simplytrees.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating an online plant retailer like simplytrees.com, it’s important to weigh both its strengths and potential weaknesses.

For those seeking to enhance their living spaces with greenery, understanding these aspects can significantly influence the purchasing decision.

While simplytrees.com offers a promising proposition, a balanced view helps set realistic expectations.

Advantages of Using simplytrees.com

Simplytrees.com presents several compelling reasons for customers to choose them for their plant and tree needs.

These advantages largely revolve around convenience, product variety, and customer assurance.

• Extensive Product Range: The website boasts a wide variety of plants, from popular privacy trees like the Thuja Green Giant and Emerald Green Arborvitae to a diverse collection of fruit and citrus trees, including Meyer Lemon and Arbequina Olive. They also feature a selection of houseplants, flowering shrubs, and drought-tolerant options. This broad inventory caters to different landscaping and gardening aspirations, making it a one-stop shop for many.
  • Specific examples: Italian Cypress, Baby Blue Spruce, Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Tree, Fiddle Leaf Fig.
  • Categorization: Well-organized collections (New Arrivals, Best Sellers, House Plants, Fruit & Citrus, Evergreen & Privacy, Tropical & Exotic, Drought Tolerant, Flowering Shrubs, Flowering Trees, Sale Trees) make browsing efficient.
• Clear Shipping Policies & Coverage: Simplytrees.com clearly outlines its shipping reach, delivering to 48 states within the contiguous United States, with explicit exclusions for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. This transparency is crucial, preventing disappointment for customers outside their service area. The “FREE SHIPPING on orders over $249” incentivizes larger purchases.
  • Geographic Scope: Serves the vast majority of the US mainland.
  • Shipping Method: Emphasizes in-house packaging and shipping (“from our farm to your door,” “Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment”), which suggests greater control over quality and plant health upon arrival. This aspect gives buyers confidence in the transit process.
• Customer-Centric Guarantees and Support: The 30-day guarantee for damaged or unhealthy plants is a significant trust-builder. They promise to review photos and offer replacements or store credit, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. The readily available email support with stated response times, along with the mention of a live chat feature, highlights accessible customer service.
  • Problem Resolution: Clear process for handling damaged goods.
  • Accessibility: Multiple channels for support (email, live chat, FAQ).
  • Proactive Information: FAQ addresses common concerns about online plant ordering, care instructions, and shipping.
• Transparent Pricing and Sales: The homepage prominently features “On Sale” items with clear savings indicated (e.g., “Save up to $120.00”). This appeals to budget-conscious buyers and provides a sense of good value. The “BEST SELLER” tags help new customers identify popular choices.
  • Discount Visibility: Discounts are upfront and easy to spot.
  • Value Perception: Promotes the idea that customers are getting good deals.
• Established Online Presence: The domain has been active since 2008, which is a considerable age for an e-commerce business. This longevity, coupled with an active social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok), suggests a stable and reputable operation.
  • Domain Age: Over 15 years in operation, implying stability.
  • Social Media Engagement: Links to multiple social platforms for community interaction and updates.

Disadvantages of simplytrees.com

While the positives are strong, there are a few areas where simplytrees.com could improve, primarily related to transparency and comprehensive information on the immediate browsing experience.

• Limited Direct Customer Reviews on Homepage: While the homepage claims “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews speak for themselves,” there isn’t an easily accessible link to a dedicated customer review section or third-party review platforms directly from the homepage. Customers often rely on visible, unfiltered reviews to make purchasing decisions, especially for live products.
  • Review Visibility: Lack of direct links to external review platforms like Trustpilot or dedicated testimonials.
  • Social Proof: While stars are present, specific feedback is not immediately visible without deeper navigation.
• Absence of an “About Us” Page: A key element for building trust, especially for a company dealing with live goods, is a comprehensive “About Us” section. The homepage mentions “FROM OUR FARM TO YOUR DOOR,” but lacks details about the farm, its history, or the people behind Simply Trees. This information helps establish credibility and a personal connection with the brand.
  • Company Narrative: No clear story about the company’s origins, mission, or values.
  • Credibility: Lack of human element that often reassures online shoppers.
• Unclear Terms of Service/Privacy Policy Links: While likely present somewhere on the site (typical for Shopify-powered stores), direct links to the full Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy were not immediately apparent from the provided homepage text. These legal documents are crucial for customers to understand their rights, data usage, and return policies in detail.
  • Legal Transparency: Essential policy documents not highlighted on the front page.
  • Customer Protection: Users need easy access to understand the fine print of their purchases.
• No Immediate Certification or Sustainability Badges: While “Sustainable Shipping, Quality Care” is mentioned, there are no specific certifications (e.g., organic, fair trade, specific nursery accreditations) or detailed explanations of their sustainable practices (e.g., water conservation, pest management, soil health) visible on the homepage. This can be a missed opportunity to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Environmental Claims: Broad statement without supporting details or third-party verification.
  • Trust Signals: Certifications can significantly enhance credibility for eco-minded buyers.