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Message: <blockquote data-quote="moticon" data-source="post: 1625062" data-attributes="member: 20701">I've purchased from both sources, but have generally had better luck (in terms of availability) with my FLGS.  I like to go in, look things over, and see what I'm buying before I buy it. Plus, I like to be able to get things quickly when I'm ready to purchase (not necessarily prudent, but there you are).  However, sometimes the owner and his staff were rude and defensive, and offered poor advice. Although I'd still shop there, it was mainly driven by convienence over having to wait. When I was in no hurry and knew exactly what I wanted, I might still purchase online.From this  you can see that there is a value offered by the FLGS that the online store doesn't have, the ability to browse, select personally, and have right away (speed).  Which brings me to my main point -- If the FLGS wants to stay in business they need to offer some value to the customer for the extra money they charge. This means some local marketing and outreach to the targeted community, personal attention, truly *freindly* environment, or whatever it is that you (the customer) would like to have but probably won't get with an online location.If they don't offer some extra value, they will compete on price and this will be their downfall.  Mine offered some value but offset that with some poor shopping experiences. On balance I still go there, but it wouldnt' take much to push me out the door, just as it wouldn't take much to lock in my loyalty.Moticon</blockquote>

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