I can agree that B&M's have higher prices due to the usual business overhead, no need for me to repeat these, many honest ones will at least come down a little off their prices to a knowledgeable buyer or repeat customer. Or in the hopes the customer will be a regular.
One thing that's overlooked though, is that online sites also has overhead. Many of these has to pay the same rent/lease for a online shop & the usual expenses that comes with a local B&M. Plus they have employees too, the online ordering process doesn't make the order jump into the cushioned package to prevent damage, which also costs. A few online sites doubles as a B&M & some may move to online altogether, once established. And why not, online sites may have to deal with some returns, but not demanding customers walking in the door, cursing & disrespectful of everyone else around. Or shoplifters, some of which are tricky, using two or more to get their hands on an item. One may be looking at a $200 mod with a new salesperson, the other somewhere else in the store may have an "emergency", such as faking a heart attack to distract attention. Businesses are liable for making sure that emergencies are attended to, or face suit.
And with that stolen $200 mod goes a day's profit. These things really happens. The thief gets the product, the "emergency" turns out to be heartburn & that's how it ends.
The huge advantage that the online sites has is volume, by word of mouth advertising (just as a B&M). Good reviews will make them grow, too many bad will put them out of business, the same as a B&M. By moving larger volumes, the online shop can buy supplies at a lower cost, which trickles down to the customer. Plus they don't have to deal with the general public & the issues that brings along (such as shoplifting).
While I can see why B&M prices are higher, I don't envy them, nor would want to operate one, as it's a lot of work for too little money, even after all the monthly bills are paid. By a lot of work, I mean 60-70 hour workweeks, unless one chooses to hire someone else to manage it, which again, eats into profit & possibly worse, the trust issue. I couldn't see myself placing my livelihood into another's hands.
Though I rarely deal with B&M's, sometimes an unexpected need comes along & am glad for the few honest ones that are around. I also have a personal distributor.
Products | Lunar Vapor
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