Almost all my addiction-related $$ goes to the LFS or local reefers. Once or twice a year I might join a group buy from a Canadian vendor (usually). Almost never order anything from the States myself, unless I tag along with one of my buddies on his group orders (once every two+ years).
I buy local because I too like to see the fish or coral in person. I almost always get the LFS staff to feed the fish before I buy it.
This is the same reason I always use a teller at the bank instead of the ATM. If everyone goes electronic, then lots of real people lose their jobs.
Besides, I seem to know most of the people in this hobby locally and am good friends with a lot of the people working in our LFS. In Greater Vancouver, we are blessed with several good sw stores so I try to give them most of my business if I buy retail.
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If you see it, can take care of it, better get it or put it on hold. Otherwise, it'll be gone & you'll regret it!
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