Local Purchases

[littleponderosa]

So, I blew up my 1x rebuilt CP 1/2" impact again and during a moment of being stupid, threw it away. Now I'm paying the price.
Decided to replace it with the common IR231C gun which will fill my requirements and tried to get the purchase locally. Called the local parts guy who just happens to have them on sale for $149 and change. Told him I could buy much cheaper than that over the net, and he told me his cost was @ $140.
I nearly always give the local guys a chance to get close, but this is just too much cashola. The savings can go towards more tools/parts/pieces that always seem to be cropping up.
I'd for damn sure like to give him the purchase, but it is still going to have to be ordered - not in stock - and if I'm waiting 3 days on him, whats another couple added to it.
Have to go purchase more degreaser in a bit and going to see just how cool the reception is. If he brings it up, I'm going to offer him $125 for a gun delivered and see if he bites. Then I'll know if he is full of **** on pricing.

I've given him a pile of money over a couple of years since he has owned the franchise - several tool purchases were time convenient and I paid the price without hesitation when necessary, but I can wait on this and just use the 3/8", or a breaker bar if necessary.

Question is how far do you guys push the local businesses or purchase wherever bang for the buck is best? Remember, I'm in SE MT so there isn't many locals to begin with.

Thanks for the opinions.
Bill

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I get things like a toolbox, or ****** jack from my Napa guy, he likes me, 'n sells me big stuff tools, at cost,...

I picked up the IR 2235ti from my local Mack dealer,...
They carry one of those tool newspapers at the counter,....
It ended up at the catalog price of the IR 235ti, tax in, out the door, for the new issue bigger powered gun,...
The Parts guy likes me there, 'n billed it out through his employee account,...

All in all, it depends,.....

 

[Tink]

How much is it over the net with shipping?
And how much is the degreaser going to cost you over the net if he decides to not be a degreaser store because he can't compete with the net on parts and tools?

 

[T45]

The issue revolves around why this guy is in business?

Alot of local guys are there to srvice business accounts. If that's the case, they are not gonna give a **** about a retail customer. Nothing personal, its just not the business they are in.

If that's the case, no use in trying to keep throwing those guys a buck. Just use them for convenience and pay a bit more, but for your major purchases work with an online vendor who offers a better experience and price.

You don't owe the local dude anything if he's not catering to you. If they are trying to cater to you but not trying very hard...then maybe spend some more time and offer to do bigger chunks of stuff or give them work when they can solve a more complex problem (maybe including warranty work or helping you do complex orders, special orders, or stuff you want to inspect before puchase/committment to large amounts etc).

 

[Bwana]

I go out of my way to buy locally. I've negotiated a discount with my local motorcycle dealer and one with the local car dealer (I have a classic BMW that I can still get parts for!). Both work out exceptionally well as I can get hard to find parts without any difficulty. Service, when I don't do it, is also well done and the M/C guy usually discounts the standard markup BS like "shop fasteners and working supplies".

It costs me possibly a little more, but with the discounts is totally worth it. I only use the 'net for weird electrical stuff (Radio Shack is no good anymore) or Moto Guzzi parts.

You need to try and work with these local guys. I do buy a $hitload of parts so it works both ways.