Retailer - Forbidden Planet
Location - UK

I placed a three figure order and received a confirmation request. The next day a fourth figure I wanted was in stock and I asked if it could be added. The agent who received my confirmation said yes, he'd do so.

After a week my order status was still "processing" and one of the figures was now out of stock. When I inquired about the order a new agent told me I hadn't confirmed it and there was no ETA for the now out of stock figure. I forwarded the confirmation email from the previous week, got an apology and assurance that my reduced three figure order would be shipped soon.

A month later the package arrived. Containing two figures. I'd heard their international customer service was bad but three mistakes on one order? With their shipping cost almost the price of the figures the subsequent second apology meant nothing. I requested (and received) a refund for two figures and partial shipping.

Rating - Negative
Order Again? - No

Retailer - Mike's Comics
Location - USA

At first glance one might be a bit surprised with this store. It's a basic website that doesn't even have a shopping cart. But don't let that dissuade you. Behind that simple site is easily one of the best customer service experiences you'll have.

Orders are handled via email or the phone and for me, that only enhanced the experience by adding an oft missing personal touch.

Mike, and his partner, Patty, are more than willing to go the extra mile for their customers and in the email exchanges I've had, Mike takes the time to actually talk to his customers and build rapport.

When I've ordered from them I've always been immensely satisfied with the pricing, the speed the order arrived, the condition of the products and the excellent customer service. I have absolutely no problems highly recommending Mike's Comics.

Rating - Positive
Order Again? - Yes

Retailer - Pixel Barrel
Location - Canada

I really wish I could give Pixel Barrel a higher rating. As a Canadian I try to support Canadian businesses when I can. But there are a couple factors working against it here.

First, they sometimes receive their inventory long after US based stores. I don't know why and it's not their fault. It's a distribution issue obviously. Still, some people (and I'm one of them) just don't like waiting for something readily available elsewhere.

The second factor is, actually, pricing.

Even with exchange rates and shipping, it's still often cheaper for me to order internationally. I assume that their cost is higher but as a customer, I still want to save money, especially during a recession.

Still, I have ordered from them in the past and on both occasions there were no problems. The orders arrived in good time and good condition.

Rating - Neutral
Order Again? - Yes