Living in Utah, I have limited access to high quality koi and I'm often forced to purchase koi from pictures/auctions. I've had mixed success with buying koi in this way.
Early in 2008, however, I purchased 2 shiro utsuris from Mike at Hammock Koi Farm and received very healthy, stunning koi that look exactly like their pictures. Mike spent a lot of time with me on the phone pinning down just what I was looking for in a shiro. He then pulled shiros and photographed the ones he felt met my criteria. After I selected 2, he added a free yamabuki ogon to the shipment that is not only beautiful, but super friendly as well (ate from my hand in the very first week!).
Mike not only spent several hours on the phone, but sent numerous emails over the course of this transaction. He kept checking before shipment to insure that they weren't shipped during any anticipated storms in my area, and he's still checking on their progress 3 months after he shipped them (I just received another email from him late last week inquiring about the koi).
I couldn't be happier with these koi and I'm looking forward to taking them to a some shows this fall. I won't hesitate to buy from Mike again (and hopefully soon!).