Likewise, I find that Bintel, and Extravision, give the best service in astronomy in Australia. I only deal with firms, astronomy or otherwise, that give excellent customer service. I do not tolerate poor service and often voice these concerns to management, to give them the chance to improve service. But, I give them once chance only.
With global shopping a reality, it is just as easy, and sometimes easier, to buy products from overseas. If I get great service, I will always choose an Australian company first, even though they can be a little more expensive. After all, giving excellent service, which includes support services, costs and this is why we can pay a little more. But, if I have to pay more and don't get that level of service, then I don't see why I should support an Australian company over an overseas company. I know I am protecting Australian jobs by dealing with an Australian company, however, I would never reward a company that doesn't give me excellent service.
I am reminded by the quote from the English critic John Ruskin (1819 - 1900):
"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's unwise to pay too little. When you pay too much you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing you bought it to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can't be done! If you deal with the lowest bidder it's well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."
Cheers
