I have visited all the local shops in my area. I don't see how some stay in business for various reasons. Maybe the lack of business is the key element? With the internet and the throw away engines, there is not much left for the local guy.

They save those old power heads and use parts from them. When they decide to get rid of it, there is nothing of any value left. It may look intact but the ignition module & carb have been traded out with defective ones and possibly the short block also.

Another parody of life is that a major MTD parts warehouse is 1/4 mile from my house but it is impossible for me to get anything from there. I just get the parts from the Internet.