After reading the replys to this question, I've decided to put my .02 in. I have been a cutlery retailer for over six years. I must take exception to the statement that store-front retailers are clueless and overpriced. I spent many years on the 'other side of the counter' and run my business the way that I always wanted to be treated when I went to a retailer. Some dealers are in fact overpriced because of high overhead or just plain greed (especially when you're the only game in town). My prices are fair and equitable and quite competitive with what I've seen on the Net. I'm not going to become a millionaire in this business...I do it because I love knives. I get a great amout of satisfaction when a customer leaves the shop with a
on his/her face and returns the same way. We go out of our way to help the customer find the right tool for his/her needs. I hear all the horror stories about shopping in malls (what do you expect for $5.25/hr?...knowledge?!!) and shopping on the Net (lots of rip-offs). I find the two biggest reasons that customers shop in our store is sound advice and service. Should something go wrong with your purchase, we will bend over backwards to make it right. We maintain a friendly atmosphere where many of our customers just come in to chat about knives or shoot the breeze about anything (no purchase nessessary). I have heard the comments that retailers like myself are dinosaurs and will go the way of the dodo bird due to E-commerce. I don't think that my customers would agree. When buying from retailers, I suggest that you shop around. Some of us are indeed better than others.
R. Zwibel
Owner
Blade Runner Knives
R. Zwibel
Owner
Blade Runner Knives