Went to the stihl dealer to pick up a chain tonight. I'm switching the 026 from an 18" .325 to a 16" 3/8. Grabbed the last yellow 3/8 chain they had, it was sitting under the rest of the chains just laying on the floor. Got home and pulled it out of the box and was looking at a 14" .325. Crap now I go to go back and get anther one in the morning. So eom probably swapped it out to gets chain cheaper.
Yup that's happened twice to me. When your in the woods swapping a chain there is nothing more aggravating! Now I do check before I buy it and if they won't let me open and look I won't buy there.
I've bought my last 10 or 12 chains off e-bay from a place out of Michigan. I can get them about 3 dollars cheaper than I can buy them local with free shipping.
Swags, not sure if you know, but Schlabach Engine (Amish Dealer) near Apple Creek does a first RSC Stihl chain at retail and the second for $4. Any size.
Wow good price! Not too far away, was just annoyed cause I had wanted it to be all out together and done last night than couldn't do it cause they closed by the time I got back home. I'll run over there today.
Swaps happen. I went to buy one about a year ago, opened the box & it had a used, worn out chain in it. Fortunately I was still at the store. I handed it to the cashier who just shrugged her shoulder & said it's not the first time. You might save $3 a chain mail order, but I would rather spend the extra $3 with my local dealer & keep him in the area. The working relationship comes in handy. If I am in a bind, I know I can count on him to help me out. Maybe I just have a small town mentality. That's ok with me.
I understand the buy local and do support my local economy on lots of things. The guy I buy from on e-bay is a small business I've actually looked up his local shop. Just think of it as me helping your litttle guy down the street from you.
$3 off a chain ain't much really. Dealers make money on chain. Probably the highest markup of anything going over the parts counter. My guess is your local guy would probably happily match that price if he's normally selling @ MSRP. I know I would hate to find out I was losing local business over $3.....
Local dealer made it right, gave me the right chain for the hassle. I try to buy all I can from them. They are a family business that has been in town for a long time. Not a small business by any way, they're one of the biggest hardware stores in the country. But they give a lot back to the community and are always willing to help out like when my uncle got hurt.
