Hi Bill! I think I can see the evolution of this question, based on your reply in another thread and I must say that, generally speaking, I heartily agree with you. 
First, to answer your questions about DS:
1) I have ordered from U.S. Direct Service many times, though not at all in the last few years.
2) My orders were usually for replacement parts that were missing from new sets. These were always supplied quickly and absolutely free. One time I had an advent calendar with several problems: a deformed set of angel wings, and two missing pieces (I forgot now what they were) and it was right before Dec. 1. The parts arrived by first class mail within a few days so that I was able to sneak them into the correct boxes on the advent calendar in plenty of time. I think the person I spoke to must have handled it personally in order to get the parts to me so fast. DS is usually very busy at the holidays and I would not call at that time of year except for this sort of "emergency." Other than for missing parts, I have placed a few orders for extras. One example: a bunch of skeletons, pirate hats, and rusty swords to make ghost pirates.
3) Order totals were in the $30 - $50 range
4) Zero per year now, maybe 2 per year in the past but I would have ordered more if it were easier to do and the process were more like it is for ordering sets.
I have always placed my orders by phone, so I have rarely had out-of-stock situations when the order arrives. Also, my orders were relatively small so therefore easy to place by phone.
To get to the larger issue, I agree with you Bill that it would be a good business decision for Geobra as well as a great thing for Playmo lovers if parts ordering were handled more like a real online business rather than merely a customer service. Besides offering replacement parts and add-ons, offering discontinued lines such as Steck, electric trains, etc. could make them a lot of money as there are so many folks who would like to add to what they have in these lines but now must rely on sources like ebay which do not make any money for Geobra. By offering these lines, Geobra would not be competing with their brick-and-mortar retailers and they would be making a higher profit margin through direct sales and saving costs through less packaging and direct shipping. Just my 
Thank you so much for your answers Indianna! In regards to your experience with out of stock issues, I must have different problems with US DS an other people! I place all of my DS parts orders by phone also. The problem I have is when the order processor submits my part number, gives me the price of the item, I then tell them my desired quantity. Depending on the order processor, they will then ask for the next part number, or tell me that the item is out of stock, or that there isn't enough of them in stock to be able to fulfill my ordered quantity. I then secure the entire existing number in their inventory for example; I order 25 of a blue police officers ball cap, they tell me there is only 12 in inventory, & I say, send me the 12 that you have. After the order is finalized, they tell me the cost of the order with shipping included, that they take VISA or MASTERCHARGE, & the expected delivery time. After the order is placed the waiting game begins. When the order arrives 95% of the time, & I am known to place 7 orders a year, a 3 page order will have @ least 6 items out of stock when they are filling the order, & will be in the reorder column. The next issue I won't get into is known as wrong items, because it is an entirely different aggravating subject
! The amount they say they're going to charge to my credit card is never the amount in the end, it's always considerably less! Maybe this is a good thing
! I'm glad you can agree with me regarding the retired parts collectors market with your
!
