This is what I have found too.I have used both coleman and messick a lot
problem is--shipping costs. They've gotten higher than a cat's back, and now you also have to pay sales tax too. So, by time you add shipping and tax, it's almost cheaper to just go to a local dealer and get stuff there.
My CNH/Kubota dealer is less than 5 miles away and, being a good customer, my parts manager gives me a 15% discount on most parts.My local dealer sells for the same as Messicks/Coleman. Cheaper when you realize my local dealer does not charge shipping. Cheaper still that the parts manager lives a mile from me and I place an order over the phone and swing by his place and pick up.
Even if the local dealer is a little more expensive, give them the business. Help them be there, you never know when you'll need a widget and thy have it in stock, right now.
Almost but not. I just ordered $162 worth of parts from Messicks - shipping was $13 and everything will be on my doorstep tomorrow. I will not expend an hour of my time and $10 in fuel going to my local dealer who will charge me considerably more and won't have the grille I just purchased in stock requiring a return trip.I have used both coleman and messick a lot
problem is--shipping costs. They've gotten higher than a cat's back, and now you also have to pay sales tax too. So, by time you add shipping and tax, it's almost cheaper to just go to a local dealer and get stuff there.