I enjoy this thread because it's kind of like my own private Tripodaholics Semi-Anonymous.

I almost showed it to my wife the other day to demonstrate top her that my ridiculous tripod and head collection doesn't seem so absurd when compared to others. But I realized before I made that mistake that it would only prove to her it could get worse.
A couple of months ago, I finally took the plunge on a Ries tripod/head combo to go with my new love affair with 4x5. Who knows when that will get here. I love the Ries "aura," and even the throwback website is fun. In a way. But communications with the company, and the experiences of others don't inspire "take that hill!" optimism. So, just to have a comparison point, today I ordered one of the last of the Berlebach 87C tripods. It has a [I hope] slick combination of both a center column (geared) and a leveling bowl. I'm a big fan of geared stuff and leveling bowls, so getting these two together should be a treat. Or at least fun to find out. And if I don't love that head, I can swap it out.
From a customer perspective, here was my Berlebach experience:
(1) Get mildly frustrated on Monday this week with poor communications with Ries, including no email confirmation of orders, and often days between emails sent and responded [I know they're small, but I was asking order-essential questions, not "is it done yet?" nonsense];
(2) Research a few reviews and comparisons of wood tripods which is something I am jonesing for, search on *bay, etc.; decide to check out Berlebach;
(3) Wade through website, trying to make sure I understand their offerings, and fail; download and read entire catalog where light bulb goes off brilliantly;
(4) Settle on the Uni 87C, only to discover it's no longer available; send the company an email;
(5) Berlebach responds in less than six hours and tells me they have some 87C stock still available;
(6) On Tuesday, the 87C is back on the website but with no choice of finishes, just the natural ash;
(7) Yesterday, Tuesday, I wrote the company expressing my gratitude and inquiring whether there might be any choice of finish;
(8) Late last night, they responded with the finish colors still available, and by this morning, the website was updated with every option on a product that is entirely "remaining stock only."
(9) My order is in, and the latest update shows it has been packaged and is awaiting shipper pickup.
I am a huge believer in American entrepreneurialism, and I love to support small makers everywhere I can. But I'll follow great customer service anywhere.