Point taken.
The difficulty we have in what you have said is that it has always been our view that in order to ensure the best advise is given it takes time and energy to get to know the car and products which work and are value for money. In all honesty it is very easy to set up a website showing all manner of products but know nothing about them and that is where we try to be different.
We spend most of our time on forums such as this assisting owners to make an informed choice and there are quite a number of members on here who can vouch for the time we spend either on the phone or via PM and email explaining how and why things work, the benefits and downsides, that all costs money. Take away that facility and you are left with nothing other than guesswork rather than making an informed decision. In addition when the purchase has been made who then supports it with details and help when the fitting is not going as planned or the instructions don't make sence. Surely it is worth maybe a couple of pounds more to have that level of support, again many can vouch for how we support our products with one to one availability at all times.
I have lost count of the number of calls we receive asking questios about fitting often on products sourced elsewhere or needing english instructions because they have bought from an overseas supplier.
We are aware everyone wants the best possible price but the best price is not always the cheapest.
Good point well made. I have had the same experience Phil refers to above, and it is very frustrating.
To back it up (hope you don't mind Phil), I have an issue in that the bolts that Phil provided with my strut brace didn't fit. Who knows why. Anyway, Phil has been sourcing other bolts, and rather than just sending the first ones out someone said would fit, he checked them on another car and found the thread pitch wasn't right. He is still searching and you get a real feeling that someone wants to be able to sell someone the right piece of equipment, and know about it.
Price wise, rather than cost, I would go with value for money as the measure. Whether it has been with Phil or The Sound Gallery or other 'local' businesses, the advice you get can often be invaluable. Sure, if you search on the web you might save yourself a few £££ up front, but unless you are happy to deal with any issues with an answer machine, you will lose out IMO.
I know Adam also provides a service to the forum, and that should be continued - a bit of competition is good.
Good luck with it Phil. You will indeed be getting orders from me very soon again.....