And they want me to shop locally....

One question for you all.

Have you never driven through Smalltown USA when a Walmart has set up shop just outside the city limits.

Now put online shopping in the mix.

If you don't support your local businesses everything will get boarded up and look dead, dead, dead. Most of you are halfway there.

Life is not just about you.

What do I do when I'm driving through your town and I have to replace a shroud?
Order online and wait for it?

I've heard this for years, about mom and pop country stores and gas stations etc. Things change over time. The buying public can't be expected to pay 20 -25 % or more extra to support what is usually a poorly managed and poorly stocked business.

I live close to a VERY LARGE dealer that used to have some of the highest prices around in their giant parts store. They finally got the picture and dramatically dropped their prices and are in line with Amazon or other online retailers. Its pretty nice to walk in and buy local for a change.

like I've said before on this forum, I used to work at a rv dealers and if you looked in their catalogs you will find the shrouds are very expensive even for them to get them, and when they add their mark up it goes over the roof. that is why you don't see many in the rv stores on the shelf

Tom N wrote:
Your local RV dealer has a lot more overhead and expenses than Amazon.

Ask your local dealer to "work" with you. Tell him what you stated here and that you'd like to support your local dealer, if he can make that possible.

Why does everyone say that that local so-and-so has more overhead than Amazon. Who do you think pays for the multitude of Amazon's distribution (or fulfillment) centers and their delivery? Phooey. Local guys have been making a buck for years by jacking up the prices. There is no such thing as local anymore.

You might post the make and model of that A/C.. Some folks have a spare or two lying about.

The photo above does not resemble the spare in my basement but.. Well.

Also, Some RV dealers (smaller ones) may have some 'used' stuff in the back.. Recently one of my A/Cs turned into a china bomb (yes it is made in china) the fan (Condenser) sort of blew up, all but one blade went flying inside the case, I got it shut down quickly, went topside, found my spare fan fit the shaft and so on but alas was not the right size, Called a local dealer (Well 30 miles) and he had a used spare (American made) that fit and is working as I type.

I have some war stories when it comes to A/C. but that's all for now.

More and more price makes a big difference and it is hard for small business's to compete on price. However, I find the convenience of shopping online, via IPhone, IPad, Laptop much more pleasurable than dealing with traffic, less than helpful store clerks or no clerks. I am on a first name basis with my mail person, UPS driver. I did drop by the local CW but only because it was on the way back from my dr.'s office.

I tried to shop local yesterday. I went to a camper store to ask a question about my snowmobile trailer wheel bearings and the service guy was nice and answered my question and I didn't need any parts but I needed some wheel bearing grease. He said, you will probably have to go to an auto parts store. The lady in front said, "we usually don't get into that kind of stuff." :h

I would have probably paid more there but wanted to buy something for the advise. I drove down the road and bought grease somewhere else.

garyhaupt wrote:
I have need of an older style A/C cover. On-line I find new at $130.00 from Amazon and used for $40 thru an E Bay seller. Here at home..I am just off the phone to the local RV dealer/robber...$240.00 for new.


Gary Haupt

Classic example of why Amazon and ebay do so much business.

Shop online and find most things lower price. We only use stores when we can't wait or don't want to wait, or perishable items like groceries. I get most of my clothes & shoes on line - better quality, better price. Stores will have to adjust; not up to me to finance their stores.

Fizz,
I understand your point and agree somewhat. However, to pay almost double for the same part as the OP showed just to keep a local store open is crazy. Sorry!