09-13-2009, 05:58 PM
Well, it's definitely an adventure and adds to the experience. There is no one solution.
When I was in the market for my Takagi on demand HW heaters, I went local first, but was able to buy 4 units plus valves including shipping from an online authorized supplier versus 3 bare units locally.
Many times, I've found HPM/HD to be a wash on many items. When I was buying sheetrock, price depended on latest shipment, but usually only pennies per sheet. Just last week I bought about 150 pieces of lumber. Free delivery from HPM made it a no brainer. I watched as the driver set it on the ground where I needed it. All I did was cut the bands. The next day I bought 13 sheets of plywood from HD. They helped load it (I ordered it at the desk), but nobody came home with me to unload.
Living 40 miles round trip from Hilo, I will factor that into a purchase decision. If I can buy it on line and the price with shipping is even close to local, I'll opt to receive it at home or make the 5 minute trek to the PO rather than Hilo. Don't know about you guys, but anytime I can do a Hilo trip in less than 3 hours, I marvel. Basically, I lose half a work day.
I do wish we could get the Kona HD management here as that store is vastly better than Hilo. Not sure I understand why they alway have a better selection.
Lowes will deliver here, but I don't know the rules. Neighbors have had appliance deliveries from them.
To comment on Scott's experience - an almost 40% price difference is ridiculous IMHO.
David
Ninole Resident
When I was in the market for my Takagi on demand HW heaters, I went local first, but was able to buy 4 units plus valves including shipping from an online authorized supplier versus 3 bare units locally.
Many times, I've found HPM/HD to be a wash on many items. When I was buying sheetrock, price depended on latest shipment, but usually only pennies per sheet. Just last week I bought about 150 pieces of lumber. Free delivery from HPM made it a no brainer. I watched as the driver set it on the ground where I needed it. All I did was cut the bands. The next day I bought 13 sheets of plywood from HD. They helped load it (I ordered it at the desk), but nobody came home with me to unload.
Living 40 miles round trip from Hilo, I will factor that into a purchase decision. If I can buy it on line and the price with shipping is even close to local, I'll opt to receive it at home or make the 5 minute trek to the PO rather than Hilo. Don't know about you guys, but anytime I can do a Hilo trip in less than 3 hours, I marvel. Basically, I lose half a work day.
I do wish we could get the Kona HD management here as that store is vastly better than Hilo. Not sure I understand why they alway have a better selection.
Lowes will deliver here, but I don't know the rules. Neighbors have had appliance deliveries from them.
To comment on Scott's experience - an almost 40% price difference is ridiculous IMHO.
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident