Tack shop vs online?

[ellie_e]

Out of interest where do you shop for your high end equestrian items? Do you prefer to look around a local tack shop, or would you rather buy online? Brands such as Pikeur, Eurostar, Amerigo, Equipe, De Niro etc. What are your buying preferences, do you want to buy online for cheaper deals, or do you like to support local businesses?
If there was a tack shop at a local training venue would you use it, if so what would you expect to find it stocked with?
I've put this post in Comp/training as I'm hoping to attract the more 'serious' amateur or pro.
Thanks for your help.

 

[twobearsarthur]

I always buy top end items on line as you will 9/10 find them cheaper.
All the tack shop at local competition venues seem to hike their prices so I might look but wouldn't buy.

 

[jl359]

I always buy these items online, my local tack shops either have a very poor level of stock for new season pikeur, eskadron etc or hike the prices up massively!

I will also buy a lot from germany, netherlands etc as even with high postage the items can work out cheaper.

I wouldn't even be able to source high end tack brands such as Equipe, Amerigo etc at my local tack shops (they stick to more traditional brands like Jeffries) so again I have to buy online.

Don't see why I wouldn't shop at a local training venue, at the end of the day it would be better to see the item in the flesh especially when buying Eskadron or Eurostar new season colours for example- there just isn't anywhere that stocks a good enough range! Hope that helps!

 

[humblepie]

I don't buy high end although would/do buy decent breeches and I wouldn't buy online as have to try them on and plus if we don't support tack shops they will disappear. We have tack shops within an hour who do a huge range of manufacturers and price range.