I have just chosen not to buy from someone due to them not listing a telephone number on their website. They state that they are an 'internet based' company so therefore a telephone number is not necessary. What if they messed up my order? or worse, I did? I'd probably be days sorting it out. Not good enough as far as I am concerned.
I realise that the situation with Gardiners is different and that their customer service (in my experience) is excellent, but I do feel that making ALL sales 'internet based' is just a step in the wrong direction as far as customer service goes. Good, knowledgeable sales people are worth their wage packet and should not be completely replaced by a website. It is very off putting for me, a customer, to have to buy online.
Will knowing that Gardiners will not process a sale over the phone mean I will choose to buy elsewhere in future? Doubtful but possible.