Even with the courier required to get my passport and application down to the China Consulate in Houston from Dallas, I still typically get my visa processed in about a week.
I have used Sam for Chinese visas and have watched the Visa guys in action and know they do have a priority basis in consulates mainly due to familiarity. Sam is not cheap but I have found him to be honest so call and ask how long it takes. Oh remember no Richard Gere jokes.
This is an old thread but it's linked on the Travel FAQ so I thought I'd just bump it.
I will be needing a Visa to China. I live in Dallas and have no way of getting to Houston on a weekday. What are my options? What is a cost estimate for using an agency or something?