desirepower016 wrote:Why not buy from a local dealer? It is more safe and fast.
Apart from one stupid order with a US firm, Northeast Sailplane Products (
http://www.nesail.com/ ) who have the dubious honour of being the only internet shop to ever stiff me, I love shopping online and have been doing so since 2000. So, I won't ever shop with them again and I advise you not to either. Buying online for me has otherwise been a safe and very satisfying experience. No way would I go back to being ripped off at local stores.
Although the local hobby shops are mostly staffed by friendly and helpful people, and I do like to give them some support for the service they provide local hobbyists (who often need stuff quickly) the sad fact of the matter is that I always come out feeling ripped off and angry with myself for being so stupid.
I know they have to pay high rents, salaries and sales taxes etc. But when you compare what you get for your money at a local shop to online stores like HobbyKing or traders on eBay, the price difference is just ridiculous.
I've had 17 orders with HobbyKing so far and every one has arrived in good time and in good condition at a third to a quarter (or even less) of what I would pay locally, assuming the locals even stocked it.
If it wasn't for online shopping I would not be able to afford this hobby, full stop.