[Stardrifter_WA]

I am surprised by some of the comments here.

It shouldn't make any difference dealing with a company personally or via online. If a company gives great service, it really shouldn't matter in the slightest. Although, dealing "in store" one can see the item they are buying anyway and can walk away with said item, so the experience is moot, particularly since the salesperson wants you to walk away with something he or she has in stock, that is until you encounter a problem, that is when you find out who gives great service.

I have always said that it isn't important as to whether you have a problem, as these will occur from time to time, but how that problem is dealt with. Good service means problems should be dealt with expediently.

Personally, I have been lucky, I guess, as I mostly deal online or via telephone anyway, both here and overseas. Yes, I have had some problems, but have been blown away by the responses to these problems. It is always better to deal with companies that have a great reputation, particularly for online purchases. Rarely have I encountered a problem that wasn't solved, but then, I would never deal with a company like them again and this is a great forum to determine, particularly in relation to astro gear, who are the most reputable companies to deal with. Bad news usually travels fast. But then, to counter that argument, word of mouth can be the greatest form of marketing, if you get service right.