LWS or Internet site??

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How much more would you pay to buy a machine from your LWS over an internet site.I am about to buy a Tweco 211i.  I can get it from IOC for $899 shipped.My LWS quoted me $977 plus tax is $1064.  So is $165 worth the local patronage?What do ya'll think?
Reply:I would buy local but see what kind of a deal they could do on additional goodies and maybe a 125 tank too. Tell them it will be cash too. CASH has done wonders on many of my purchases. Actually my local Welders Supply has it for $930.00 and FREE SHIPPING to LOWER 48 STATES PLUS FREE HELMET!http://www.weldersupply.com/P/605/Fa...iPartWFREESHIP
Reply:I would do online myself personally.I got my 211i from bakers gas for $899 shipped.My lws wanted $1600Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopI would do online myself personally.I got my 211i from bakers gas for $899 shipped.My lws wanted $1600
Reply:I buy 99% of my welding stuff at my local Airgas.  The relationship you can build with your local LWS is priceless.  My machine was down twice and they let me borrow a machine to finish those two jobs.  Just my opinion.  The extra money I spend locally is well worth it.
Reply:Buying local should get you the local support from the distributor.  Many distributors are frustrated with the online sales and lost margins because most internet based companies do not hold the inventory or have as much overhead (depending on if they are operating only online).  They can sell the machines cheaper and have them drop shipped with no freight charges.  However, if you have a problem with the machine, they may be reluctant to help you with it because you did not buy it from them and they may not stock the parts that you need for it.  I personally buy a lot online, but when it comes to a big purchase, I would rather deal with a local store for piece of mind.
Reply:"I buy 99% of my welding stuff at my local Airgas. The relationship you can build with your local LWS is priceless. My machine was down twice and they let me borrow a machine to finish those two jobs. Just my opinion. The extra money I spend locally is well worth it."Agree completely with this.  Having a relationship with the distributor rep (or manufacturer rep) can be priceless when you need help or have questions
Reply:Local is your best bet. Mine will match any price I can show them. My last local purchase was my Hypertherm PM65 ... My consumables are always cheaper from them and they deliver every Tuesday to another shop 4 miles away ... so i just call and order ahead including bottles and just stop buy and pick things up.Located In SE OklahomaLincoln Mig 135Hobart Ironman 230 Mig5x10 CNC Table with DTHC & FTHypertherm PM65 on the tableMiller Bobcatwww.caneyagequipment.com
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I would buy local but see what kind of a deal they could do on additional goodies and maybe a 125 tank too. Tell them it will be cash too. CASH has done wonders on many of my purchases. Actually my local Welders Supply has it for $930.00 and FREE SHIPPING to LOWER 48 STATES PLUS FREE HELMET!http://www.weldersupply.com/P/605/Fa...iPartWFREESHIP
Reply:I got my 211i from Welder Supply, too.  Very nice place, good service, and you get a free TWECO auto-darkening helmet with it.  I have to say, that helmet is awesome.  It's twice as clear and sharp as my $300 Miller.  One heads-up: these "i" welders do NOT come with tips and insulators for welding with gasless fluxcore.  Does your LWS throw in the helmet?  If you're a steady customer at your LWS, it might be better to buy there, as some have said. I personally don't have any relationship with any LWS, so that wasn't a factor with me.-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Originally Posted by RuarkI got my 211i from Welder Supply, too.  Very nice place, good service, and you get a free TWECO auto-darkening helmet with it.  I have to say, that helmet is awesome.  It's twice as clear and sharp as my $300 Miller.  One heads-up: these "i" welders do NOT come with tips and insulators for welding with gasless fluxcore.  Does your LWS throw in the helmet?  If you're a steady customer at your LWS, it might be better to buy there, as some have said. I personally don't have any relationship with any LWS, so that wasn't a factor with me.
Reply:I'd love to support the lws but as a hobby welder without a lot of cash laying around my money goes to the lowest bidder. Just by ordering out of state and saving the tax sometimes makes the difference between me having something and not having it. I just bought a PM65 from Welders Supply and saved about $175 just on tax.Millermatic 180Hypertherm PM65 083300CandCNC Dragon Cut Linux 620-4 Bundle with Linux Computer Precision Plasma Magnum HD 5x5 Gantry kit
Reply:I don't understand the philosophy of not wanting to work on something that was purchased elsewhere. A factory authorized repair facility does not have a choice in the matter and I cant see the private guy turning away income from his business.165 is a lot of money and making money is tough.
Reply:Airgas is attempting to buy up every local welding supply shop on the planet to create an illegal monopoly. As they have done that they have raised prices to the larceny level while providing customer service on the level of Comcraptic. I refuse to do business with that s&*^@t company. All my supplies are bought on the internet. Cyberweld for good prices. McMasterCarr for quality products and quick delivery. Also use Amazon for tungsten. Bought my Precision Tig 225 on the internet and didn't blink once. Back in the day my 225 buzz box and Century 250 were bought from paper catalogs and delivered by truck. Never had a single problem. Heading to Aero All Gas to pick up some gas this week. Their customer service has done a 180 since Airgas has tried to monopolize Connecticut.Airgas horror stories:https://app.aws.org/forum/topic_show.pl?tid=17343http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...-pricing/page4AIRGAS S U C K SThe internet is a beautiful place.Last edited by Fab54; 01-24-2016 at 10:51 AM.Millermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:Originally Posted by Fab54Airgas is attempting to buy up every local welding supply shop on the planet to create an illegal monopoly. As they have done that they have raised prices to the larceny level while providing customer service on the level of Comcraptic. I refuse to do business with that s&*^@t company. All my supplies are bought on the internet. Cyberweld for good prices. McMasterCarr for quality products and quick delivery. Also use Amazon for tungsten. Bought my Precision Tig 225 on the internet and didn't blink once. Back in the day my 225 buzz box and Century 250 were bought from paper catalogs and delivered by truck. Never had a single problem. Heading to Aero All Gas to pick up some gas this week. Their customer service has done a 180 since Airgas has tried to monopolize Connecticut.Airgas horror stories:https://app.aws.org/forum/topic_show.pl?tid=17343http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...-pricing/page4AIRGAS S U C K SThe internet is a beautiful place.
Reply:I have an independent LWS I use (not on of the 'big name' companies) and I try to give them as much of my business as possible.  I go in every few weeks, whether I need something or not, and chat with the sales guys, show them what projects I am working on and look around.  You also need to make sure you get an account...even if you pay cash/debit for every purchase...they tend to give discounts to those with accounts.  My LWS will match any online price for a machine.  They also don't quibble about things.  If they occasionally miss ringing up an item (I got 7 clamps, but they only charge for 6), they don't go back and open up another ticket for the one clamp.I wouldn't think twice about the $165 extra to buy locally, but you could probably get them to give you a better deal or throw in the gas bottle you need.On the other hand, the LWS has ridiculous prices on some consumables (grinding disks, etc.)  So, I try to find other local places to buy those...but even then, the LWS always has grinding disks and carbide burrs in stock for working with aluminum (which I do a lot of), so I buy consumables from them often enough, just for the convenience.  It costs a lot of money to keep stock on hand that you can 'touch and feel...'  I like to be able to see what I am buying and I can do that at the LWS.I recognize YMMV with the large corporate LWS...but my truly LOCAL LWS is a wonderful place to buy.Kev.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Originally Posted by Machine_PunkI recognize YMMV with the large corporate LWS...but my truly LOCAL LWS is a wonderful place to buy.Kev.
Reply:It's always a Catch 22 scenario dealing with LWS.You want to support them but they do have higher prices to cover their brick n mortar overhead.The interwebs has been bad for good LWS because they get hammered on prices. They either have to stock less or lower their prices- perhaps not hire another sales person.The reality is that most LWS, even Mom n Pop shops are there for the trades, not for us hobby/geerage folks.Higher prices? Pass it on to the customer in the bid. As mentioned they may be the type that will open early or late.For those not making any money on the job, every penny counts The interwebs has been great for those that have bad LWS since we now have quite a few choices online.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I would buy locally if possible,but I drive 120 miles round trip for supplies.My local supplier usually charges about 3X as much as anywhere else.
Reply:The problem with buying online is that when you need your local guy he's gone because you bought elswhere.Yeah, I know, but it'll be ok!Lincoln Square wave 255Miller Vintage mig30a spoolgunThermal Dynamics Pacmaster 100xl plasmaSmith mc torchEllis 1600 band saw
Reply:Originally Posted by welderjThe problem with buying online is that when you need your local guy he's gone because you bought elswhere.
Reply:I buy as much as i can locally. The welding supplier i buy from does their best to match online prices, but it is hard for them to compete with the volume and low cost of online retailers. I don't mind paying the little extra for the personal service. I can call the salesman on the weekend if i need to and he will meet me at the store. They have also loaned me equipment while mine is in for repairs. Hard to get that online. They are distributors for many lines and an authorized Miller repair center, and while they will work on equipment no matter where it was bought OI am sure you get better service if you are a regular customer. I do not know how well Miller pays for warranty repairs, but my experience with similar is that it is not very profitable for the shop doing them. If you bought it from that shop they are going to be much more likely to get to it.Mike
Reply:I've found that around my parts at least that the LWS doesn't give a sh!t about the little guy, only their bigger contracts. Feel it out and if they're willing to work with you, go that route. Otherwise just buy online and try to have extras on hand.
Reply:Originally Posted by Fab54Actually he's gone probably because AIRGAS bought him out and closed him up.
Reply:When I buy mail-order I don't know who I am talking with.When I buy local I know exactly who I am talking with, and I can usually put a face the name. I may pay a little more for the equipment, but the consumables discounts I get by doing so offset the price. If the equipment goes down my LWS will pick it up and repair under warranty for free. If I am short a machine they will offer a loaner during the repair. Mail-order does not even come close in service. Develope a relationship from whom you buy from. I say LWS.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.Originally Posted by shovelonHa Ha! Airgas just got bought out by AirLiquide.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHa Ha! Airgas just got bought out by AirLiquide.
Reply:I try to buy local but there are times they just dont get it. when I bought my 30a spool gun local airgas was 300 more than another local all be it 60 miles farther away. Asked what they could do on the price they said its the price. So i bought from farther away and they sold me 20# of alum filler for 1$ a pound and threw in a bunch of tips. Plus air gas likes to charge there damn hazmat fee on EVERYTHING.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopI try to buy local but there are times they just dont get it. when I bought my 30a spool gun local airgas was 300 more than another local all be it 60 miles farther away. Asked what they could do on the price they said its the price. So i bought from farther away and they sold me 20# of alum filler for 1$ a pound and threw in a bunch of tips. Plus air gas likes to charge there damn hazmat fee on EVERYTHING.
Reply:You still need gas and other supplies if you are going to use the mig features of this machine.  You should build a relationship with your local guy as you will find that the gas usually runs out sooner than later.  Just my thoughts and experience, Bob
Reply:My experience is why let them bend me over anymore than I have to. I try to build a relationship but when help turns over and they are more concerned about maximizing there commission it's hard to go back. When I needed consumables for my pm65 I went in after 10 minutes the guy asks if I need help I tell him what I am looking for he says if I get him the part numbers he can order them isn't that what he is for I bought the thing thereMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Use three different LWS all mom & pop........Pretty big local gas supplier( Pittsburgh ,Pa.) one of the mom& pops......Use for gases & wire ......Another is better for electrodes and grinding wheels/ discs and the other for mig parts & some wires....All my mocheens are from the internet.....Lincoln 275's, Miller Pro 350's, Lincoln MP 350's all from the net...LWS can't compete is the bottom line.......All about the $$$$$$ers
Reply:I bought an Ellis bandsaw and just bought a PM65 from Welders Supply in Beloit. Free shipping and beat the price my LWS paid for the machine. Couldn't buy the saw locally, saved $500 over the best local price on the new plasma. I use my LWS for gas, wire, most consumables, gloves, and jackets. Disks I buy online as the price is less than half. I did notice my LWS was not interested in a bid from me for some recent welding work. I am licensed, bonded and insured for it, they just weren't interested in a no cost to them bid.
Reply:Originally Posted by rhuntYou still need gas and other supplies if you are going to use the mig features of this machine.  You should build a relationship with your local guy as you will find that the gas usually runs out sooner than later.  Just my thoughts and experience, Bob
Reply:Just curious, where do you get your gas from if you don't use a local supplier and only use the internet?
Reply:Originally Posted by rhuntJust curious, where do you get your gas from if you don't use a local supplier and only use the internet?
Reply:I try to buy local. The problem is I just can't get past the gouging. I was at my LWS last week, while I was there I picked up some stuff I always forget about till I need it. I hade $75 in the palm of my hand.  I also picked up some carbon arc rod. $37.50 for what I could have gotten on line for $20 shipped to my door.  Now I am on a new campaign not to buy local again. The Airgas in town is even worse.  I will say that if you have an account . I get better prices from AIrgas if I call and ask for a price quote on an item before just walking in. Most times its 20-25% difference. This also upsets me. Why should I always have to wast my time haggling withthem to get a decent price so I can compete against the larger shops in the area. Consumables represent as much as 20% of some of my jobs. When I have to pay 1 1/2 to 2 times what the 4 man shop 10 miles away gets it makes a big difference. When a roll of flux core is over $200 it does not take long to add up.  The truth of the matter is I can not afford to buy local. The other thing is they carry very little anymore. I have ordered from Airgas a few times and it took 3 weeks to get the stuff. Whays with that? Then I hade to drive 45 miles round trip to pick it up. I ordered a few parts before chrismas and I still do not have them.Last edited by thegary; 01-26-2016 at 09:58 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopMy experience is why let them bend me over anymore than I have to. I try to build a relationship but when help turns over and they are more concerned about maximizing there commission it's hard to go back. When I needed consumables for my pm65 I went in after 10 minutes the guy asks if I need help I tell him what I am looking for he says if I get him the part numbers he can order them isn't that what he is for I bought the thing there
Reply:(double post, sorry, can't delete)Last edited by Ruark; 01-26-2016 at 12:10 PM.-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Originally Posted by rhuntJust curious, where do you get your gas from if you don't use a local supplier and only use the internet?
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I would buy local but see what kind of a deal they could do on additional goodies and maybe a 125 tank too. Tell them it will be cash too. CASH has done wonders on many of my purchases. Actually my local Welders Supply has it for $930.00 and FREE SHIPPING to LOWER 48 STATES PLUS FREE HELMET!http://www.weldersupply.com/P/605/Fa...iPartWFREESHIP
Reply:Originally Posted by Tibodoe2They just dropped the price to $895 shipped with a free helmet!!I think I might have to jump on this.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Not to rush you, BUT, they sell lots of goodies at some pretty good prices. Quantity could be limited to stock on hand. When they had the old MILLER 211 and 140 on closeout , I was told they sold 30 in a day.   Good luck !
Reply:COOL !!   I must say that " IF and WHEN '' you know it's a deal , you gotta jump on it. You can't wait, that's what I did with my Ellis 1600. Got a GREAT price and went with CASH next day to get it !!! Now, the waiting begins !
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1COOL !!   I must say that " IF and WHEN '' you know it's a deal , you gotta jump on it. You can't wait, that's what I did with my Ellis 1600. Got a GREAT price and went with CASH next day to get it !!! Now, the waiting begins !
Reply:I guess it's a tie.In the end it was a LWS that I found on the internet that had the best deal.If you add up everything including the helmet my LWS would have cost:  $1163.03My online purchase from not some internet shop, but a brick and mortar store was, $895 delivered.That $268.03 is way too much to give away in my book.  Kind of makes me feel taken advantage of by my LWS.
Reply:Originally Posted by OvrrdriveI'd love to support the lws but as a hobby welder without a lot of cash laying around my money goes to the lowest bidder. Just by ordering out of state and saving the tax sometimes makes the difference between me having something and not having it. I just bought a PM65 from Welders Supply and saved about $175 just on tax.
Reply:Look what the UPS man had on the truck.Welder's Supply is fantastic.  5 days after I ordered and it is here safe and sound.Last edited by Tibodoe2; 02-03-2016 at 09:23 PM.
Reply:Cool !      New toy !