Hi Graham,
Happy New Year to you too!
I personally don't have huge experience with orchid suppliers, as most of my orchids i bought on ebay (there you know what are you getting exactly) or got it as presie. But when i ordered some supplies from Ratcliffe Orchids and they were out of stock, they have conacted me in order to ask if I want replacement or not. But when i ordered Sophronitis cernua from David Stead - when it arrived it didn't flower as stated on their web site. So I guess from now on, before i order more chids, i will phone them first to clarify everything before I place the order. But it's like that with almost everything you buy on net, i guess.
BTW, will you be coming to London orchid show in March?
I can't wait - this will be my very first time, so i am putting money aside already
!!!!