Regarding major purchases of fertilizer, herbicides, etc., I was wondering: 

How important is a face-to-face meeting with a sales rep to the purchase process?  Considering the age of  information & communication technology in which we live,  is it really a must?  

Of course, I also wonder if service over the phone, the internet, and through the mail could be "as good" as the old fashioned house-call. I'm curious --  Anyone out there making vital purchases with companies located too far away for a personal visit?