As an avid cyclist, there is a big debate over low cost mail order vs mom and pop bike shops. I see a similar problem with Ron's business. Sure, I use mail order sometimes, but an issue that needs to be explored is the argument that you are not supporting business in your community and the fact that when you order via the phone, you don't have the luxury of going back to the store when the part is wrong or doesn't work. Nice way to ruin a weekend when you expected to do your repair and realize you can't due to a wrong or broken part. I have found a FLAPS that gives me reasonable prices. That's all I expect. I don't have alot of money, so I don't want to be gouged, but I will support a shop that sets fair prices. This is not a chain store, it is a locally family owned business. There are reasons most wholesalers don't sell to businesses that don't have retail space-LOW OVERHEAD, thus the ability to undercut legitamate business. I guess this is just the general direction the world is going in, saving a few bucks no matter what the global (or community) cost. Ask yourself this-When you buy your parts from Ron, and do your repair, where are you going to go when you realize you need another part, or if you break something else while doing the repair? Get on the phone and wait another day or two for parts he may or may not have? Just my opinion.
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