Phil, good points you made. I would probably not consider buying big ticket items from mail order. But, I have had very bad experiences with local (and not-so local) dealers as well. These dealers have a problem with service as well. If you don't purchase 20 Stihl backpacks or 5 Dixie Choppers at one time, your repairs will be put on the back burner, you are just a number, get in line. I would have no problem paying a few extra dollars for equipment if it meant first class service, but this is reserved for their best customers. I go in some of these places and they don't even act like they know who you are, even if you have purchased $10,000 in equipment from them in the last few years. I just can't reward treatment like that with continued business. Even some of the smaller dealers have problems. For example (one example, there are more), one dealer I have dealt with for about 8 years found out I was dealing with others for equipment he doesn't handle. He now treats me like someone who just walked in his store for the first time. I don't like playing these games, if you don't appreciate the business, I will go elsewhere.<p>I wouldn't hesitate to deal with businesses, that maybe cut you just a little slack on prices, but some of these guys are charging more than list.<br>