I ordered almost everything mail order to start out in the hobby and here are my reasons why.

There are three decent size LHS in my area. One is heavy into cars and doesn't have much of an inventory in airplane stuff but I'm told will match Great Planes prices on a large order. They're right down the street. For a large order in the future I may try them out.

The second has a good inventory but their prices are high. They are personable and professional to deal with but about $3 worth of gas away.

The third has the best inventory, decent prices but the owner in my opinion is cocky, doesn't seem to appreciate your business (never says thank you and acts like he's doing you a favor), and is the farthest away from me costing about $4 for a single trip to the shop.

I ordered my sim for $200 and about $100 worth of other stuff from this third shop and probably $75 worth of stuff from the second one. Never a thank you or any smile or anything positive. Every transaction here has left me with a negative feeling.

I ordered all the main stuff mail order. Five reasons. First their prices especially after the volume discounts are lowest. Second, they have free shipping on large orders once you join their super saver club. Third they charge no state tax. Fourth I received everything in three days, much faster than if the LHS had to order anything for me, which they would have had to. And fifth and most important they are the friendliest people to deal with, very professional and don't give me one bit of a hard time if I have to return anything. I figured I've saved at least $200 over time using these guys and I'm a newbie with one airplane and all the accessories to go with it.

I'd prefer to support my LHS and probably will now that I'm not in such a hurry after having my first airplane but it isn't hard to understand why anyone would have the same feelings as me and lean heavily towards mail order. I only hope the third LHS reads this - they'll know who they are if they do - and tries harder to be appreciative and courteous to customers by saying thank you with a smile at least after every order. It's really not that hard - geesh!!