AquariumPlants is a reputable source as well. Their plants are beautiful! Just look at my 40g journal in the aquascaping section.
The first pic was probably a day or so after I got my package from AP....and most of the plants were in good condition. I had some Ludwigia that was pretty melted, but its coming back to life.
I didn't have the same experience as ya'll from Lowcoaster, but it has been awhile since I ordered, so maybe his quantities and plant sizes have changed. I've heard alot of good things about him though.
I agree that you can bring alot of plants back to life when they look dead. I personally don't buy from chain stores though because they sell some non-aquatic plants and have some mislabeled, so I don't want to support that, but that's just me.
One tip, pay for atleast 2nd day shipping or next day if its not too much. The longer plants are in the mail (especially if the temps dip below freezing), the worse condition they are going to be in. I got mine shipped 2nd day, although they arrived the next day.
Another good place to look for plants is on forums like this and the planted forums (plantedtank.net and aquaticplantcentral.com). If you want some more common plants, post in the buy/trade/sell section here (forgot exactly what its called
) and chances are someone may have it. I've found that quantities from other aquarists are more generous and cheaper!