Buying Welder Local vs Online

[NotOrganized]

I like to buy local, but often find better deals or combo's online and its just easier. Looking to get a Miller 215. Been using a Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 for years. Works ok for small jobs but I want to step up to Mig with some power and added stick capability would be nice. I am a once or twice a year welder.

Cyberweld is bundling a Miller VSi and a two pound spool of flux core wire. Not a huge add but still things I can use. My old helmet is fine, but I want to get an auto darken.

Is buying a welder online a negative?

 

[jd_1138]

I wouldn't buy one online. You really want that fragile sophisticated expensive piece of equipment dropped and jostled by delivery people across the USA?

Also, if there's a problem, it's easier to get it sorted at the local dealer. And you're keeping your dollars local. Too many downsides to buying online IMHO. Not worth the small savings.

 

[tarmy]

Cyberweld...

I buy most of my supplies and welding equipment from them. Cheap, easy...never a problem and they know what they are doing.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I bought a miller 215 online from cyberweld as well without any issues.

I saved probably $280 compared to buying locally. At the time I didn’t have to pay any sales tax either but I know there’s a new law that might’ve change that

I prefer buying from a local place as well however it’s hard to compete with that kind of a savings. It doesn’t matter where you buy the machine from since it still has a factory warranty

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[pi_guy]

I would buy local as a relationship with a local company can be a great asset. I have had my local supplier find Miller discounts for me and have thrown tanks in the deal.
But buying a machine on line may not be bad as the same truck might be delivering to local supplier as well as you. The way miller boxes units is not a problem if it is a reputable reseller and your not buying a return should not have an issue.

 

[Stooge]

I ordered my Miller directly from Miller, there was some corporate incentives since i work for ITW, but I probably would have ordered that way anyways, and had no problems with it, and had no damage to the outer box or it's contents. As long as your ordering from a reputable site, like cyberweld or an industrial supplier you shouldnt have much to worry about, if a local place doesn't make sense to buy from.

 

[Bretny]

Does a 2lb spool of wire prety much come standard with every name brand welder? If it comes with a helmet its prob going to be bottom of the barrel.

 

[NotOrganized]

Comes with Miller VSi auto darkening helmet. Seems to review well.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would stick with buying local because you're going to need consumables (never heard of anyone buying welding gases online) and having a knowledgeable person to talk to makes a big difference.

 

[purplezr2]

I wouldn't buy one online. You really want that fragile sophisticated expensive piece of equipment dropped and jostled by delivery people across the USA?

Also, if there's a problem, it's easier to get it sorted at the local dealer. And you're keeping your dollars local. Too many downsides to buying online IMHO. Not worth the small savings.

Mine came the same way that I'm guessing a local welding supply would get it via truck freight, and I paid about 800 less.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I'm in the buy online camp.

Unless your LWS is a Mom and Pop, they don't care about you at all. Everything here is chain owned now.

 

[crewchief888]

i'd give a LWS a "fair" chance to price match.

most the the LWS around here are chain owned, and are far better to deal with than the local independent....

 

[LeeG]

I'd go for whatever is cheapest. My experience with LWS around here is that unless you are a regular, high volume buy, they are going to stick you for the highest price they can. I always try to buy from local, preferably locally owned, businesses, but that tiered pricing really gets to me.

 

[NotOrganized]

We have an Airgas and not so local steel supply. Both are on the far side of town. I might go to Airgas and see what they offer. My guess the other would need to order what I want.

 

[NotOrganized]

I'd go for whatever is cheapest. My experience with LWS around here is that unless you are a regular, high volume buy, they are going to stick you for the highest price they can. I always try to buy from local, preferably locally owned, businesses, but that tiered pricing really gets to me.

My experience. I am not a schmoozer so rare to get discounts offered unless I am clear I am shopping for price. I feel its mostly like buying cars.

My local equipment dealer is locally owned and always greet me when I stop in. Helps that I have bought a few tractors and things from them.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I buy all my welding/torch stuff from Cyberweld. They are fairly local to me, have great prices, free shipping, and their service is excellent. If I need it NOW, they'll let me stop by and pick it up.

 

[NotOrganized]

Lucky you. I can get basic wire at Tractor Supply which is closest to me. Other stuff at Airgas or online. Gonna stop at AG tomorrow and see if they will deal.

 

[strength_and_power]

My LWS salesman all but told me to order online since he couldn’t match the price especially after tax. I buy all my consumables from them and got the company I work for to switch to them from Airgas. It was a win-win.


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[gearhead1]

Got my Miller 180 MIG and spool gun (new) on eBay from seller ‘weldingsuppliesatioc’, no issues at all. Was cheaper than LWS even with shipping. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I got my plasma cutter from Cyberweld, no issues and I saved $400 over buying local. I like to support local companies, but 20% on a $2K purchase is significant.

 

[PugetDude]

Bought a Miller 211 from Cyberweld.
Problems right out of the box.
Guess where I had to take it for warranty service?
That's right, the LWS handled Miller. ... kinda embarrassing, especially when they pointed out their price was within a few $$ of Cyberweld.
Never again.

 

[Aaron_W]

I bought local. They gave me some pretty good discounts when I was getting outfitted for class. Saved me at least $100 on the leather welding coat, auto helmet, gloves etc. They are also the local fire extinguisher shop, so I've dealt with them before starting welding.

They have treated me well, and took the time to go over each of the machines I was looking at.
Their prices have been the same or at least very close to the online sellers I've looked at (Cyberweld, Bakers Gas & Welding). They also gave me a discount on the tank and consumables that I bought with the machine so it probably worked out about the same Cyberweld's free helmet deal.

I don't need another helmet so a discount on the tank and some consumables is of more use to me and I don't have to feel guilty about being that guy who goes to the store to fondle the machines and ask questions, but then buy elsewhere to save a few dollars.

 

[Craftfab]

I bought mine local and glad I did as the first welder was damaged upon opening so I just dropped it back at the shop and they ordered me another. Glad I didn’t have to mess with a shipping return or warranty issue with an online store. I paid about 7% more to get it locally but I also get all my welding supplies there and the costs of other items is often better than online so it evens out for me.

 

[redidbull]

I bought my Hobart from Amazon with no problems. I usually get my wire at Depot, Lowe's, or TSC. LWS for gas. Jim

 

[Bretny]

I would stick with buying local because you're going to need consumables (never heard of anyone buying welding gases online) and having a knowledgeable person to talk to makes a big difference.

Any one who buys consumables at there local welding supply house dosnt know there prob half the price online. Also you dont need to buy a welder from them for them to sell you welding gas.

 

[NotOrganized]

Stopped at LWS and all items were quoted at full retail. In stock and tempting but I get more usable stuff for less money buying online. Also buying online I can get all miller accessories for more rebate. LWS didn't have much Miller things I wanted. No free gas or discounted either.

 

[DerekV]

If your LWS isn't willing to match (pre-tax) an online price, just order it online. There are plenty of reputable online welding stores...Welder Supply, Cyber Weld, Bakers Gas, Welding Supplies from IOC, etc., and it's common for LWSs to match online prices. This is big bucks your talking, not a tiny markup on a particular consumable you need now. The fact is, if something is truly wrong with the machine, it's gonna **** and be a PITA to deal with no matter where you bought it from. Maybe not if you do this stuff day in and day out, but for a hobbyist, trying to find the time to start the repair process is a PITA.

Sounds like you should save your money and buy online.

 

[NotOrganized]

Made a second pass at LWS and got a better deal. Proud owner now! Super happy with the outcome.

Thanks to all that chimed in. Big help

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I say go for lowest price / best deal. Which around here, is never through the LWS.