We've used Zierer many times also - they do charge more than just sending your passport & forms to the consulate, but for some reason I feel more comfortable using them.
When we went to Brazil 10 plus years ago you could just walk into the consulate in Chicago - they would take care of it on the spot. That's probably not the case now.
I wish more countries would go the route of Australia - you can just fill out your paperwork online and they transmit the info to the airlines.
Leslie
