Okay, for those that want to buy a new RU980 or in fact any item which "The Art of Connection" stock or are advertising I can provide the following comments.
Having spoken at some length with one of the Partners of the company he came across very well indeed. He did in fact seem to say the right thing to allay any fears that I was having with regard to placing an order with them, particularly for £600.
The company was courteous, informative and very helpful. I asked why there was only a mobile contact number to which they confirmed that they are a mail order company. Automation is the key to a successful mail order company and as the company is relatively new having overheads such as someone sitting at the end of a phone to answer queries was not at this time cost effective. The company is growing and providing the company does grow it will no doubt in the future have such contact numbers. In fact I emailed the TAoC from my company and they eagerly tracked me down by telephoning me to discuss any issues I might have. I was then given a contact telephone number should I have a problem. The Personal touch is the key here and seems to be what this company is based on, which is comforting to say the least.
Anyway, I have received regular updates as to what is happening with my order, both through email and phone. I was not expecting the goods to arrive so quickly as Philips had intimated that the next batch of RU980's would not be available until the 14 April 2004. However, I have received both an email and a telephone call confirming that the goods have arrived and will be shipped today, by "Parcel Force" nonetheless, (my preferred courier by far) and I will receive the goods on Thursday. It's not next day but I'm not in to take delivery until Thursday anyway.
All I can say is that my personal experience has been very good, it's a shame they do not stock more items in terms of AV equipment as I certainly would speak with them again. They are not the cheapest I suspect, but at least they can get hold of the goods and do not advertise stock at low prices to gain orders then not ship the item because they cannot be sure when they get them.
Very good service.
Just thought you all might like to know that. As for buying from the States I'm not sure what the International Warranties are like so I prefer the support sometimes over the price.
Lets just wait to see if it arrives as promised.
Do I really need to comment on PC World...I think not.
