Creative Audio www.creative-audio.co.uk

I have so far made two online purchases from Creative Audio (a real shop based in Shrewsbury, UK). The first was an AV amplifier, the second was a pair of large floor-standing loudspeakers.

On each occasion:

* The price was the best available anywhere, matching or beating both Amazon and Richer Sounds. Often the Creative Audio website has a 'special deal' which they only reveal if you email them. This is NOT a gimmick. For my AV amp, I emailed for the 'special' price and it was a full £100 less than anywhere else (£399 instead of £499). They chose to ignore the artificially inflated new-product price, and immediately offer the 'real' price that it would be selling for everywhere else in a year's time. Considering the AV Amp was a current What Hi-Fi 5 Star award winner, it's even more amazing they offered such a good price.

* Next day delivery was free (the speakers weighed 46 kg!) and a member of staff made a quick phone call to ensure I would be in to take the delivery. For the speakers, he also wanted to confirm that I was aware of their large size.

* The product's box was wrapped in heavy plastic for extra protection and was delivered undamaged.

* They are happy to deliver to a registered business address, so I had my purchases delivered to my workplace.

This shop has so far provided a courteous and utterly faultless buying experience.