This is really not new though. I remember back when I was in 6th grade or so and I got interested in photography (this would have been 1979 or so, well before digital, before online retail, etc). I wanted a 35mm SLR and spent a lot of time in the local camera shop asking questions, learning, comparing brands and models, etc.
When I was ready to buy, I could have ordered the camera from B&H, Adorama, or one of the other big catalogs, and saved some money. And the thought certainly crossed my mind. But I decided, with some counsel from my father, that the right thing to do was pay the local shop their premium for the advice they had provided.
When I was ready to buy, I could have ordered the camera from B&H, Adorama, or one of the other big catalogs, and saved some money. And the thought certainly crossed my mind. But I decided, with some counsel from my father, that the right thing to do was pay the local shop their premium for the advice they had provided.