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.
That's why I have a relationship with those local hobby shop owners. We know each other and I don't have to remind them how to do business. When I say I let them know I'm aware of prices and services available elsewhere. That's not reminding them how to conduct their business or to be honest or fair. It's part of developing a business relationship and being forthcoming and honest as a customer. It lets the shop owner know I'm not just an impulse one time buyer. Maybe the owner has a few limited special deals he can offer that wouldn't be wasted because he knows he has the opportunity to create repeat customer.
