As you know Dave, I'm a Vixen EP owner and have bought plenty of stuff (from scopes to accessories) from MyAstroShop. There was never any inference that this particular item is crap, or the vendor would trade in such equipment.
I'm not saying you're accusing me of that, by the way. I just want it on the record that that was not my intention with the advice I gave.
Like I said, this would certainly be a good "budget" barlow. Affordable and will do the job. I'm not knocking affordable gear. Just putting it in the context of my experience so far.
I still think it's worth picking up the phone. There's no harm in talking
Don't just rush into a purchase coz someone says "that'll do you for now".