One problem of not purchasing through a reputable audio shop is not having a relationship with a person who will interface between you, your issue and the manufacturer. I purchased a cable through the shop I purchase most of my equipment through and they told me bring the cable back and gave me a new one, no question asked and no wait. They dealt with the warranty issue themselves. I purchased a tube amplifier through them and in a short time one of the tubes went noisy. They told me how to determine which pair then when I isolated the pair I brought them back to the shop and was given a new pair. Again no questions asked or wait. Mail order can be a problem then you have PayPal or your credit card company to represent you. I prefer the shop I bought my equipment through. This is not to say I haven't mail ordered, of course I have, but there is a bigger risk this way.
