I let the owners of the few local shops (within 75 miles) I have a relationship with know I'm aware of prices and services available elsewhere. It's my way of keeping them honest and preventing them from taking my business for granted. May the Lord protect any of their employees who make the mistake of letting me walk out without opening my wallet because they didn't recognize my attempts to remain loyal to the local brick and mortar proprietor.
The owners know I'm not gonna beat them up over price and don't expect them to undercut internet pricing, though there is some negotiation. But they also know service, honesty and attitude are points where I'll be less forgiving.
Just my opinion but if you've got to tell or remind the store to "be honest and fair" perhaps you need to find somewhere else to shop.
I shop at one local store only, despite there being another one of the "same calibre" about 1/4 of the distance away. That closer store however has an owner who is SO impossible to deal with and SO incredibly rude and surly. Why go further? They are honest, GOOD people, who make you feel welcome. Sadly, they want to retire and their store, a well known one and often mentioned here, is for sale but we all hope and like to think they'll be there forever.
