This is one of the problems we have these days. I always try to keep my buying local and support the businesses in and around where I live because I do see a value in their expertise and ability to help when problems arise with equipment I purchase but one can only take things so far. When equipping our new kitchen I checked the prices on the net and knowing that it wasn't realistic for local businesses to compete directly with online prices I simply asked them to get into or around the ballpark. They happily did that as there was no fitting involved, just order from manufacturer and deliver a mile up the road to our house. They actually matched the dishwasher price pound for pound with the cheapest net price I found.
The water pump was a different story. Plumber said that City Plumbing quoted him £420 with his trade discount. I did a quick search and located it up north for £340 plus a tenner shipping. Called up City Plumbing to ask if they could get close to that figure. Wouldn't budge an inch. The woman then proceeded to ask me if I realised that the internet was putting businesses like them out of business. Yes, I replied and if you don't figure out how to be more competitive you surely will soon be gone.
I see it as a duty to at least try to help local and UK businesses but I'm not a charity and cannot afford to constantly pay 20-50% more than I need to just to be nice. I'll pay the 10-15% more and see it as paying for their expertise and service but if it goes above that I order elsewhere. The pump from up north is now pumping 3.3 bars of pressure into my shower and bath.
