>I actually have a home-based, part time computer business that has a component of hardware sales. I can beat all these big box stores on price (apples to apples). I have no problem beating price if the customer is clear on the terms of service. The problem I have had in the past is beating price and not being clear to the customer that service will be on the same level as the organization whose price I had to beat. I don't make that mistake any more.
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>It's too bad Ed doesn't live nearby. I could probably have saved him a few dollars and promised him a complete lack of service :~)

I'm capable of, and do, roll my own, thanks. And all I expect from the vendors I buy my stuff from is -precisely- the parts I want with the original manufacturer's warranty. I have enough of a clue to know that there are shops whose expertise is worth some expenditure on, and others who sell quality parts at good prices, but you're on your own when you buy exactly what you want. if I order an exact part, get it, and it's the wrong thing, it's my fault, not theirs. If I order one thing, and get something else, it's their problem. That's why I use plastic for mail-order.

When I'm not sure what I want, I buy from someone with more of a clue than I have - complex SCSI cable plants, the first call out of the box is www.scsipro.com - Granite Digital. They have multiple techs who've forgotten more than I know about SCSI. I take notes, ask questions, and buy what they recommend when it makes sense. If I know I need absolute top-flight parts, I'll buy from them, too, becuase I know I'll get the best possible product from them.

Clueless local vendors are not in this league.