Myers Depot Metal Detectors

Purchase detector On-Line or From Local Store?

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Benchthis2

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Mar 22, 2024
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Just curious have a friend who is curious about starting detecting for enjoyment and getting some fresh air. He’s asking if better to purchase on-line for a detector or from local store. I have my own thoughts wanted to hear others.
 
Benchthis2 said:
Just curious have a friend who is curious about starting detecting for enjoyment and getting some fresh air. He’s asking if better to purchase on-line for a detector or from local store. I have my own thoughts wanted to hear o How much is he spending? and is money an issue.. it not buy at a store... I have shopped around for all my machines took my time and got the best pricer I saw.... which was online every time....
Click to expand...
 
Benchthis2 said:
Just curious have a friend who is curious about starting detecting for enjoyment and getting some fresh air. He’s asking if better to purchase on-line for a detector or from local store. I have my own thoughts wanted to hear others.
Click to expand...

when you say "store", do you mean like a Harbor Freight or Radio Shack type place ? If so, then no, don't buy from Big Box stores. Or did you mean "store" as in a few fellows deal detectors out-of-their-garage as a side-hobby ? If so, yes : Try to give those guys your business.

The trouble is : Not many "brick & mortar" stores selling detectors these days (other than "big box" stores selling toys). Many of the yesteryear fellows who sold out of their home ("by appointment", etc...) turned their model into on-line stores as the decades progressed. So it may well be that some on-line dealers (like forum sponsors here) were actually birthed out of fellows who started selling them as a side-line personal hobby. So you can often time still get personal assistance (phone consult on settings and so forth).
 
Hi Benchthis2,

I'm new to both this forum, and to metal detecting. However, I just went purchased a detector a few days ago (in fact it was delivered today). I got great advice from other members of this forum (my sincere thanks to everyone involved). I first visited the web site of the first "local" dealer that was suggested (he is at least a 90 minute drive from my home). The price was just a little less for the same package I was seeing on other sites (including Amazon). But I would need to pay both shipping and sales tax (almost 10%). That's a lot when you are already spending a sizeable chunk of cash. So, for the sake of due diligence, I checked-out the web sites of our sponsors. I found just what I was looking for, at a great price, with free shipping and no sales tax. I saved quite a bit. So while I try to buy local, and applaud everyone who does, in this economy you also need to save whenever you can.

My online experience, thus far, has been exceptional.
 
No problem from buying from The A team. They buy a billion of them and can offer better deals and next day delivery....I am guilty as heck, spent almost 60K last year with the zon. Jeff dont care, he's making a killing

Mark in Michigan
 
I too try to support local "mom and pop" businesses over online outfits or even the big box stores. Besides supporting them with my business, I'm likely to get better advice and service from them versus from the pimple-faced teenager at the big box store. And forget about service from the big online outfits ("Press 1 if you love us, press 2 if you only like us a lot. There are no other options"). That having been said, I consider the sponsors on this site to be my local "mom and pop" store, even if they are 1000 miles away. Because they're only a phone call away, and they actually do answer their phones.

FWIW, I have purchased detectors from both Myers Metal Detectors and Big Boys Hobbies and had good experiences with both.
 
A few years back a coworker bought a deus1 from a local hobby shop. Guy wouldn’t budge off full price one nickel. He could’ve gotten the exact same thing for hundreds less online, literally. I understand supporting your local economy, but when it comes to “toys” and “disposable income” the local shops also need to understand that if they can’t compete by that kind of difference they’re not going to exist long. The hobby shop mentioned is now defunct. The new machines I’ve bought in the last 12 years have all been on line strictly because of price and lack of local dealers anywhere near me.
 
Fe Man said:
Hi Benchthis2,

I'm new to both this forum, and to metal detecting. However, I just went purchased a detector a few days ago (in fact it was delivered today). I got great advice from other members of this forum (my sincere thanks to everyone involved). I first visited the web site of the first "local" dealer that was suggested (he is at least a 90 minute drive from my home). The price was just a little less for the same package I was seeing on other sites (including Amazon). But I would need to pay both shipping and sales tax (almost 10%). That's a lot when you are already spending a sizeable chunk of cash. So, for the sake of due diligence, I checked-out the web sites of our sponsors. I found just what I was looking for, at a great price, with free shipping and no sales tax. I saved quite a bit. So while I try to buy local, and applaud everyone who does, in this economy you also need to save whenever you can.

My online experience, thus far, has been exceptional.
Click to expand...
Fe Man curious what web site sponsor did you go with, currently looking at Big Boy Hobbies
 
RgnFn said:
I too try to support local "mom and pop" businesses over online outfits or even the big box stores. Besides supporting them with my business, I'm likely to get better advice and service from them versus from the pimple-faced teenager at the big box store. And forget about service from the big online outfits ("Press 1 if you love us, press 2 if you only like us a lot. There are no other options"). That having been said, I consider the sponsors on this site to be my local "mom and pop" store, even if they are 1000 miles away. Because they're only a phone call away, and they actually do answer their phones.

FWIW, I have purchased detectors from both Myers Metal Detectors and Big Boys Hobbies and had good experiences with both.
Click to expand...
Thanks RgnFn looking at Big Boy Hobbies
 
Let's just say, you can get lucky buying online from a reputable dealer, but the doesn't address the issue of if this is the detector you are looking for. Buying online is fine as long as there is dialog between you and the dealer. A good dealer will direct you to the best machine that you are looking for with the budget you have. Just buying a detector because it has a low-price tag MIGHT work out for you, but it also may be the proverbial albatross around your neck, and you will never be happy. The sponsors we have on here have been in the business for a long time and I'm quite sure, with their help, you'll come away with the best detector for your needs. Your choice, your money. Good luck.
 
hoser said:
Let's just say, you can get lucky buying online from a reputable dealer, but the doesn't address the issue of if this is the detector you are looking for. Buying online is fine as long as there is dialog between you and the dealer. A good dealer will direct you to the best machine that you are looking for with the budget you have. Just buying a detector because it has a low-price tag MIGHT work out for you, but it also may be the proverbial albatross around your neck, and you will never be happy. The sponsors we have on here have been in the business for a long time and I'm quite sure, with their help, you'll come away with the best detector for your needs. Your choice, your money. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Thanks Hoser, Much appreciated yes currently looking at big boys hobbies I was pleasantly surprised how quickly Mr. Bart responded to my email request
 
Benchthis2 said:
Fe Man curious what web site sponsor did you go with, currently looking at Big Boy Hobbies
Click to expand...
Thats the place I went with. I spoke with Bart and told him I was a forum member. He provided me a cod to use at checkout for an additional 5% . He shipped the same day and I had delivered today.I think BB Hobbies is well worth considering,
 
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