Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/05/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Actual Customer. This ********************** is not honorable. Ordered 50 lbs of premium Bermuda seed. No problem with shipping. Planted in September during great growing weather but the seed did not take in full sun, partial sun, or under straw blanket despite daily watering. Called seed customer service and was forwarded to their resident scientist who denied any refund claim and just made up a list of untruths to avoid issuing a refund. Sent pictures and was willing to talk issues through but this dishonorable gatekeeper just shut any reasonable conversation down. Do not believe anything this company says. *****!

  Business Response

  Date: 11/12/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns. We understand your disappointment with the results of your Bermuda grass planting, and were here to provide clarification and support.
  
  Bermuda grass seed requires specific conditions for successful growth. As advised in our planting recommendations, it is generally best to plant Bermuda grass when soil temperatures are warmer, which may not align with a September planting in **************. Additionally, Bermuda grass requires full sun for optimal establishment, and using a thick straw blanket can create a barrier that limits sunlight and airflow, potentially leading to mold development from moisture.
  
  Our seed quality is thoroughly tested to meet high germination standards, and we stand by its performance when used under recommended conditions. Unfortunately, our refund policy does not cover cases where the planting circumstances differ from our guidelines, as it affects the outcome.
  
  We are committed to helping customers achieve the best possible results with their planting projects. While we cannot offer a refund in this case, we would be glad to provide additional guidance or answer any questions to support you with future plantings.
  
  Thank you for understanding, and please feel free to reach out with any further questions.
  
  Sincerely,  
  Hancock Seed Co.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/26/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a seed mixture from Hancock that stated on their website would be 5% microclover. I specifically purchased this mix because of that mixture percentage which I needed for the area I would be seeding. When I received the mix, the label showed that it had ****% microclover. I reached out to the company via email and was told "Our blend percentages listed on the website are approximations, and subject to change based on availability.We try to keep our Microclover blend between 3-5%, due to the fact that too much clover will take over the grass in the blend." First of all, I know how much clover I wanted and made the purchase based on that. Second, it wasn't even 3%. It was less than half of what was listed on their website. I asked if I could return it, but they would not allow a return because I had already opened the bag. I asked for them to send me additional microclover seed to bring the mix to the correct percentage and they would not do that either. I could understand if the mixture was slightly short of 5%, but it was less than half of that. If I'd know that was a possibility, I never would have ordered it. I would like a refund (not a store credit) or I would like them to send me additional clover seed at no cost to me since it should have been in the mix already.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/09/2023

  Based on the lot of seed you received, the seed mix you ordered has ****% Hancock's Micro Clover Seed - Coated within the Hancock's Microlawn Seed Mix. I apologize for any confusion - please refer to the seed label attached with both the Microclover purity and the inert matter percentage. Microclover is a coated seed. The Microclover is surrounded in a ********** coating with inoculant, which aids in moisture retention for germination, birds tend not to eat the coated seed, and it is easier to see where it has been spread. In addition, pre-inoculated seed aids in germination and better,overall success. The coating takes up a portion of the bag, which means less seed per pound, but you are getting the added benefit of the coating and inoculant. We take all this into account when determining the contents and percentages of a mix to ensure best results. 
  Quite often when establishing a lawn or turf with both a grass seed and clover, we find customers tend to spread the clover too heavily,so the grass seed does not have a chance to establish. The clover becomes too aggressive due to competition. We have worked to perfect our seed mix and our goal is to have approximately 5% Microclover - this can vary slightly based on the inoculant, coating material, purity of seed, etc.
  I can assure you that the product received by the customer represents the product description on our website.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 20108049
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  They can spin it however they like. The label percentages do not lie. They advertised 5% microclover and they gave me less than 2.5%.  The coating on the microclover shouldn't be counted toward the 5%. Regardless of the fact that they think the full 5% would be too much, that's what I ordered and that's what I wanted. Their response is unsatisfactory.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************