Buying internet v local store

[muelldawg]

We will be buying a generator soon, so shall we buy from local business or from a internet business?

Here are my thoughts on the issue:

WHY BUY LOCAL

-support local business so they will be there when you really want them
-support local government (sales tax) so they will have money for our needs
-we (usually) know who we are dealing with and we trust them
-we can return product (mfg warranty) if it does not work

WHY BUY INTERNET
-save money

When I started writing this I was 80% certain that the generator would be bought from a internet business. Now I'm not sure

[nbhybrid]

I save money wherever whenever I can. I have found loyalty is overrated

[havnfun]

Usually buy from internet as saving money is most important....don't think loyalty goes very far. Bought my 2000 generator from Costco for 599. Looks like a Honda 2000 and almost as quiet. Starts first pull.
Happy RVing.
Jeff

[etex211]

When I was in the market for a Honda EU6500is generator a year ago, I wanted to buy locally, but I could never justify it. I checked with several dealers within 50 miles of me, and they were all quoting me a price close to MSRP, which is $4500 plus tax. Our local sales tax rate in most municipalities around here is ~8.5%, which is close to another $400 on the $4500 generator.

I bought the generator from Max Tool in California for $3789 with no tax and free shipping.

[UPCamper]

IMHO, I would buy it locally unless you are saving tons of money. I always try to buy local as much as possible and branch out further if its unavailable. Internet is my last resort. I am a small town guy and I like that atmosphere. I'm not too excited about Amazon and Walmart becoming the only two shopping choices. In my area too, there is loyalty. I live in a small town and people do remember repeat offenders. I do occasionally buy from Amazon but its only if I can't find something I need here. I'm sure I usually spend a little more, but I don't really care.

[Bassdogs]

On-line w/ free shipping/no tax. I live in a small rural community and buying locally means no choices, no competition, and high prices. Its a 40 to 50 mile one way to walmart and lowes and farther to a Sams or Costco. Suspect we buy over 50% of our stuff on line. Amazon and other big on line merchants have easy return policy. They take care of their customers because they want us back, not like the local merchants who think we owe it to them.

[Bassdogs]

Wise Sales. Best price on line and free shipping. Easy to deal with and prompt service. Thats where I bought both of my H2000i'.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Wise Sales. Best price on line and free shipping. Easy to deal with and prompt service. Thats where I bought both of my H2000i'.

X2

...... They are a brick & mortar retail facility with a service department as well, service tech's very helpful.

Bob

[DocBrown]

The answer is different for each of us. For me it depends. I'll save money when I can and I do buy a LOT of stuff from Amazon. But I also like to buy locally. Sometimes that's just a better way to go. And sometimes local retailers can be quite competitive. Is this purchase something can maintain and repair on your own if you need to? Do your homework before making a decision on where to buy.

[kvangil]

If I'm spontaneous or "need it now," I'll buy locally. If I'm looking for the best deal, or if the local guy doesn't have exactly what I want, I buy online...

[Salsa03]

I always look at how much it's going to cost me in my pocket...


If the price difference is not huge, I'll prefer buying local...


I just bought myself an ADCO RV cover...local dealer was asking 649$+taxs (for a total of 746.19$)

I ordered one from CampingWorld instead... with shipping, taxs, rate exchange and UPS brokerage fees it cost me a big 495$

I saved 250$ for the same damn thing...

so that means I'll have 250$ to spend on something else....

[eldermike]

I will go to the local guy and ask for the internet price, sometimes it works. I did discover in one case that the items were not the same. It was not a camping related item but the internet item was a China made version made by the same company to sell on certain internet sites. (it was camera stuff). Same item? not always. It was the local guy that educated me on this.

[r8ingbull]

Originally Posted by eldermike

I will go to the local guy and ask for the internet price, sometimes it works. I did discover in one case that the items were not the same. It was not a camping related item but the internet item was a China made version made by the same company to sell on certain internet sites. (it was camera stuff). Same item? not always. It was the local guy that educated me on this.

This is definitely a problem. You have to be able to compare the UPC codes on the packages to determine if items are the same

Many items now have MAP (minimum advertised prices) that can't be any lower, so buying local or internet makes very little difference

As to sales tax, you are liable for sales tax regardless of where you purchase the item (at least in my state). You might not pay the tax, but you are still required to pay it by law.

[Seann45]

When you dont buy local to save the taxes etc.. dont be asking govt for stuff.. like better roads or more police etc.. just something for all to think about...

[kvangil]

Originally Posted by Seann45

When you dont buy local to save the taxes etc.. dont be asking govt for stuff.. like better roads or more police etc.. just something for all to think about...

I would agree with that sentiment if it weren't for the fact that our State decided to raise our income taxes "temporarily" by 66% a couple years ago to get itself out of debt, only to turn around and use our tax money for more spending, and now is considering making the "temporary" tax increase permanent, and at the same time the debt went up instead of down....The more you give, the more they spend... That's my political rant for the day.

[Salsa03]

Seann45

I already give so much money to the Federal, Provincial, Municipal levels. I prefer getting more for my money!

And for all the rest you named, well what I provide should be sufficient!

[FPM III]

We're getting a bit off-topic here. The OP wants to know about purchasing on the Internet opposed to a store, not an argument about taxes.

Let's get back on on topic. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

[r8ingbull]

Originally Posted by FPM III

We're getting a bit off-topic here. The OP wants to know about purchasing on the Internet opposed to a store, not an argument about taxes.

Let's get back on on topic. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Seems on topic to me.

Can't really have a discussion when you can't bring up all the facts. Buying online in michigan can save %6. That's a good amount of money, and it can sway someone's decision one way or another.

Doesn't change the fact that one is still obligated to pay the tax, but it is part of the process.

[r8ingbull]

Originally Posted by kvangil

I would agree with that sentiment if it weren't for the fact that our State decided to raise our income taxes "temporarily" by 66% a couple years ago to get itself out of debt, only to turn around and use our tax money for more spending, and now is considering making the "temporary" tax increase permanent, and at the same time the debt went up instead of down....The more you give, the more they spend... That's my political rant for the day.

While I agree 100% with taxes being too high...we are still obligated to pay our share. Unfortunately the value of this obligation is determined by others. This isn't a church offering plate, you pay the amount required.

[kvangil]

Aside from the tax implications, which are loosely enforced in some states and non-existent in others, I do find that online parts/accessories for cars and RV's are much cheaper than my local dealer, with free shipping included. e.g. bought a fuel sensor recently from a west coast Nissan dealer through eBay for $70, whereas the local Nissan dealers wanted $200; bought Maxxis tires online for $400 shipped, local shops wanted $600 before factoring in installation cost... But that's just a small sampling... Thus there's really no financial benefit to buying locally vs online.