf Juniper Bonsai tree today, and I just wanted to say
thanks! It was delivered in great shape, not a single branch was
broken, and it is certainly more beautiful than the picture posted on your
site. I look forward to future purchases from you.
Chessy - State College, PA
Hello Paul, I received the tree this morning and I just wanted to
write and thank you. It is an absolute delight and I love the pot
which it is in. It also seems to have survived the journey very well. As
a second time bonsai owner (I managed to kill my maple by being told to keep it
out of the light, next to a direct heat source and not give it much water!) I
would appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you again for the
wonderful service and even better tree :-) Chessy
Mariel - Glenview, IL
Hi Paul. Thanks for packing the tree as if you were expecting the
worst. The tree and the mud men figurines arrived on the day
specified, and in good condition! I have done so much comparative
shopping on the internet for bonsai trees. Yours is the best site!!!
I think it's wonderful to receive the exact tree that is pictured and your
selection and prices are great. I'm looking forward to seeing your
Elephant Bush Trees, I have my heart set on one. Thanks for your
help, Mariel
Brian - Saint Paul, MN
Paul, just a note to let you know that your trees are among the best value I
have seen for "specimen" trees. I have been very pleased with the
quality of trees and more importantly the "service" you provide your
customers. Take care, Brian
Tim - Pahrump, Nevada
Dear Paul, Just thought I'd let you know that my order arrived
today. The plants are in excellent condition! Now I have
to convince the little lady to put them outdoors, LOL. Thanks for
your assistance and I'll recommend you to anyone I meet interested in bonsai.
Tim
Ezra - Riverdale, N.Y.
Paul, Just received my shipment from you. I am *very*
impressed with the promptness and professionalism given to this
order. I will definitely be ordering more from you
soon In fact, I've been thinking of a Bonsai for my office...Any
suggestions? Ezra
Jean-Louis - New York, N.Y.
Paul, best soil around!!! Best service too. You deserve to have a
great testimonial page that speaks of the quality of your business. You can put
my name and city with my comment. I wish you much success. JL
Issue with a moisture meter - 01/05 - Barbara - Harwich, MA
Hi, I received my order today, but I think it's broken. The unit reads
"wet" and has a rattle sound. Please let me know how I can replace
the unit. Thank you.
Reply from Bonsai of Brooklyn January 05, Barbara, Sorry for the
inconvenience. No matter how you pack it, when an item has internal
moving parts, it's vulnerable. I'll send another out Monday.
01/11 – Paul, Thank you for sending out the replacement. It arrived
today and is in perfect condition. I really appreciate your prompt service and
your consideration
Bruce - Auburn Maine
The tree came in today and it was much bigger than I expected. It is
the most beautiful bonsai tree I have ever seen. It will be focal
point in my living room when I remodel this spring.