Originally Posted by
lostarchitect
Unfortunately, I find that some things (chains, tires, some others) don't cost a little more at the LBS, they cost WAY more--like, 2-4 times more. I don't know why that is, but it makes me a lot more likely to buy these things online unless it's an emergency--which it seldom is. This is not really relevant to the topic, I'm just venting!
That's because your LBS has to pay for a retail store, skilled or semi-skilled mechanics, salespeople, not to mention all of the tax implications.
An online store has to pay for much cheaper industrial warehouse space, a few unskilled people to work as shelf pickers, some software, and has the luxury of not only being able to locate itself in the absolutely cheapest state available, they usually get a free ride when it comes to dealing with state taxes for most customers. It all adds up to a huge financial advantage.