Ordered my first large tarantula from these guys (A/SA Avicularia avicularia) and a heat mat. Not too expernsive (paid about £40 in total inc. p&p).
I ordered on Saturday and called them on Monday to check when the it should arrive. Staff were very friendly and helpful and seem to have a well tuned operation: answered phone quickly, found my order straight away etc.
Tarantula and heat mat were sent by on Tue by TNT Express service and arrived on Wed as promised.
The T arrived first with no sign of the heat mat and when I called to ask what was going on they sorted everything out with TNT and called me back very quickly to tell me what had happened and when the second package would arrive. I got the heat mat by lunch-time the same day.
Packing for the T was good and the heat pack was still warm. The spider seems to be unharmed and in good shape albeit a bit stunned by the experience, I'm sure that it will be perfectly fine once settled in.
I can't wait to get it home. What an amazing creature!
Here are some photos of the T in its temporary home after arrival:
