As you all know I'm a big fan of doing business local FIRST.
This is one of the reasons; I hit a chunk of steel with my new ariens lawnmower, blew the spindle housing to pieces, and bent the blade. I called the local tractor dealer(guy I bought it from) and asked if he could take it tonight (tuesday @ 5:30) he said bring it down in the morning, he didn't have inside room .I explained I had to leave early for work, so he agreed to find room for me. I got there, we talked as was closing up store, and he said he would look at it wed morning, see what he could do but with the holiday it would probably be next week.. To my surprise when I got home wednesday my tractor was in my driveway FIXED!! when I got there to pay he said ,I was a good customer and that's why he took care of it so fast. I'm sure it had to do with having the parts in stock, and needing the space. But one day service and DELIVERY are part of great a relationship when you support your local business. I know that wouldn't have happened if I bought my tractor from a box store and it was the first time I'd been to his store for service.
Tom
I'm not against buying things online but I always check local first. I show the online item to my local dealer and see what he can do first. If he is remotely close I buy it from them, they know you have chosen them and they appreciate it. It pays twofold, you help your local economy, and you have gained a good relationship that may help you out in a jam !!