Disclaimer: this post is long due to my passion on this subject and the fact that Carolina is sucking it up right now and not keeping my attention. I included a TL-DR at the bottom that sums it up pretty well [emoji2]
OP: While the first B&M you went to did not respect your wants or needs as a customer, don't give up! If you are still interested in finding a local shop, take some time to price things you may be interested in, now or in the future. Then, with this knowledge in mind, visit a couple local shops and talk to the employees. Once visiting a few different shops, you can learn who will be good and who just want your money. Once you find a good shop, THEN do price comparisons. I would rather pay slightly more at a B&M who treats me well, than some sleazy shop with better prices. Also look out for huge price gouging, no matter how good they are, sometimes they just aren't even close to competitive.
To All: I do support my local shops, because I like supporting locally, and I understand they have overhead to think about. I searched til I found the one that respects and pays attention to the customers' needs. These are the types of shops that deserve and get my support through my purchases. I also forsee these types of shops staying afloat through these uncertain times with the FDA, while the strictly-concerned-about "the bottom line" stores not being able to meet regulation. (Not that I want the FDA imposing on vaping, I just think best case scenario they make it 18+ and a slight bit of regulation on the ingredients used, aka USP certified, not mixed out of someone's trunk).
I also hate the wait on things being shipped because I want it in my hands the minute I purchase, and even before I purchase I can put my hands on the hardware and get a feel of it.
The guys (and gals) that work at my preferred shop know tons about what they sell, aren't afraid to tell me what isn't worth me spending my hard earned money on (they know my vaping style and what I prefer). I appreciated it when they sat me down and showed me how to build, as well as explaining safety and what not to do. They will even steer newer users with dreams of huge clouds with no knowledge whatsoever to a more sensible unit, and send them off to do their homework before seeking out a mech.
TL-DR: I support the little man that know what they are doing and sell what the customers need, not what has the best profit margin. Once a shop earns my respect, my money and support will follow.