I'm fairly new to the hobby so I can't really comment on everyone like some of the people here, but can only comment on my actual experinces...
I bought my first kit (completed) off Paul at PSSHips and I wouldn't hear a bad word said about him. His price was excellent, he kept me informed every step of the way with emailed photographs everytime he made progress on my kit (a 1/96th Perry, USS Copeland). As he progressed he told me what he was doing and why... he even invited me down for a visit to his home so that I could see my build in progress and the others he was in the midst of!
Now I live in China, have done for the last 6 or 7 years, so I was a little concerned about the delivery. The final product was so well packaged that it would have had to be so badly handled to have caused even the slightest amount of damage! Paul was even so still so concerned that he was even making long distance calls to my home to se if it had arrived yet, to ensure that it had got there safely... now THATS service.
When it did arrive I have to say I was speechless. I'm a stickler for quality, but even I was stunned at the high quality finish and detail that Paul had put into the model..
I've had a few bits and pieces off him since and they have always arrived quickly and exactly as promised. Hes happy to answer any questions (no matter how STUPID, and boy do I sometimes ask stupid questions!)
I'm saving like mad to try and buy a 2nd vessel from him, an Arleigh Burke, and cannot think of any reason why ANYONE would want to buy a completed kit from anyone else!!!
Paul isn't just a supplier, you'd see if you bought from him, he treats you more like one of the family!!!
I bought some universal joints from Don at Loyalhanna, very quick delivery for international postage!!
Having said that, I do have some past experience of buying from Chinese suppliers
TJ Models in Guangzhou, bought a kit off them to build myself. Slow going due to lots of problems with lack of build instruction details, missing parts, wrong parts supplied etc etc etc. TJ's have re-issued the drawings and instructions and replaced most of the wrong parts, but also have ignored a lot of the questions and queries (with regards to parts) that I have asked them. That build is still continuing but EVERY step reveals new problems with the kit for me to resolve.... I've also heard that there are a few people in the west waiting for their delivery LONGGGGGG after they'd ordered....
ARK models nr Shanghai, bought a completed kit off them. Now I don't want to go into any detail at this time as we have supposed to have come to a resolution to our dispute (enough said??). We agreed an arrangement in Dec but am still awaiting ARK to uphold their end of the agreement, all I get is delays - delays - delays!!! Think that if I'm honest I don't ever expect them to come good to their word!
I have pictures and documents of the build of the ship supplied by Paul, my build of the Sovremenny from TJ's, and the item supplied by ARK if anyone wishes to see any more details on what I have already spoken about.
Cheers to you all and happy building