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.
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<br>
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.