Ahh you guys got me. You can all afford thousands of dollars in gear and lift tickets and computers and internet service but saving $20 to pay $10 in shipping to not support the sport is just ignorant.
As far as the comments about the first world, sorry guys but there are no poor kids in this sport, and if you think you are one, you have your head in the sand. I grew up in a 3rd world country and KNOW, even these "poor" european urban riders can afford gopros, time to play, and to fold their boards over a rail. In 3rd world countries kids are trying to just reach adulthood alive and without being sold to the highest bidding pedophile. Even in the US, our poorest do not enjoy ski resorts and gear, and they are way better off than alot of people.
My arguments were succinct and correct the first time around, I wasn't personally attacking you guys. The comments were certainly insensitive, I wasn't worried about your feelings
Don't support local business, see if I care, its a way of life - a sort of ethic, so to speak.
My wife works at Target, and I totally shop at chain stores when the situation is warranted. I also go out of my way to support local business when I can, but I guess I'm the silly one.
I'm not anti internet at all, some things, such as electronics, are very prudent to buy online. Snowboarding, like surfing and skateboarding, is a unique business entity and comparing it to Walmart or Kroger is just not fair. I have close friends from CA to the midwest who own shops, and they do it because they want to support a community of people who also love the sport, not to get rich, in fact they have struggled more than anyone else I know. Shop owners provide youth programs, teams, contests, the bridge between manufacturers and amateurs, and they do it all for you guys and your kids, with almost zero benefit to themselves.
Everyone would like to employ top quality people and pay them well to do great work. Unfortunately these shops have their back against the wall, don't judge them on that kid, get to know the people there, I bet that kid shreds and could teach you some shit. Think about the overhead, you expect them to pay shipping, labor for someone to sell it to you (but you are insulted by someone working for $8/hr), shop space rental (which is crazy money compared to a warehouse) and then when they can't compete with online prices you act like they are trying to rip you off?!? Whose the asshole?
If money is the bottom line, and bottom lining everyone on the bottom line is all you care about, well, you'll get what you pay for.
disclaimer: I'm not the least bit wealthy, and live paycheck to paycheck, but the older I get, the more I realize that value does not equal $$. I understand that for some people $$=value ALWAYS and theres no point in arguing.
The experts around here like Argo, BA and Killclimbz have already told you all of this.
I got my last helmet online becuase my head is the size of a fucking beach ball and I couldn't find the lid I wanted in town in my size.