software

I far prefer the ease and quickness of online ordering but I've found doing it by phone is a much better experience. When I talked to Carvin about ordering my CT3M I got all the information I needed and more options were available than there were online. I just called Music123 about purchasing an ESP Eclipse II and for calling and getting pricing and availability information he gave me $20 off the web price. Not much but hey not bad either. Granted both of these items are high priced, a grand and higher so I assume salespeople are more willing to work with you in that case, but it's still nice to know there are companies that work for your business. Unlike some others (ahem Gibson Fender)

I prefer using the phone, myself, especially when you've got some questions too.
I wish some companies wouldn't specify free shipping or no handling cost by online orders only. They do it to save the time and money of paying order takers, but I don't like it. Half the time, I'm nervous entering my information by computer, even when they say it's quot;secured.quot;

There's so many hackers and frauds out there, that it always freaks me out a little. On a daily basis, I get reminders to update my Ebay, Paypal, or bank info. ALL of them are frauds, and I even tracked one down to Korea, because his returned Email showed me it was from there! Of course, I never fill out their pages, I just delete them and add them to my Spam filter.

I like to speak to someone as well on bigger ticket items. Smaller commodity type stuff is just easier online.

I've done the online and ebay thing, but I'm much happier dealling with and ordering from a local shop. I may pay a little bit more on average, but the customer service is well worth the price.