Could use some advice on how to buy when buying new equipment.

[Dirt slinger]

Hers my deal, been looking at buying a new detector, my choices are between the Garrett ACE 250 or 350 and the Whites Coinmaster Pro. Without using either, what I read here they seem to be on equal ground. What I would like comment on is NOT the detectors themselves, but how to buy. I've been in contact with a local shop that Whites lists on their website as a local dealer for me, even went there with my current unit (Coinmaster 6000/Di series 3) to see about parts availabilty. when I got there, it was just a do all hobby shop, they had 2 display units and thats all. The guy had no other equipment and couldnt answer half my questions. He took my number and said he would call "his guy" about parts for my 6000 and get back with me the next morning, well, that was 2 days ago and nothing. So I'm asking you folks, do you try to deal with local shops or do you deal online, or....? This shop is 50 minutes away from me, and a Garretts dealer was way farther than that. For ANYTHING I do, I like to use local shops. If I can find someone that treats me like I matter, thats where my loyalty stays, but so far not a good experience. So how do you all buy. I've searched on line for local places but not much luck. For what its worth I'm in Missouri about an hour north of St. Louis. Thanks for any and all ideas/help.
Ken.

 

[:Left4Dead]

Ken,

I try to always buy local. So far the local dealers have been priced as well as the online chains. That said, I would not hesitate to contact one of the sponsors on the forums for help. They may take real ggod care of you.

 

[mudpuppy]

Yeah, same here, I like to walk into a place and have a cup of coffee, and check stuff out, HOWEVER, its almost as if this Forum is a local place...some really great and helpful vendors here that seem to hang out all the time and help others, even go hunting with them, I dont think you'd do wrong here...I will buy from a sponsor here next purchase...
Mud

 

[Hank68]

Bart @ BigBoy hobbies is greay to deal with! Give him a shout, help keep this forums going!

 

[Dirt slinger]

Bart @ BigBoy hobbies is greay to deal with! Give him a shout, help keep this forums going!

Dont see them listed anywhere. Is there a page with all the advertisers?

BTW, I'm open to any dealers that are here contacting me, although I dont see a PM function??
Thanks again.
Ken.

 

[Mike Hillis]

I'm in the same boat for most mfg, but I do have a stocking Whites dealer near me. However I prefer to buy online.

Here is the list of Findmall sponsors: http://www.findmall.com/read.php?43,1535192

Good luck,
Mike

 

[Larry (IL)]

You will get PM privileges when you have been with us for 30 days.

 

[flyin-lowe]

I purchased my F2 from Bart at big boys and I have no complaints what so ever. He is great to deal with, you deal with him directly and he shipped immediately. Oh and most importantly he gave me the best price. I shopped around and told him up front what the lowest prices I was given by everyone else. He matched it plus some.

 

[dewcon4414]

Ive not had great experiences with local shops. So ive always found more info on the web and bought from an on line dealer with the best deal. The people on here are a lot more knowledgable than many of the local dealer ive tried to use. Never failed they tried to sell me what they used because they knew that machine. Dont get me wrong there are some EXCELLENT local dealers, but there are some just selling detectors that dont know how to turn one on as well. Get your info here, get a deal price HERE, then take that info to your local deal that you have gained and get your hands on the machine and see what pans out.

Dew

 

[Wooden Nickel]

I agree with most everyone else. Check out the dealers on the forum. The ones I have dealt with are knowledgeable and helpful. I have a good deal worked out for the end of the month with Richard at Backwoods on a detector and several accessories. There are several good places to deal, but the ones who advertise on the forum have to live with all of us, so they'll treat you right.

 

[sqwaby]

I buy locally when I can get what I'm looking for, but when I can't, buying online is an good option. Buy from a reputable source, I several machines and coils etc I purchased online, never had a bad experience. Richard @ Backwoods is excellent to deal with, and Metal detecting Stuff is too.

 

[Dirt slinger]

Thanks to all for your thoughts and such.

 

[John(H)]

...Dirtslinger....You did not say if you was a Newbie to Treasure Hunting or not......(... I know that some are Newbie's to this site but that is not the same.)......Anyway....if you are green to Metal Detectors....I would say that it would be worth the 1 hour one way trip into Saint Louis...the You need to find a Mainstream Dealer like that would handle Garrett's....most carry more than one brand...(.I think that the problem before was that you walked into a Coin/Hobby shop and the Whites detector was just a minor sideline..)...Anyway if you are a Newbie...you really need the hands on experience at looking and holding this equipment ....most dealers will let you turn it on and at the least do a bench test........also most dealers will take the time to walk you thru all of the learning process....now if you did not buy it from him....most will charge you a fee for this or tell you to hit the door...... the other option is to buy it online...then you really need to join a local detector club.......Joe