Originally Posted by
mihlbach
Its not that I've had "bad" experiences with LBSs. Most experiences I've had at LBSs would be better described as consistently laughable. The input you'll get in this forum and others is normally worth ten times the price of what LBS charges you for their expert "service".
the only hard part about forums is that you have to sort of filter out the bad stuff.
and there are a lot of bad stuff floating around.
As for the LBS prices, that's the difference between mom and pop type shops vs. chain stores or stores specialized in buying massive quantities and selling online.
smaller customer catchment area means you just won't be able to move as much inventory, and having a massive stock pile at a warehouse wouldn't be good. Online stores, with large catchment areas, move more volume, so there's less problem with having a warehouse that only does online sales, while having a few store fronts can do service.
and god forbid you have an online competitor, then the prices can get really cut throat like for popular items.
like PBK vs. CRC vs. wiggle/ribble