You can only expect retail stores to lower their prices so much to compete with Amazon and other e-tailers. The remaining difference has to be made up in the experience.
Take Micro Center, my favorite DIY computer hardware store. The people who work there actually know what the hell they’re talking about! While buying parts for my latest build, the guy I talked with recommended a different kind of thermal paste and explained why it was more effective than what I typically use. I bought a tube, applied it, and sure enough, it did what he said.
Now contrast that with Best Buy. I once called aside one of their Geek Squad agents to ask if a certain power supply they were selling had one or multiple 12v rails. The guy had no clue what I was talking about.
More recently, I asked a local BB if they carried the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in-store. He said that they had the AT&T and Verizon Wireless versions. AT&T doesn’t sell the Galaxy Nexus; he’d gotten it confused with 2010’s Nexus model, the Nexus S.
I agree with you about Micro Center. I discovered it a while back and am ultra impressed by the knowledge of the sales staff and selection of products, all at pretty much bargain prices, some lower than Amazon.
Love Micro Center!
I do computer work and make probably twice as much as a dedicated BB sales employee and I am not exactly sure what your complaining about. I don't mean to be rude, but who cares about the internal workings of a desktop computer power supply when they cost around $50 dollars?
I agree. I have aMicro near me like them way better than best buy.