It's a strange thing that I can receive components from the other side of the globe more quickly than if I order them from my LBS.

Many shops here outspokenly hate the idea of Internet purchases, yet have no inventory in their stores. When asked to order parts, the products are often limited in terms of size etc or just plain unavailable.

It is frustrating at times that the LBS wants twice as much for a product that is the wrong color or size, while only having the virtue of availability.