EXPORT TRADING TERMS

SHIPPING INFORMATION, TRADING TERMS,  & CONDITIONS

(Foreign Orders)

All prices quoted in our catalogues and this web site are in Australian dollars. We can provide current exchange rates on request.

Orders: We accept orders from all countries providing the order value complies with our minimum value for shipment.

Minimum Order Value: The extra costs involved in processing export orders require that the minimum order value we can accept is $A500.00 per shipment - unless clients are prepared to cover export costs that now total $A135.00 per shipment. (See Quarantine and Permits below).

Visitors to Australia can purchase flasks from our nursery and avoid paying export costs. We suggest intending visitors contact us well in advance of their visit so we can organise stocks. (See "Quarantine")

Prices: All prices we quote are fixed once we accept an order. All prices we quote will now apply to payment by cash, postal order or cheque only. Australian Credit card service providers have recently changed their terms. (See "Credit Card Payments").

Discounts: We invite those clients whose annual ordering amounts to a substantial value to contact us so we can arrange a fixed quantity discount rate.

Payment:   Payment must be made prior to shipment otherwise we must now, by law, charge a non-refundable 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on export orders.  Payment can be by credit card, Bank Draft, Electronic Transfer, cheque (allow 14 days for clearance) or Money Order. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

If payment is made by cheque a Bank clearance fee must be added.

Credit Card Payments:  Until 1st Jan 2003 Credit Card service providers prevented us from charging a lesser price for payments other than by credit cards so prices had to include their fees. That has now changed.

All prices have been revised, and all prices quoted will now apply for payment by cash, bank transfer, postal order or cheque.

We will continue to accept Visa, Mastercard credit cards however we are currently being charged an all up rate of 4.0%. International orders attract additional charges. As that rate varies the rate we charge too will be varied (we hope that will be downwards). Minimum International Credit Card order payment accepted is $150.00.

Shipment Methods:

The best and probably the most cost effective method is by Express Mail Service (EMS) which includes delivery to door and all quarantine inspections at destination. Our clients report that this is an excellent service. Delays are almost completely eliminated.

Normal air parcel service is NOT recommended we have had shipments delayed for up to one month.

The current cost for EMS varies depending upon the destination country but is approximately $72.00 (+/-) for the first 2 kg then $9.00 (+/-) for each extra Kg. Minimum of 2 kg.

We can also ship by Air Cargo, but the cost of this can be substantial for small shipments and quarantine processing is the consignee's responsibility. The cost of delivery parcels to an airline is substantial and can involve several hours work for us. Airlines charge documentation and others fees in addition to freight charges.

Quarantine:  Our Government has changed the rules again! Our local AQIS depot is closed and inspectors must travel 75 km to us.  Export orders cannot be shipped without quarantine documents and we are charged a fee for each inspection. The current minimum charge (2004) is $135.00 regardless of quantities.

If we can co-ordinate two or more shipments then all inspection fees are split proportionately between clients.

Visitors can have flasks inspected at Tullamarine Airport prior to departure by air, free (or at worst at a reduced fee). We will provide necessary forms.

CITES: A CITES certificate is not required for any flask stock we produce. A CITES certificate is now only required for certain endangered species.

Import Permits:  Most foreign countries require an import permit before plants can be imported before we can ship. We must have the original copy of any import permit before we can obtain export inspections.

Some countries issue import permits that expire after a certain term. If this applies, inform us but do not apply for a permit until we provide you with a request to do so.

Warranties:  We guarantee that all stock is free of virus for 60 days from date stock is received and if infected will be replaced with the same stock or stock of equal value.

We take great care to remove any stock that may be infected with virus or disease.  Research has shown that virus has been found in both plants and seed after flowers have been pollinated with pollen from an infected plant, so before we pollinate plants we check each for signs of virus. However some infected plants do not exhibit virus symptoms and, in spite of our rigorous checking, may not be noticed.

If any stock is found to be infected it is important that we be notified immediately so we can trace the source and check our stock and arrange a replacement.

Damage During Transit: Once we pass control to a carrier our responsibility ends. We can arrange insurance at the clients expense. All loss or damage claims must be directed to the carrier.

Substitution:  We do not substitute stock for unavailable items unless clients provide specific instructions and alternatives.

Shipping Day:

We will ship to ensure arrival time does not coincide with a week-end where possible. A fax number or email address if supplied will allow us to provide details of departure.

Ordering: Orders may be lodged using our order form page or by e-mail, fax, phone or mail. Until such time as electronic payment is proven to be absolutely secure, we recommend that credit card details are provided by more secure means. We will advise clients of safer method prior to payment.

Confirmation of Orders: We will provide a confirmation of order within 14 days detailing how we have recorded that order. This must be checked on arrival and any errors reported to us within 7 days otherwise our confirmation will replace your order.

Plant Descriptions:  All descriptions provided for seedlings are our estimates of the likely result. The results from seedlings can be highly variable therefore our estimates must be taken as a guide only.

Price Variations: All catalogue prices may change without prior notice. Once an order is lodged the prices applicable at the time the order was received shall be fixed. Any shipment fees quoted are subject to alteration.

Variation of Offers:  We reserve the right to vary prices and discounts at any time and to withdraw any item from sale. All stock is offered on the basis that we may not have sufficient stock to complete all orders.

Growth rates of plants in flask are regulated by genetic factors as well as local weather conditions and a constant supply of electricity therefore we cannot guarantee precise delivery times. Northern hemisphere clients should note that to avoid shipment at your coldest season  we need to have orders in hand as soon as possible after stock is offered.

SUMMER SHIPMENTS. Our January and February temperatures can exceed 45 deg C and temperatures in delivery vehicles can exceed 55 deg C. Unless shipment during these months is essential we prefer to delay shipments until weather is cooler.