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Mame
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Has anyone had a positive experience with any Ebay sellers that they would recommend? Conversely, is there anyone in particular to stay away from?
 

Adair M

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Has anyone had a positive experience with any Ebay sellers that they would recommend? Conversely, is there anyone in particular to stay away from?
Now, THERE’S an impossible question!

You would do better, perhaps, of listing a few particular sellers who have products you are interested in.
 

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Mame
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Now, THERE’S an impossible question!

You would do better, perhaps, of listing a few particular sellers who have products you are interested in.
Haha. Fair point!

New World Bonsai has a few small starters that seem reasonably priced.

fsbonsai is another.

3017smith has some nice looking, more developed trees. To me they seem priced a bit high, but maybe folks here can help me calibrate price expectations.

hondamain is another with more developed offerings.

droptxtreme, bonsaiupdate, and jaysbonsaitrees are a few others.

You’re right about that question being a bit overwhelming...
 

moke

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I’ve bought from @NewWorldBonsai several times, been happy with what I’ve received every time.
 

_#1_

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I got a Crepe Myrtle from New World and the stump where semi barerooted and saran wrapped really well. Reasonable price for what you get. But keep in mind it's coming from Florida so it most likely never seen any freezing temps.

In my opinion, 3017smith is waaaay overpriced what what you're paying for.

Some of them other ones looks like something you can get at box stores...
 

coh

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A lot of 3017smith's stuff seems WAY overpriced to me, but I think he has some reasonable stuff hidden in there. I purchased one tree from him, an American elm that is in my "some trees" thread, and thought the price (not sure what it was) was reasonable for what I got. I tend to be a cheapskate, for what it's worth. Overall have purchased maybe 3-4 trees via ebay and never had a bad experience. Check the reviews of a seller, ask for additional photos and/or information if you're not sure. Buying from anywhere online, whether it's ebay or facebook auctions, is always a risk since you can't actually see the tree in person until it arrives. I've never had a seller try to hide a flaw, but sometimes you just can't really tell from the photos...
 

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Mame
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Buying from anywhere online, whether it's ebay or facebook auctions, is always a risk since you can't actually see the tree in person until it arrives. I've never had a seller try to hide a flaw, but sometimes you just can't really tell from the photos...
I’ve seen mention of Facebook auctions throughout bnut several times now. What exactly are these? And how does one find them?
 

coh

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Search for "bonsai auctions" and "99cent bonsai" groups (assuming you are a facebook member). They are groups where people offer various bonsai related items for sale or auction. Pay attention to the rules as they are fairly strict. Pretty sure both are closed groups so you can't see posts unless you join.
 

Adair M

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3017smith is Matt Smith. He is selling trees on eBay for Brussel’s.

Brussel’s is the largest vendor of bonsai in the United States. What he shows on eBay is one percent of one percent of what’s available.

I bet if you email him, or PM him here, tell him what you’re looking for, and what your budget is, he can find you something!
 

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Have you checked out evergreen garden works? https://www.evergreengardenworks.com
Brent offers top notch starter material and awesome specimen trees. I highly recommend them if you haven’t checked them out already.
I sure have! I’ve really gotten a lot out of his articles as well. Great to hear another positive review though!
 

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Mame
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3017smith is Matt Smith. He is selling trees on eBay for Brussel’s.

Brussel’s is the largest vendor of bonsai in the United States. What he shows on eBay is one percent of one percent of what’s available.

I bet if you email him, or PM him here, tell him what you’re looking for, and what your budget is, he can find you something!
That’s an awesome inside tip. Thank you!
 

Adair M

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That’s an awesome inside tip. Thank you!
Lol!!!

Most of what you need to succeed in bonsai is “inside tips”!

Lol!!!!

No! Really!

Keeping the inside branches (tips) close to the trunk alive and healthy keeps a bonsai looking good and compact, and allows you to be able to cut back!
 

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Mame
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Lol!!!

Most of what you need to succeed in bonsai is “inside tips”!

Lol!!!!

No! Really!

Keeping the inside branches (tips) close to the trunk alive and healthy keeps a bonsai looking good and compact, and allows you to be able to cut back!
Dang!

I was punny and didn’t even know it!
 
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