I recently applied for a Chinese visa through Travel-Direct. From start to finish their service was excellent, from application to receipt took only 7days (including the weekend), this was using the standard 5day service. The whole process was very simple ; download the application forms, complete and send "special delivery". Also what i really liked was the checking service, once i had completed my application , i simply scanned all documents and emailed them for checking , they responded same day and i was able to post my application with peace of mind. Well done Travel-Direct, i would highly recommend using this company