I wasn’t thinking that at all! And I too get the ease and convenience of online shopping, I buy stuff online all of the time just like everyone.
I just wanted to pile onto what others have said about local shops being able to order things in for you even if they don’t stock what you need and sometimes prices are or can be more competitive than people think. I think over the years some shops have left a stigma that stock is what it is and prices are what they are and people got jaded by that, but with the addition of new folks on the scene like myself and @Enduro_Performance and some of the original shops catering to mountain bikes more than they maybe did in the past. But there will always be online deals that the LBS can’t touch. TBS is great, and i’ve used them lots over the years, but when you’re in a jam and need a spoke replaced or an issue fixed, they won’t have your back like your LBS will!
Self clear to save the crazy fees. Just pay the HST at the CBSA office in Bayers Lake. Once the shipment passes into Canada, ask the courier for the self clear documents. Take them to CBSA, pay the HST and duties if there are any, then return the papers to the courier and they’ll continue delivery.
Edit after reading further: yeah, definitely support the LBS first!
It’s funny I’m on the hunt for some new tires and the best deal I can find is from an LBS. Drag that it’s in the city but I can probably find a few more reasons to head to town.
