I've been disappointed with my LHS, so I buy on eBay or online merchants. My LHS sells mostly at or above retail price, and I have found that it is cheaper to just buy anything online and pay the shipping.
Recently I went to my LHS to get a small, $20 item. When they didn't have it in stock (or ever heard of it) they offered to order it from Walthers for me. That was very nice, so I took them up on the offer. They called after they received it, then they charged me $2 over retail price for it. So $22 for a $20 item. This same item goes for $13 online with $3 shipping. I questioned them and they said that $22 was the retail price! Not on the manufacturer's website it wasn't! So no more LHS for me.
I would like to support them, but in today's world, every LHS has global competition. Unfortunately, mine is stubborn enough to not know this, and it will only be a matter of time until they are out of business.
On eBay you just have to be sure you know what you are buying. I only purchase items in their original packaging. Avoid those guys who offer "new" items that have been "taken out of the box for pictures." BULL! There are plenty of pictures of every item somewhere online, no need to open the box.
And most online retailers I have used offer great service, prices, and fast shipping.
Scott
Recently I went to my LHS to get a small, $20 item. When they didn't have it in stock (or ever heard of it) they offered to order it from Walthers for me. That was very nice, so I took them up on the offer. They called after they received it, then they charged me $2 over retail price for it. So $22 for a $20 item. This same item goes for $13 online with $3 shipping. I questioned them and they said that $22 was the retail price! Not on the manufacturer's website it wasn't! So no more LHS for me.
I would like to support them, but in today's world, every LHS has global competition. Unfortunately, mine is stubborn enough to not know this, and it will only be a matter of time until they are out of business.
On eBay you just have to be sure you know what you are buying. I only purchase items in their original packaging. Avoid those guys who offer "new" items that have been "taken out of the box for pictures." BULL! There are plenty of pictures of every item somewhere online, no need to open the box.
And most online retailers I have used offer great service, prices, and fast shipping.
Scott