[Nathan]

I know I'm relatively new to this forum, so I hope this isn't seen as SPAM. I honestly have no affiliation with the following company but I just wanted to pass on my experience of something which is VERY rare these days. Superb customer service!

Now, before I continue, I must explain that I'm terribly impatient when it comes to buying anything online. I guess it comes from my techie background, if I can buy it now I WANT IT NOW!!!

So, I've been looking for a new tripod and had pretty much settled on a carbon fibre one from Velbon. I'd done the usual checking them out in the flesh in a few local stores but no way was I going to pay their greater than RRP prices. I can't remember exactly how but I came across Devon Camera Centre Sales (Devon Camera Centre - photo · optical · digital · video | Devon Camera Centre) via a search on Froogle.

Their price for the CF-530 tripod was considerably cheaper than everyone else but didn't mention the normally included freebie 3-way head. I emailed them to ask if this was or wasn't included and received a prompt email back saying that "they like a challenge" and they'd include one for free if I was to order with them that day.

I did so. I was more than impressed with the price and the fact that they were willing to work for my sale is always a draw for me!

Read on as it gets better!!

This was last week, so remembering that I'm an impatient sod, I emailed them to find out where my tripod and its "48 hour delivery" was. In short there had been a mix up in their system and the stock which they thought they had was no longer available. These things are understandable and as someone who regularly writes card processing and stock systems for online stores I understand how it can happen. Even so, it's annoying!

Did this take the shine off of the deal? No chance! Another prompt email stated that the tripod in question was also discontinued so there was no chance of me getting my order. However, DCCS said that they were receiving an new updated model (the 535) today and would be shipping this to me at no extra cost.

Having spent thousands online over the years, both in business and privately I have to say this floored me! It's so rare these days to receive personal service from an online company that I just had to comment. It's true that bad news travels, well in this case I think the good should too!

Thanks for listening.

[fionaB]

wtg Nathan thanx for the tip, i dont think this is spam as its a handy thing for all of us to know........... will add a rep point for ya when i figure out how to! ;

Fi

[Steve]

To add rep points just go to button under Nathan's post and click on it. You should then get a popup box where you can then put in a reason for the rep points and click on 'add to reputation'...job done

[fionaB]

cheers Steve as u say, job done!

[Nathan]

Hey cool! I'm almost reputable.

(Hmmm, some would say not!)

[fionaB]

lolol almost is the key word i think!

[Rob Barron]

This is far from being SPAM, I love hearing about companies that understand about putting the customer first and am more than happy to give them my business and hard earnt cash.

I have just bought a brnad spanking new, ultra delicious wide screen monitor (yes, I like it!) which got top rating in a recent test in Digital Photo so I looked around to buy one at the right price. Dell's list price is £402 but they have an offer on so are selling it for £321 plus postage.

I checked on Ebay and lo and behold I found a seller less than 5 miles from my home so asked if I could order and pick it up to avoid paying postage. I offered to pay cash so they could avoid the PayPal charge as well. Problem though: they had none left and would not have any for about 5 days. No problem, it was worth the wait so I ordered it and hoping beyond hope thought I'd push it. I sent an email with my mobile number asking if they could text me when it came in. I have to say I expected the 5 days to be 2 weeks and I did not expect a text message at all!

Move forward 5 days: text message arrives: 'The monitor you ordered is now available for pick up. Just give us a ring and we can arrange for it to be available.' An hour later I picked it up, paid my money and got a brand new monitor :o)

The price? £280, that's £41 less than even Dell's special offer could offer me. And yes, I DID get the Dell 3-year new-for-old swap out warranty as well :o)

Oh, and just to put the icing on the cake, the lady who took my money and handed me the monitor first offered me a cup of tea (I was too keen to get home and play!) and even offered to carry it to the car for me despite the fact she was 5 foot nothing and I am nearly a foot taller and a lot bigger! :o)

So there you go, if you want a new monitor, this is fantastic and the price is superb. If you look for a seller called Digital therapy UK on Ebay, I can assure you they are trustworthy and great to do business with :o)

Cheers,
Rob