Buying orchids on e-bay  # 1  always ask 2 see a plant pic  never buy blind. And if u do not grow alot always try to buy orchid plants that are blooming or near blooming size if u buy a seedling it can take up to 5-6 years to bloom  something some sellers will not tell u. # 2 watch 4 sellers that say big big plant  an only charge $6.00 shipping  red flags go up  sellers are here to sell not lose money !!!!!!  #3   And orchids in a flask take years to bloom if they all live so some times it is better to buy a plant if u like that name orchid  that is near blooming size .# 4 AND ALWAYS!!! check to see if the orchid is in pot or bear root .  hope this helps some buyers out  that like to buy orchids on e-bay  i started growing orchid & rare plants back in 1973  over 30 years just like to give u some tips  thanks

UNPACKING  ORCHIDS

WHEN YOU RECEIVE AN ORCHID, WHETHER IT BE FROM E-BAY OR ANOTHER VENDOR, ALWAYS OPEN CAREFULLY AND SLOWLY.  ORCHIDS ARE VERY FRAGILE.  YOU DO NOT WANT TO RIP INTO IT LIKE A BIRTHDAY PRESENT ON YOUR BIRTHDAY.  REMOVE ANY PACKING IN THE BOX FIRST, THEN REMOVE ORCHID, THEN UNWRAP PACKING, REMOVE ANY SMALL TISSUE PAPER THAT MAY BE AROUND A SPIKE OR FLOWER.  THIS IS THE TIME WHEN YOU COULD BREAK OR DAMAGE A DELICATE FLOWER OR SPIKE.  WE AT JR NURSERY AND ORCHIDS PACK OUR ORCHIDS IN SEVERAL LAYERS OF SHREDDED TISSUE PAPER AND WRAP IN PAPER , ALONG WITH BUBBLE WRAP AND PEANUTS IN BOX. I HOPE THIS TIP HELPS YOU ON YOUR ORCHID ADVENTURES. 

JR NURSERY AND ORCHIDS