[Flying fisho]

I have bought from Hobbies in the Hills many times, sometimes I think I have shares in the place. As far as planes are concerned, I have found their prices to be very comparable to Model Flight's prices even taking into account free postage for sales over $200.00. Yes you can buy specials when hobby shops are clearing stock. I have a lot of respect for my favourite local shop. You cant expect them to sell quality gear at a price that is provided by cheaper manufacturers. By all means be happy to buy from Hobby King, Hobs in the Hills respect our rights to go cheap and I have never heard them having a shot at anybody that does, including myself. Sometimes I might pay full price from them, but on some items I have been given a discounted price. Such are the priveleges of being a regular customer. As Steve pointed out, there are times we need something right now.
I have also had a missing part from a kit & went there to buy what I needed to finish the plane & walked out with the part free of charge even after the offer to pay. I had a problem with a motor shaft that had punched through the retaining collet, and rear bearing shit itself (crash damage). Walked out with a repaired motor, again free of charge despite being a hobby king motor and my offer to pay. Again, priveleges of being a regular customer.
Try that with Hobby King or any other on line store.
What you lose on the hurdy-gurdy you gain on the roundabout, what goes around comes around, pick your old saying they all mean the same thing