LWS vs Online (welding machines

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Howdy ya'll.  Newb here.  I am new to the welding world but as much as I'm enjoying learning the processes, I'm kicking myself in the butt for getting a late start at it.  I've been in the Army the past 15 years and finally got to a duty station that has a school nearby that offers welding classes.  With that said, onto the reason of this post.  Looking at purchasing a new machine (Miller Syncrowave 210) and trying to decide if there are any perks of buying local.  I know, I know, support your local businesses but as I have priced them out, after taxes, they are $300+ more than what I have found online.  Only positive I can think of from purchasing from the LWS is returning easily if there are any warranty issues.  I've read LWS are responsible for warranty work even if not bought through them...  Any validity to that.  Thanks in advance.
Reply:I always give my LWS a shot. But if they can't meet on line pricing, I buy on line. It's a dog eat dog world. Low bid gets the work. When I bought my V350-Pro, LWS couldn't get with in $500.00 of on line price. I bought it on line. It didn't work right, so I called the LWS to see if they had any ideas. The store manager sent the outside salesman to my house to see if he could figure it out. He was a repair tech for ESAB at one time. They don't take it personal, they know it's all about money!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Get a package price on machine, tank , and goodies. From the prices I have gotten, there isn't much difference online or local for machine. A friend just bought a Miller 211 local and got machine $10 less local plus a real deal on a 125 owner tank and extras. Your location will vary. THANKS for serving !   $300 that is a whole lot of money !    I have never heard of a huge difference like that.
Reply:I sat down,  went to IOC's home page.  few clicks later I own 325 tb with efi and excel, four days later it's out front.  done.
Reply:When I bought my Millermatic 211 last year, I reviewed on line pricing, and talked to two LWS.   I bought local, the cost difference was minimal if any.Give your LWS a chance.   Go to the LWS in person, with a printout of the on line price.   They may make a decision on the spot, but if not perhaps the manager can give you a call back with a decision.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:The key to the whole affair is establishing an account with a good LWS. Establish that first. Then print out your online prices and haggle. They are going to want your gas biz, and random consumables. I never pay cash at an LWS. Here is the deal with my LWS. I purchase with a 25% down, 30,60,90 day payment plan.I buy a Miller from them and they pickup from the distribution center  and deliver with my next gas order. Or the sales guy accompanies the machine with the regional Miller rep, wire the plug and make sure it is operational before leaving. Then if I have an issue they have the record of sale and pick it up from me, fix, and deliver within 2 weeks. Any longer and they drop off a loaner/rental. Besides I don't have time to pack crap up and ship it back. I get best pricing on wire and torch parts because I have that account, direct exchange of my customer owned bottles, you have it.I would say for the $300 difference, you will make that back with a good relationship. Who is you local LWS, and where?Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:[QUOTE=shovelon;4685021]The key to the whole affair is establishing an account with a good LWS. Establish that first. Then print out your online prices and haggle. They are going to want your gas biz, and random consumables. I never pay cash at an LWS. Here is the deal with my LWS. I purchase with a 25% down, 30,60,90 day payment plan.I buy a Miller from them and they pickup from the distribution center  and deliver with my next gas order. Or the sales guy accompanies the machine with the regional Miller rep, wire the plug and make sure it is operational before leaving. Then if I have an issue they have the record of sale and pick it up from me, fix, and deliver within 2 weeks. Any longer and they drop off a loaner/rental. Besides I don't have time to pack crap up and ship it back. I get best pricing on wire and torch parts because I have that account, direct exchange of my customer owned bottles, you have it.I would say for the $300 difference, you will make that back with a good relationship. ^^^THIS^^^
Reply:The local Miller dealer has to honor warranty work but if they are a welding supplier how long will it take to get to your repair if you bought on line.
Reply:Originally Posted by fdcmiamiI sat down,  went to IOC's home page.  few clicks later I own 325 tb with efi and excel, four days later it's out front.  done.
Reply:A good attitude goes a long ways when dealing with the LWS. Go in with a chip on your shoulder and demand they match/beat prices and they'll be very unwilling to deal with you. Go in talk to them, tell them you really would prefer to do business with them, ( especially if as Shovelon suggested you already have an account there) and they may be more willing to move in some way. It might be matching the price or at least coming close to it, it might be a deal on gas and cylinder, it might even be they know of a demo machine going cheap from the rep.When I bought my Syncro 200 the local guy got within $50 of the online price and they even delivered it t the house..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks for the advice.  Granted I've only got a quote from one LWS as there is only one in a +/- 30 mi radius.  I'll go to another one semi local and back to the one locally and see if they have any wiggle room. Originally Posted by shovelonWho is you local LWS, and where?
Reply:If your in Texas you should ask gravel. He is out there and probably knows who you should talk to or knows where to find a nice used one cheap!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!