Look for an authorized showroom that sells the products you’re interested in. “I wouldn’t buy on the Internet, even though cheaper prices are very enticing for a lot of people,” says Eric Nelson, owner of SplashWorks in San Jose. “A lot of manufacturers don’t offer warranties anymore if a product is bought online,” he explains. “They only offer warranties if it’s bought through an authorized showroom.”
A potential problem with online sales is getting an incomplete shipment with missing parts. “Price shouldn’t always be the driving factor,” says Mr. Nelson. “Customers have to consider the whole picture. They may think they’re saving 10 or 15 percent, but in reality, it’s going to cost them much more in the long run.”
Another good reason to buy locally is because 45 cents of every dollar stays in the regional economy, whereas none of the money you spend on the Internet gets reinvested back into the community. And if you buy through a national chain, only 13 cents of every dollar goes back into the local economy. It’s a responsible choice to buy from a local shop and keep your money in the community, says Mr. Nelson.
