SmallBizGenius Analysis

Brecks, a retailer of bulbs, flowers, and gardening items, receives overwhelmingly negative reviews regarding shipping delays, poor product quality, and unresponsive customer service. While some customers praise the variety of offerings and occasional positive experiences, the majority express dissatisfaction.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 92 recent reviews

Shipping and Delivery

2.0/10

Numerous reviewers report significant shipping delays, with orders arriving weeks or months late. Many customers also mention a lack of communication regarding shipping updates and tracking information, leading to frustration and missed planting seasons. For example, one reviewer stated, "Shipping took 30 days, completely unacceptable, and they didn’t provide a tracking number until three weeks in."

45 reviews mention this

Customer Service

2.5/10

Many customers express dissatisfaction with Breck's customer service, citing unresponsiveness and unhelpful representatives. Reviewers report difficulty obtaining refunds or replacements for damaged or incorrect items, and some mention being given store credit instead of refunds. One reviewer stated, "Good luck getting a refund or replacement. Customer service is in the Philippines and don't understand a dang bit of English. They will just lie and eventually hang up."

38 reviews mention this

Product Quality

3.0/10

A significant number of reviewers complain about the poor quality of plants and bulbs received. Common issues include rotten, dried-out, or incorrectly identified products. Some customers also report that plants arrive dead or fail to grow after planting, despite following instructions. For instance, a reviewer noted, "Two arrived with rotten, Mushy bulbs."

35 reviews mention this

Refunds and Credits

3.5/10

Several reviewers express frustration with Breck's refund and credit policies. Many customers report difficulty obtaining full refunds, often receiving store credit instead. Some reviewers also mention issues using the provided credits due to added fees and shipping costs. One reviewer shared, "No option for a refund, just exchanges or site credit. Dumped the useless lot."

15 reviews mention this

Website and Ordering Issues

4.0/10

Some customers report problems with Breck's website, including glitches with free shipping codes and incorrect order information. Reviewers also mention receiving unwanted promotional emails and difficulties canceling orders. One reviewer stated, "Their website glitches terribly. My order was sent to the wrong address."

10 reviews mention this

Product Accuracy

4.0/10

Several reviewers claim that the plants they received did not match the descriptions or photos on Breck's website. Some customers report receiving different colors or varieties than what they ordered. One reviewer said, "I ordered a variety of dahlia tubers specific colors I was after. Every one of them is purple and white !! Disappointed"

8 reviews mention this

Positive Experiences

4.5/10

A small number of reviewers report positive experiences with Breck's, praising the quality of specific products and the helpfulness of customer service representatives. These customers often mention long-standing relationships with the company. One reviewer noted, "Wonderful customer service! Would not hesitate to order from them again!"

7 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Wide variety of bulbs and plants available Mentioned 7x
"I have been a Breck’s customer for years. Wonderful assortment of bulbs, flowers and gardening items."
Some customers have had positive experiences with product quality Mentioned 5x
"Beautiful flowers, great quality bulbs"
Occasional reports of helpful customer service Mentioned 4x
"Wonderful customer service! Would not hesitate to order from them again!"
Reliable shipping for some customers Mentioned 3x
"Reliable shipping. Love the Breck’s catalogue."
Bulbs perform well for some Mentioned 2x
"I've always had good luck with Breck's products. Their bulbs always perform."

Common Complaints

Frequent shipping delays and lack of communication Mentioned 45x
"Shipping took 30 days, completely unacceptable, and they didn’t provide a tracking number until three weeks in, leaving me with no idea where my order was."
Poor customer service and difficulty obtaining refunds Mentioned 38x
"Good luck getting a refund or replacement. Customer service is in the Philippines and don't understand a dang bit of English. They will just lie and eventually hang up."
Inconsistent product quality, with many plants arriving dead or damaged Mentioned 35x
"Two arrived with rotten, Mushy bulbs."
Issues with website glitches and incorrect orders Mentioned 10x
"Their website glitches terribly. My order was sent to the wrong address."
Plants received do not always match what was advertised Mentioned 8x
"I ordered a variety of dahlia tubers specific colors I was after. Every one of them is purple and white !! Disappointed"

Common Questions About Brecks

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Brecks legit and trustworthy?

Based on 92 reviews, Brecks has a significant number of customers reporting negative experiences, particularly regarding shipping delays, product quality, and customer service. While some customers have had positive experiences, the overwhelming trend indicates unreliability. Many reviewers describe receiving dead or damaged plants, encountering unresponsive customer service, and struggling to obtain refunds. Given these concerns, it's difficult to definitively say Brecks is trustworthy, and potential customers should proceed with caution.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Brecks have good customer service?

The majority of reviews suggest that Brecks' customer service is a significant pain point. Many customers report difficulty reaching customer service representatives, with some mentioning long wait times or unhelpful responses. Several reviewers also note that customer service representatives are located in the Philippines or India, and some claim language barriers hinder effective communication. The most common complaint is the difficulty in resolving issues, such as obtaining refunds or replacements for damaged or incorrect orders, suggesting that Brecks does not have good customer service.

Based on 38 reviews

Is Brecks worth it for small business?

For small businesses, reliability and consistency are crucial, and the reviews for Brecks suggest significant risks in both areas. The frequent complaints about shipping delays and inconsistent product quality could disrupt business operations and damage customer relationships. The difficulty in obtaining reliable customer service further compounds these risks. Given the prevalent negative feedback, it's hard to recommend Brecks as a reliable supplier for small businesses.

Based on 92 reviews

What is Brecks' return policy like?

Brecks' return policy, based on customer reviews, appears to be problematic. While they may offer replacements or store credit, obtaining a full refund seems challenging. Many customers report being offered store credit instead of a refund, which can be frustrating if they no longer trust the company's products. Additionally, some reviewers mention difficulties using the store credit due to added fees and shipping costs, making the return policy less appealing.

Based on 15 reviews

Why are there so many complaints about shipping delays with Brecks?

The complaints about shipping delays appear to stem from a combination of factors, including order processing times, inventory management, and logistical challenges. Many reviewers place orders well in advance of the planting season, only to have their orders shipped late, sometimes after the optimal planting window has passed. This suggests potential issues with order fulfillment and inventory tracking. Some customers also report a lack of communication from Brecks regarding shipping updates, further exacerbating the frustration caused by the delays.

Based on 45 reviews