One old standby I go with is Time=Money. The more convenient it is, the more its gonna cost. If you have time to wait, then you can usually find a good deal on some things.

I'm a little biased since I work at a bike shop, but before I started working there, I was an online bargain hunter. It was only when I needed it right then and there that I would swing by my LBS. Now that I am spending a majority of my time at the shop, I have to say that we all appreciate your patronage. Building up a rapport with the staff is usually a really good thing, and when it comes time to ask some questions about doing work at home, speaking for myself, I would be more than happy to give you some advice and pointers. I hope this is the same situation that you have with your LBS!