For the record...
...I'd buy from RDK before EBAY any day. I'd pay a little more without hesitation as well.
I deal with a dealership that costs me more than internet... but they DO give me 15% across the board on parts, and they are often in overnight. Additionally, I have an 18 year relationship with them. Counts for something.
Sterling, I appreciate your attempts at independent enterprise... it is the awarding of business based on "price tag alone" that has nearly "defunct" the "BIG 3" in automotive... and compromised quality across the board globally. OVERCOMPETING will ultimately destroy the stability of predictable market conditions... especially when material economics comes into play.
In a business model... if you are a "manufacturer"... and your only incentive to your worker/operator is their paycheck... when the shop next door pays a nickel more an hour, the laborer will jump ship. If you instill a sense of ownership, engagement, pride, association that is deeper than the price tag alone... people will perform at a higher level for less money, and be more satisfied doing so.
I find great satisfaction in being a part of transactions that are "community" in nature... and help the cause of our "fellowman". Of course, there is always someone cheaper, faster, wealthier than us all out there... and to him be the spoils.... NOT!!!!!
crispunderdog philosophy, section 18 subset 3 article 1 rev062407cl
-crisp
