Agreed, that usually the widest available market (i.e. the web) generally finds the best deals and often much better quality.

There's still a definite need for a local supplier, unless you're surrounded by "almost working," "formerly working," "could be working," or "I'll get around to it someday" fixable/substitutable/useful-with-a-few-tweaks maybe-good equipment,¹ and a reasonably open/flexible schedule.

When living with the one who "needs" space for her sewing machine, ironing board, quilting table, loom, pottery collection(s), 4 cats, herb-garden accessories, ... rolltop desk, and the display case from her daddy's old truck stop, ... ... and her computer, printer, scanner, CD rack(ssssss)², etc., there's only room for one of mine, and if it needs a fix it needs it ... at least as quickly as I can figure out what part(s) to burn up next.


¹ not that I don't have all the preceding stuff - but it's all "stored" until I get around to doing something with it and can find a more accessible place to work it up.

² (ssssss) = multiple plurals

I need a 24/7 local parts store, just for the little bits and pieces.

Thus far I've gone to the web for all but 1 (in 1981) of my computers (~11?), and generally for all the larger accessories like printers (5?)/scanners(3) and such. Because of "business use" I've had to buy more and patch less than I'd really like to have done sometimes; and we've worn out more stuff than most people would - especially printers. It wouldn't be too bad if I actually had a budget or a business plan ... (and a little more business?).

John