Hi guys,
I've seen lots of comments on costs of products at LFS versus online retailers and had to though in my two cents. Local shops (and lord help me even chain stores like AL's although they have it alot easier, volumn buying creates great discounts) will never be able to out price online retailers. Simple math on this guys. Cost of website and a telephone to set up tranship from a manufacturer, versus cost of retail store front, staffing, inventory and operating costs (We've all seen that little jump in our power bills from a 180 gal, imagine running 20 of them!) LFS's do try to monitor what online retailers are doing, but the costs running a store have to be factored in somewhere. Most stores are more than willing to work with their customers to everyones benefit. If there is a drastic price difference, let them know. If there are products you see online that aren't available here, let them know. They may be unaware of the demand for them or have reasons that you aren't aware of for not carrying them (CSA standards are a BIG factor).
I have no problem with online shopping, most of my motorcycle collection came from JP's online. Just try to compare apples to apples when looking at pricing.
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