I think i am just about to open a can of worms here but some constructive commets would be good

1        Which do you use?
2        Why do you use them?
3        If you go mail order do you go round local shops to look and try on?
4        Where do you take stuff when it goes wrong?
5        What sways where you buy?


Who do you rate as best shops mail order or local

All depends on what it is...
I work in halfords Bikehut and buy things like gt85, grips e.t.c for there but for things like frames and forks it sometimes works out cheaper buying via mail order . Places like Chain reaction cycles and bike dock are 2 repectable mail order companys that many people shop at.....

think it all depends on prices and what the item is........

i normaly go for web order as normaly its cheeper, and theres only one decent shop  i can easily get to and often takes a while for em to get anything. plus i know im not really getting ripped off

some do yes

price yes, service sometimes, had them charge excessive amounts for a simple job

I was qouted

They do, however it's a bit stupid when they're charging

working for a shop i buy most of my stuff there and i'v found that my boss often gives things to people who visit often like tyres etc.
i'm of the feeling that mail order in any kind of market be it the food industry, bike or electronics, is killing the high street as a whole so i support shops as and when i can.
i also however use the sdh forum tyo buy and sell but this is when i;m looking for a cheaper solution to and expensive problem that not even my shop can sort.
when we sell things we nearly always match the likes of chain reaction but i have to disagree with the comment about crc being respectable as they're sold parts and have not been completely honest.
we're a magura passion dealer and crc we selling julies for silly money, only for the buyers to find out they were 2003/2004 stock and outdated.
phew!