A few days ago I realised I may need an extra reflector and bracket arm for a planned studio shoot, because it wasn't going to be a heavily used accessory I decided to try out a cheaper model from Interfit Photographic. So I ordered one from WEX Photographic which arrived the next day.

Unfortunately when it arrived the screw that tightens the bracket down on the lighting stand was missing, this was not a disaster as the bracket sits happily on the stand without being screwed down and because it was being used indoors there would be no wind to blow the reflector around in circles on the stand. Despite it not being a problem for this shoot I dropped Interfit an email because that may not be the case next time I put it into service, and I had after all paid for that missing part! I received a very prompt reply from Intferfit customer services and the next day I received the missing part in the post.

While pretty mundane in the scheme of things this has served as a useful reminder that while the more expensive brands do generally produce a higher quality of product, at a correspondingly higher price, there is no direct correlation between the value of the brand and the level of customer service provided. So if a product by a cheaper brand is going to be good enough for your requirements then it is by definition good enough, and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised at the level of customer service you get from many mid range and budget brands. 

As such I'd like to give a thumbs up to Interfit Photographic who, irrespective of their position in the market, are spot on with their customer service.

Oh, the reflector and bracket are absolutely fine by the way. They are not as robust in construction and the materials don't feel as 'nice' as some but for the use it's likely to see i.e. indoor/studio shoots, it is absolutely good enough and I wouldn't hesitate to use their products in future where they fit my requirements.

Cheers,
Adrian