I work out the total cost for the item... if it is with-in a few bucks or < 10% then I pick it up locally. I like having the option to physically walk in and return an item or have the issue fixed ASAP.


On a $1000 plus item I do my best to get it locally... most of the time the small store owner will adjust their price to make a sizable sale.


For example I picked up a TV locally. I went in and said I could buy the exact same TV on-online for say $3000 (including taxes and shipping) and showed all the paper work. The local store's price was $5500 - a massive difference of $2500. In the end I got it locally for $3300 (after taxes) but they delivered it, set it up, and calibrated the system. Luckily I purchased locally as after 11 month it die and required significant repairs - the locally guy showed up and fixed it under warranty. If I had purchased it on line I would have pay out of my pocket to get the 250 pound TV to a repair shop.


Example 2. I wanted to my a music server locally. The local prices was $4500 and on-line it was less than $2000. The local owner said he could not even come close to matching it and if I could buy it for that price I should although he said it would not service any warranty work on it and I would have to ship it back in that case at my cost. He was honest but I bought it online. I have since buy several items from them as I trust them to tell me the honest truth.


I have purchase most of my camera equipment locally just in case I needed it 'adjusted'. After all is said and done with the total price differences to date might be a few hundred dollars... but well worth the peace of mind.