This page is just meant to be a list of some good and bad companies to deal with. It will probably be more bad companies than good (because bad service tends to get me more worked up than good service), but I will try to include the good companies as I happen across them as well.
Ohmica (electronic design and A/V conversion services) - Mike was
incredibly helpful when I asked about a small query to do with Video conversion.
It's not often you meet people willing to go the extra mile or three. If you
need some embedded electronics designed, then I don't think you could go wrong
if you get in touch with Mike.
http://www.ohmica.co.uk/
Thompson Photo (mail order semi/pro film camera equipment, new and
used) - I bought my Nikon FM2 through Thompson photo.
http://www.thompsonphoto.com/
Peak to Green (Whistler ski accommodation) - Reasonably priced very
luxurious ski-resort accommodation.
http://www.peaktogreen.com/
Martian Records (DVD, CD, Music retailer) - I support my local branch
of this shop as much as possible. In a world full of mega stores, these guys
manage to sell great music at the best price.
http://www.martianrecords.co.uk/
EmpireDirect (electronics retailer) - To be fair, EmpireDirect weren't
at fault here. It was their courier company Amtrak. But it still
reflected badly. Basically the next day delivery took about a week because the
courier company kept trying to deliver it to the wrong street. (Obviously
looking at the map to check they had the right street was beyond them) Also, I
had to go and pick it up because they couldn't be arsed finding my house. Every
other courier company can get it right... what is so difficult?
http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/
http://www.amtrak.co.uk/
SinglePoint (4U) (mobile phone provider) - I've been exceptionally
unimpressed with Singlepoint's customer service. Most of the problem boiled down
to one guy sending an upgrade phone to my old address that supposedly was signed
for but I never received. (I never ordered that phone as I was overseas at the
time) I tried to sort the problem out from overseas, but it was taking a
ridiculous amount of time on the phone (their phone lines are understaffed, I
waited for 15-20 minutes each time I called them) and since the calls were from
the United Arab Emirates, the cost was exorbitant. When I returned to the UK I
tried to sort it out, but since a few months had passed since they sent the
phone, I was told they couldn't
All I can say is if you can at all avoid it, do not get your phone through
Singlepoint. Avoid them at all costs. But then again, they are reasonably
priced, so as long as you don't need customer service, you'll do okay.
http://www.singlepoint4u.co.uk/
If you have any companies you'd like to add to this list, please send me details. Or if you've had experience with the companies that are listed (even if your opinion is contrary to mine). Send details to davebeer@hotmail.com. Include davewasthere in the subject, otherwise your email will be binned as spam.